The spring/summer runway collections have landed, and the excitement is palpable.

With a wave of new creative leaders taking the reins at major fashion houses, this season blends drama, joy, and unexpected twists.

From exaggerated silhouettes to romantic details, designers are pushing boundaries while redefining elegance for the modern wearer. Here's everything you need to know about the 16 trends set to dominate.

Fringe and Movement

Fringe Fancy

Fringe returns with flair. From structured tassels at Chanel to playful swishes at Bottega, designers are combining movement and texture to create visually captivating silhouettes. Fringed jackets, skirts, and dresses bring drama while maintaining elegance, making this trend ideal for statement dressing.

Pirate-Inspired Drama

Pirate Cosplay

Pirate-inspired elements—bandanas, tricorne hats, ruffles, and slouchy boots—add romance and whimsy to spring fashion. Houses like Dior, Chloe, and McQueen mix historical references with contemporary cuts, offering surprisingly wearable drama for those seeking textured, layered outfits.

Preppy Elegance

High Society

Preppy tailoring and elevated classics dominate this trend. Think Chanel skirt suits, Valentino pussy-bow dresses, and Ralph Lauren two-pieces in refreshed neutrals, baby blues, and pops of red. Checks, pinstripes, and boxy-waisted silhouettes create a refined yet approachable aesthetic.

Exaggerated Silhouettes

Puff Skirts

Volume takes centre stage with puff skirts in frothy tulle, organza, and taffeta. Knee-length and midi bubble hemlines bring joy and sculptural playfulness, while remaining surprisingly wearable when paired with simple tops or neutral blazers.

Domestic Inspirations

Real Housewives

Pinafores, aprons, and domestic-inspired dresses reinterpret traditional femininity. Miu Miu, Ashley Williams, and Mithridate explore working-woman archetypes with playful, modish silhouettes that feel utilitarian yet stylish, balancing heritage and contemporary attitude.

Preppy Sport Influence

Sports Club

Preppy sportswear sees a comeback with rugby tops, polo shirts, and layered V-neck jumpers. Designers like Mithridate and Loewe offer relaxed silhouettes with subtle nods to vintage athletic styles, blending comfort with vibrant color combinations.

Accessorized Statements

Hand in Glove

Accessories are statement-makers this season. Elegant gloves, layered belts, and intricate neckpieces transform outfits, marrying drama with refined tailoring.

Romantic Details

Rococo Revival

Baroque-inspired detailing returns in embroidery, lace, and soft silhouettes, adding romantic opulence to otherwise modern pieces.

Lingerie as Outerwear

Underwear as Outerwear

Lingerie-inspired tops, slip dresses, and corset detailing continue to blur lines between underlayers and outerwear, offering playful sensuality.

Theatrical Flair

Send in the Clowns

Whimsical, theatrical touches—oversized bows, bright patterns, and exaggerated shapes—create a joyous, performative flair across multiple collections.

Bold Colors

Primary Tones

Bold reds, blues, and yellows dominate, adding visual punch to structured or flowing pieces, perfect for confident seasonal statements.

Retro References

'80s Nostalgia

Exaggerated shoulders, shiny fabrics, and bold patterns echo '80s silhouettes while integrating contemporary tailoring for modern appeal.

Tactile Fashion

Touch-Me Textures

Tactile fabrics such as velour, bouclé, and feathered accents invite interaction, creating depth and dimension in layered outfits.

Confident Allure

Confident Allure

Strategic cutouts, sheer panels, and curve-enhancing tailoring balance sophistication with allure, redefining confidence in spring wardrobes.

Layered Styling

Lovely Layers

Layering remains essential, combining different textures, lengths, and transparencies to add versatility and drama.

Vibrant Highlight

Chartreuse Green

This vibrant green emerges as a key color, energizing everything from skirts to outerwear and serving as a striking seasonal highlight.

Seasonal Summary

S/S 26 is a season of bold experimentation, blending drama, romance, and playfulness. From fringe and puff skirts to pirate-inspired layers and vibrant hues, these 16 trends balance theatricality with wearability. Shoppers can expect standout pieces, expressive textures, and statement colors to define the season's wardrobe, offering endless opportunities for creativity and individuality.