It's been hard to miss the abundance of polka dots adorning all manner of clothing lately. From spotted statement blouses and swishing midi skirts to accessories aplenty, its definitely become a favorite. However, summer's arrival has brought with it a new print trend that's set to dominate as this season's biggest pattern. Enter: stripes.
Whether horizontal, vertical, or even directional designs, stripes are synonymous with summer—think stripey beach towels and deck chairs—so it tracks that they're emerging in the style space right now. While spring's penchant for side-stripe trousers offered an early nod to the look, the spring/summer 2026 runways confirmed that a striped dress is a must-have right now.
Loewe channeled Joseph's technicolor dreamcoat in a multi-colored long-sleeve maxi dress, Nanushka provided a preppy take with a polo-collared, tassel-trimmed midi, and Tod's doubled up, layering a stripey coat over an inverted striped shirt dress. Similarly, Missoni's iconic zig-zags were interspersed with striped designs in every direction, and Jacquemus showcased the perfect summer dress in the form of a white and blue diagonal striped floor-sweeping maxi. Simply dreamy!
And just in time for summer, there are plenty of striped styles on the market. But when I came across this Abercrombie & Fitch midi dress (that’s currently on sale!), I knew instantly it was how I wanted to wear the trend. The corset-style bodice paired with the flowing midi silhouette feels romantic, feminine, and perfectly suited for the soft summer aesthetic I’m going for. I especially love how the stripes are subtle yet distinctive enough to make a statement. And the fact that it has pockets is just the icing on the cake!
Here are more striped dresses I’m eyeing…
Alexandria Dale is the Digital Fashion Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from the celebrity style moments worth knowing about to the latest fashion news, there’s nothing she loves more than finding a high street dupe of a must-have designer item. As well as discovering new brands, she’s passionate about sustainable fashion and establishing the trends that are actually worth investing in. Having worked in fashion journalism for six years, she has experience at both digital and print publications including Glamour and Ok!
