You might be deep in winter hibernation mode, but 2026 is right around the corner—and the fashion trends are already taking shape. Based on everything we saw on the spring/summer 2026 runways, a clear picture of the year ahead is starting to form. Here's what to expect.
As the new year fast approaches, designers are shifting gears, showing up in unexpected ways with shock-of-blue colour moments and band jackets that lean into theatrical, costume-dressing. Elsewhere, things drift toward the water with technical fabrics and surf-adjacent shapes, or open up with strategic cutouts that feel practical rather than thirsty. Gearing up for 2026 isn't about buying into a single trend—it's a mix of ideas meant to be worn, mixed, and slightly messed up, the way people actually get dressed.
Electric Blues
While the 2025 autumn and winter palette was taken over by burgundy, the runways suggest a louder colour taking over in 2026: Yves Klein Blue. This bold hue, most famously associated with '60s artist Yves Klein, is not new to the fashion scene. But when it comes back, it comes back powerfully, dominating the runways from designer to designer. Anyone else reciting Miranda Priestley's 'cerulean blue' monologue from The Devil Wears Prada right now? Just us? Okay.
Marching On
We’d be remiss not to mention the jacket of 2026, the band jacket. Think braiding, tassels, and structured shoulders—a little camp, a little costume, and *very* reminiscent of the toy soldier's jackets in The Nutcracker. Since it's such a classic Christmas ballet, we're looking forward to seeing how these military jackets will be styled in the upcoming spring season...
Playing House
Whilst we thought the #tradwife aesthetic may have finally been left in 2024, it seems designers are only just leaning into the trend on the runway. However, instead of taking it literally, they're playing with domestic silhouettes in ways that feel campy and theatrical. Think Miu Miu's leather aprons, ruffle sleeves, and tea-length skirts—pieces that nod to a retro homemaker fantasy, but with enough wink and drama to land firmly as costume. It's the visuals without the ideology—and a leather apron is a lot more fun when no one expects you to actually cook in it.
Surf's Up
From the tropical florals at Celine to the scuba-like materials at Loewe, the sea is coming to land. The summer temperatures are on thre forefront of these designers minds (can we blame them!), but it's the focus on technical materials and textures that sets this trend of ocean-inspired dressing apart. Just take a look at the literal surf suits folded over as pants at Rabanne! Those will really have you wanting to catch a wave.
Cut It Out
Cutouts aren't new, but the 2026 approach is more refined. Instead of slashes and peek-a-boo holes everywhere, designers are going minimal—one or two deliberate openings that feel architectural, like Tom Ford's plunging neckline paired with a single side cutout. Elsewhere, it's about layering: think strategic windows that reveal an embellished bra or textured underlayer as part of the look, à la Jil Sander. It's still a fresh way to show skin when temperatures rise, but with intention behind every cut.
Jessica (aka Jess) is a Senior Fashion Editor at Cosmopolitan, working across both fashion market and styling for print stories, as well as digital fashion and commerce coverage. Prior to joining Cosmo, she worked in fashion at Vanity Fair. Jess lives in New York City and loves spotlighting emerging designers you might not have heard of yet—while also being an unabashedly devoted Love Island fan (dating back to Season 1 of Love Island UK, that’s how serious). See more of her work here, and follow her on Instagram if you love her.
