Trend Report: Spring 2026’s Top Trends
The mood? Romantic. The colours? Primary. The classics? Thoroughly remixed.
Do you hear that? It’s the sound of people who work in fashion taking a collective deep breath after one of the busiest runway seasons of all time.
Spring always signals new starts, but this September, that fresh-slate ethos was intensified by the Great Designer Reshuffle. Across recent runways, there were 15 creative director debuts—from Matthieu Blazy’s otherworldly vision at Chanel to Louis Trotter’s buzzy pairings at Bottega Veneta.
In New York, London, Milan and Paris, the constant stream of shakeups contributed to an industry-wide vibe shift—and the Spring 2026 trends helped usher in this new era. Notably, there was a focus on styling know-how instead of must-buy pieces. Think: a chemise subtly unbuttoned to reveal a lacy undergarment or a wallet worn around one’s neck as its own makeshift pendant.
As the dust settles on an unforgettable fashion month, the most memorable trends help tell a story of reinvention. Below, we’ve distilled the top 10.
‘80s, baby
Valentino, photo via launchmetrics/spotlight
High-octane hues, slouchy separates and top-notch layering—across runways, retro dressing is all the way back. Look to Versace, Valentino and YSL for inspiration from the distinctly cool decade.
Hot head
Dior, photo via Launchmetrics/Spotlgiht
Farewell to the humble baseball cap—our sights are set on the ostentatious chapeau. From sculptural straw creations to avant-garde pillbox designs, this season’s most confidence-boosting accessory sits atop the head.
Period piece
Erdem, photo via Launchmetrics/Spotlight
What does the viral Wuthering Heights adaptation have in common with recent runways? A renewed appetite for 19th-century glamour. Think ruffled detailing, voluminous bustles and seriously decadent draping.
Blowing up
balenciaga, photo via launchmetrics/spotlight
Breezy, bubbly and bold, balloon pants were a surprising staple of the Spring 2026 season. For every pair of skinny jeans slinking its way back into pop culture, these roomy trousers offer an aesthetic reprieve.
Pouch pendants
coach, photo via launchmetrics/spotliight
Put your necklaces to work! From compact pocketbooks at Lacoste to miniature change purses at Coach, this season’s standout accessories double as practical, ultra-cool carriers.
Drop it low
Prabal Gurung, photo via launchmetrics/spotliight
The low-slung pants of recent seasons have given way to a nostalgic ascension of drop-waists. From fringe confections at Calvin Klein to streamlined evening-wear at Chanel, this design elongates the silhouette and adds a romantic 1920s appeal. It also brings newness to the humble trench, as seen at Prabal Gurung and Altuzarra.
On the fringe
Balmain, photo via launchmetrics/spotlight
Fringe has been a staple in recent collections, but this season, it popped up through eccentric accessories. We saw textured dangling earrings at Fforme, bags festooned with tiny tassels at Bottega Veneta and feathery chapeaux at Chanel.
Shelling out
Balmain, Photo via Launchmetrics/Spotlight
With warmer months on the horizon, mermaid imagery beckons. The uniform? Totes with dangling mussel charms, frocks fashioned from fisherman’s netting and pumps dripping in pearlescent appliqués.
Colour story
3.Paradis, photo via launchmetrics/spotliight
Forest green and fire truck red? Fuchsia and creamsicle orange? Pink, burgundy and teal—all wrapped into one? This season, no shade pairing is off-limits. When done intentionally and with full force, the result is elegant, interesting and expertly chic.
At your service
Pasqualetti, photo via launchmetrics/spotlight
At a time when fashion and lifestyle trends are overlapping, brands are back in the kitchen. From solid coloured aprons at Miu Miu to minimalist waist tie-ons at Eckhaus Latta, this trend mixes home-making workwear with runway polish. In an era of never-ending tradwife discourse, it’s certainly food for thought.
Kooky collars
dior, photo via launchmetrics/spotlight
Gone are the days of perfectly put-together collars. This spring, voguish necklines are tugged, bent and haphazardly folded. All in all, it’s a bold way to add character to a button-up.
Well-rounded
bottega veneta, photo via launchmetrics/spotlight
Sharp, angular shoulders have long signalled authority and stylish suave. But this season, power dressing is taking a softer approach, with rounded shoulders and top-heavy oval silhouettes. Exaggerated and cartoonish, these bloated broad shoulders bring some fluidity to the otherwise rigid world of corporate clothing.
Taking orders
McQueen, Photo via Launchmetrics/Spotlight
Defined by statement buttons, epualets and clean-cut tailoring, the age-old military jacket has found its way into modern wardrobes as an unexpected power-dressing play.
Seeing clearly
Chloe, photo via launchmetrics/spotlight
ICYMI, shoes have been getting progressively freakier. This season, brands inched closer to eschewing footwear all together, courtesy of see-through designs that put feet front and centre. Perhaps not the most practical, but as trend forecaster Mandy Lee said, “I am willing to take the risk.”
Peekaboo bras
prada, photo via launchmetrics/spotlight
One surefire way to add a sensual twist to an outfit? The intentionally visible brassiere. From lacy underwires at Bottega Veneta to colour-blocked bras at Prada, intimates are getting more and more outré.
Read more stories from FASHION’s March 2026 issue here.
Natalie Michie is the Fashion & Features Editor at FASHION Magazine. With a pop culture obsession, she is passionate about exploring the relationship between fashion, internet trends and social issues. She has written for Elle Canada, CBC, Chatelaine and Toronto Life. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and over-analyzing movies on TikTok.
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