It's Freezing Outside, But I'm Already Daydreaming About These 7 Spring 2026 Trends
To be honest, I've never been someone who blindly follows trends. I'm much more interested in pieces that stand the test of time and investing in staples I'll love and wear for years rather than constantly chasing whatever's next. That said, every new season brings a handful of trends that naturally align with my personal style, and those are the ones I actually pay attention to.
A perfect example is polka dots. They were everywhere last spring, and I happily embraced the trend—not because it was trending but because I've always loved the pattern. I'm also more open to experimenting with smaller, lower-commitment trends, especially accessories like tights and sunglasses that can instantly make an outfit feel more fun.
As I look ahead to spring 2026, I've been thinking through the runway shows, our team's data, what I've seen on TikTok, and, of course, my own intuition. A few things immediately stand out: bright color combinations, black oversize sunglasses, and asymmetrical skirts, tops, and dresses (a favorite that just so happens to be having a moment). Since I mostly wear skirts and dresses, I'm especially excited about the abundance of statement skirts in many of the spring/summer collections.
I also got into capris last year, and I'll definitely be wearing them again once it warms up in New York. While trench coats and cardigans are forever staples in my wardrobe regardless of trend cycles, they'll be even more popular in the months ahead.
Below, take a look at the spring 2026 trends I'm most excited about and where to shop each one.
Bright Color Combinations
I recently came across the brand Olga Joan, and the way it styles its brightly colored Ribbed Singlet and Mini Slip Skirt immediately caught my attention for spring and summer. The pieces feel easy to mix and match, which makes wearing color feel far more approachable. While I generally gravitate toward neutrals, this feels like an accessible way to start incorporating brighter colors.
When it comes to color trends, turquoise has been everywhere lately. Our senior fashion editor, Anna LaPlaca, also wrote that "Capri blue" is set to be a major color this year.
Black Oversize Sunglasses
I typically look better in smaller frames, but sometimes, it's fun to look a little like a bug. I love having a pair of statement sunglasses that can almost be the outfit on their own. That's exactly how I feel when I'm wearing simple basics and throw on my Giadas from the eyewear brand Chimi.
Asymmetrical Cuts
Even the simplest dress, skirt, or top feels more interesting when it's asymmetric. Since I love basics, it's a simple way to make classic items feel more unique.
Statement Skirts
I love dresses and skirts. They're what I feel most comfortable and myself in, and I like that they can be the entire outfit. Lately, I've been especially excited to see so many brands leaning into statement skirts, like the Damson Madder Layla Godet Midi Skirt. For a more understated take, sheer skirts feel like a statement in their own right.
Capris
I'll admit it took me a while to get into capris. They initially felt like a childhood relic I wasn't interested in revisiting, but once I started wearing them last spring, I couldn't take them off. It was one of my most-worn items of spring 2025, and I can't wait to wear them again next season.
Trench Coats
Trends come and go, but in my opinion, trench coats are forever in style. At this point, they're practically the unofficial coats of spring. Because of that, calling them a trend feels a little strange, but I don't make the rules. Recently, I've been eyeing styles from Rue Sophie and London Fog.
Cardigans
Similarly to trench coats, cardigans will always have a place in my closet. I wear my black cashmere one constantly and feel put-together every time. It's perfect to wear its own or keep on hand as an extra layer in my bag or draped over my shoulders.
Audry Hiaoui is a writer based in New York. For Who What Wear, she specializes in emerging designers, independent labels, and brand discovery, as well as interviews both on and off camera. Her writing has appeared in AnOther, Wonderland, Office, Interview, Love, and i-D, among others, with multiple cover stories and features in print, and she has worked as an editorial producer for Vogue during fashion months. She holds a master's degree in journalism and documentary filmmaking from City, University of London, and has an extensive background in film, having worked for Sundance Film Festival, SXSW, and Vice UK as well as on various projects including documentaries and music videos and most recently as a writer's assistant on an upcoming HBO/A24 series.