After a month of fashion shows from New York to Paris, the spring/summer 2026 season ended with renewed confidence. This season belonged to designers who were willing to take risks again – to bring color, texture and theatricality back into the conversation. From the exuberance of Louise Trotter’s debut at Bottega Veneta to the sculptural precision of Dior and the elegance of Matthieu Blazy at Chanel, it was a game of contrasts: bold yet refined, emotional yet controlled. On the catwalks, craftsmanship replaced restraint, feathers were no longer reserved for showgirls and revue stages, and tailoring rediscovered its strength. Fashion feels alive again – and exciting AF!
Here are the 13 top trends that will shape spring/summer 2026
1. dopamine kick
The catwalks have flooded us with optimism: bright colors, contrasting prints and combinations that shouldn’t work but do. After several seasons of minimalist detox, fashion is now bringing pure joy straight to the fabric. If minimalism was the detox, then this is a welcome relapse.
2. embroidery, lace, crohet: craftsmanship is back
Don’t worry: this has nothing to do with your grandma’s toilet roll doll covers. The designers have created textures that feel instinctive, vibrant and seductive – details that make minimalism look pale.
3. PETA is probably already painting protest signs
Feathers appeared on the spring/summer 2026 catwalks with renewed conviction – from New York to Paris, they signaled fashion’s continued appetite for theater.
4 The Duchess of Sussex effect
Flowers for spring? No surprise. Flowers were scattered on the catwalks with purpose: delicate, eye-catching, embroidered, quirky – on garments, bags and shoes. “Flower sprinkles make for effortless, magical joy and pleasure.” – Meghan Duchess of Sussex
5. uncanny romance
Romanticism is calculated this season. It looks innocent, but it is by no means. Transparent lace and corset fashion lend the delicacy a darker note, while embroidery softens the impression. Romanticism, dressed for revenge.
6. leather – the ultimate edge piece for summer
Leather goes beyond outerwear and becomes a summer must-have – from midi dresses and skirts to sculptural tops. Smooth textures, precise cuts, quiet strength.
7 The nomad snob
Designers ask themselves the question “What do you pack for a safari?” and steer the answer far away from the cliché. This season, travelers are dressing for the experience, not the show. It’s luxury without the naïve, inexperienced energy – practical, elegant and understatedly worldly.
8 The New New Look
Designers are rediscovering discipline – and thank goodness, because the eternally oversized, baggy cuts are tiring. The silhouette of the post-war era is returning, freed from nostalgia and recut for the present: fitted silhouettes, asymmetrical hems, shaped shoulders and jackets that can finally be closed again. The shape still offers freedom – movement without clutter.
9. the sheer persistence
Season after season, the saga continues. The designers must have bought the sheer fabric in bulk and seem determined to use up every last meter. But this time it seems a little more thoughtful – as if they’ve finally realized that not every mole needs its own debut. Strategically placed embroidery and real underwear make a quiet comeback, signaling a move away from the idea that showing everything is the ultimate in couture.
10. the groundbreaking #FinishTheLook
The sweater transforms from practical to performative – draped over the shoulders, knotted at the waist, looped as if on the side. It’s the latest styling trend for “effortless”, although every knot has a purpose. Original? Well, yes.
Color forecast
After several seasons in which neutral colors dominated, bright shades are now back in vogue – confident, complex and unapologetically expressive. Designers have not just added pigments, but created an entire attitude. Spring/Summer 2026 has shown that the color palette has power. Here are the colors that are likely to set the tone.
11th Mint
On the catwalks from New York to Paris, mint can be seen in all shades – from bags and shoes to tailoring and details. Styling tip: To avoid looking like you’ve been inspired by a Vespa, avoid completely monochrome outfits. Combine different shades, mix textures or break up the color with patterns.
12. orange
From sunset silk to molten copper, orange is striking, luscious and almost addictive. The key is balance: combine different shades, create depth with layered looks, incorporate patterns and add deliberate styling accents. Let the details speak for themselves.
13th Bordeaux
Bordeaux in summer is a middle finger to the predictable color palette of the warm season. It’s bold, moody and delightfully mismatched – and that’s exactly why it works. The trick is in the intention: pair it with unexpected colors, show some skin and top off the outfit with eye-catching accessories.
The spring/summer 2026 collections have reminded us again why we fell in love with fashion in the first place. After a few seasons of restraint, self-censorship and lame collections that were sold to us as genius, the industry has finally taken a deep breath. Designers remembered what fashion was supposed to be: a language of beauty, craft and imagination. For a long time, the word “fashion” had lost its meaning, but this season it has regained it – with color, courage, conviction and imagination.
Teaser & Photos: © Launchmetrics SpotlightSM
What will we be wearing in fall/winter 2025/26? We’ll tell you. Here is the full report.
