Fashion trends to watch for in 2026: Vibrant hues, fringe details and statement opulence
If one of your New Year goals is to move beyond your usual outfit rotation (no shame in that!), you're in the perfect place to start fresh.
Fashion operates ahead of the calendar, so we already have an idea of what style leaders envision us wearing once spring and summer roll in.
Top designers have already unveiled their upcoming collections in cities like London, Paris, Milan, and New York.
Here are six of the standout trends making waves for the 2026 spring/summer fashion season.
While spring fashion often brings to mind soft florals and gentle pastel tones, the runways this season were bursting with powerful, monochrome hues.
Major fashion names like Loewe, Dior, and Fendi filled their shows with vivid colors—think bright yellows, striking reds, and deep greens—sometimes mixing them for a high-impact aesthetic.
Belgian designer Meryll Rogge also added flair with show-stealing ensembles in vibrant electric blue.
Style tip: To pull off this look, let a bold-colored item take center stage in your outfit for maximum effect.
In 2025, quiet luxury took center stage—prioritizing elegant simplicity through timeless silhouettes and fine materials that felt chic yet understated.
However, this year sees a shift away from subtlety toward more expressive forms of fashion, with loud luxury stepping into the spotlight.
The new collections celebrate excess—think oversized silhouettes, rich fabrics, and bold accessories that command attention.
Saint Laurent highlighted full leather looks, Missoni remained loyal to its patterned legacy, and both Balenciaga and Chanel introduced opulent feathers in bold styles and textures.
Style tip: Dive into your wardrobe and pair your flashiest pieces together to create a standout mix-and-match look.
Fashion can mirror the mood of the moment, and current economic uncertainty may be influencing the rise of embellished styles like fringes and tassels.
These detailed pieces offer a way to elevate an everyday look with something daring and original.
Australian brand Aje leaned into fringes, while Balmain emphasized large suede bags with statement features.
Designers such as Ellie Saab and Louis Vuitton also explored neon fringe and tassels, bringing energy and motion to their collections.
Style tip: You might already have a fringed piece tucked away. If not, secondhand shops are a great place to uncover a unique fringed bag or skirt.
Another clear trend on the horizon is the use of texture and embellishments, bringing a playful drama to spring wardrobes.
Chloe’s runway featured dreamy floral bustiers and artistically ruched pieces, while Moschino opted for bold, clashing sets full of volume and movement.
Zimmermann showed off cascading frills, and Isabel Marant went for layered skirts topped with pom-poms for a lighthearted twist.
Style tip: This trend invites creativity. Try adding frills or gathering techniques to your existing clothes to capture this spirited, mismatched vibe.
The ever-versatile trench coat continues to reign as a seasonal go-to, bridging cooler and warmer months effortlessly.
This time around, trench coats appeared in classic neutrals but also saw reinvention—Celine introduced colorful linings, and Saint Laurent played with a variety of materials and tones.
Ellie Saab showed sleek, waist-cinching versions, while Givenchy offered lighter hues paired with bold buttoned details.
Style tip: A well-made trench is a timeless addition, guaranteed to serve you well for years.
Amid all the vibrant displays and textured drama, designers also embraced a powerful yet professional aesthetic suited for office life.
Stella McCartney and Bottega Veneta revamped the traditional women’s suit with fresh silhouettes and hints of 1980s flair.
Others reimagined uniforms, combining dresses with crisp shirts or structured sweaters for a modern twist.
Thom Browne pushed boundaries with a skirt uniquely constructed from neckties.
Style tip: This look is achievable with basics—layer tailored pieces like shirts and sweaters for a fashionable, workplace-ready outfit.