There are some exciting new trends that emerged 2026 Spring Summer 2026 collections. From runway presentations to Haute Couture shows, designers gave us plenty to consider as we refresh our wardrobes this season. Top trends include “fashion as feeling,” a revival of Jazz Age glamour, and the irresistible return of flirty fringe.
These are the biggest runway trends for Spring and Summer 2026, highlighting the dress styles shaping the season.
Fashion as feeling
“Fashion as feeling” is one of the leading trends this year. Designers are using materials that emphasize movement, including fringe, frothy lace, and feathers, while simultaneously experimenting with textures, layering, and silhouettes. With bold colors and dramatic proportions, the garments evolve from simply being outfits into pieces that feel deeply personal and evocative.
Relaxed elegance
Another emerging trend this season is relaxed elegance. Many looks on the runways favored soft, draped tailoring and robe-like silhouettes. Loose-fitting dresses in silk or satin offer beautiful movement and an air of sophistication. Dresses with swishy tassels that sway when walking were also a popular look, fitting the relaxed elegance style. When shopping, look for silk or satin dresses with relaxed fits to mimic this trend.
Prep style
Prep style is once again a popular fashion trend for the spring and summer seasons. Uniform-inspired dressing returns, with literary chic influences leading the way. This season’s prep style is more expressive than previous iterations, incorporating off-beat color combinations and unexpected details. Key staples include dresses, pencil skirts, cardigans, oversized blazers, and V-neck sweaters, which can be combined to create sophisticated and visually striking ensembles suited to spring weather while balancing structure, versatility, and a touch of individuality.
Multi-colored silks
Big, bold prints and multi-colored silks are making their appearance this spring season. Dresses with exaggerated proportions are key to this type of look. Silk fabrics with bright colors and interesting patterns are pushing the limits of fashion in 2026. Multi-colored silk scarves are also being used to accessorize loose-fitting, draped styles. Some are being wrapped around waistlines for definition while others are being knotted over the shoulder for added dimension.
Fringe
Fringe is a major trend across the 2026 runways, celebrated for its dynamic movement and its connection to the “fashion as feeling” aesthetic. One popular style to try is a black maxi dress with fringe. Asymmetrical dresses, garments with subtle fringe accents, and ensembles fully covered in fringe are also prominent this season. These pieces add fluidity and visual interest to every silhouette, creating expressive, bold, and versatile looks that establish fringe as one of the defining details of 2026.
Jazz Age
The 1920s shift dress returns this spring in more modern fabrics, like silk charmeuse, chiffon, and linen. This silhouette has been made popular by both real and fictional icons. The Jazz Age style is coming back to celebrate femininity and an era of “anything-goes.” Designers are loving the drop-waist style and midi-length fit of shift dresses. They exude a relaxed, yet fun and flirty feeling.
Primary color palette
This spring and summer season, we’re going to see designers moving away from muted and pastel tones in exchange for energetic and playful primary colors: red, blue, and yellow. These bold, vibrant hues of tomato red, cobalt blue, and canary yellow, are used to create expressive, high contrast looks. Don’t be afraid to expand your color palette to these brighter, bolder colors this year.
Glamoratti
The passion and liveliness of the 1980s is making a comeback with the Glamoratti aesthetic. This decade of decadence and “more is more” is being seen on runways for this spring and summer. Think of it as power dressing, but with a twist. Bold colors, maximalist accessorizing, and structured silhouettes are all going to be popular, especially among Gen Z and Millennials. Leather dress styles, high drama jackets and blazers, along with wide leg pants are all essential to this trend. Show off your confidence by dressing to stand out instead of blending in.
Explore the fun Spring 2026 dress trends
Spring and Summer 2026 showcase a wide range of dress trends, each expressive, daring, and filled with creativity. From fringe and multi-colored silks to relaxed tailoring, prep-inspired ensembles, and Jazz Age silhouettes, designers are offering a spectrum of styles to suit different tastes and occasions. This season encourages experimentation with texture, movement, and proportion, giving individuals the opportunity to select pieces that reflect their personality, confidence, and flair while updating their wardrobes with bold, fashion-forward choices.
