For someone who was once a self-proclaimed "not a dress person," I've quickly released the title. And that's mainly thanks to the number of dress trends over the last few years that have been simply too good to resist. From 2024's sleek knits to the lace-adorned dresses from 2025, it took little convincing to add these to my wardrobe. I'm not surprised to say that 2026 will be no different.
For 2026's dress trends, there's been a movement toward unique shapes and fabric arrangements, whether that's swooping drapes, impeccable ruffles or a built-in cape. But as much as there's ample fabric, there are trends embracing the opposite. Silk minidresses are bringing a romantic spin to our wardrobes, as are the more casual (but modernised) T-shirt dresses. We're also waltzing into the blue, whether you're as obsessed with cobalt and ultramarine as I am, or prefer dark navy or light sky-coloured hues—they're all here. So, let's not delay it any longer. These are the dress trends you'll certainly want as part of your own wardrobe this coming year and that might just tempt you to store away your jeans (you never know!).
The Chicest Dress Trends to Wear in 2026:
1. Cape Dresses
Style Notes: If you add more material to a dress, it'll undoubtedly feature some kind of statement. Just think: Bold sleeves, trains, ruffles and pleats all require this to exist, and in the case of 2026, it's coming to fruition through cape dresses. From back capes to shoulder-draped versions, they're everywhere. Although it makes a statement, it gives your outfit a minimalist spin as there is no need for a cardigan or jacket over top. The fluid fabric is extremely elegant, and I love how much movement capes bring.
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The contrast between the sheer cape and silk dress is so good.
Such a chic silhouette. This comes in black and navy too.
Perfect for special occasions, and it comes in petite lengths too.
2. Modern T-Shirt Dresses
Style Notes: I was once a big proponent of T-shirt dresses, but that changed as my style changed. They often feel casual and tough to style. However, my mind has been changed once more with the advent of these new, modernised T-shirt dresses, one of which really caught my eye on Chanel's runway. The tee portion is elongated and often met with ruffles at the bottom, making it a much more creative way to wear this look. Although T-shirts aren't the first thing I think of when it comes to sophisticated garments, this dress trend proves otherwise.
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A balloon hem makes this so much more intriguing.
The draping makes this feel anything but casual.
This was made for an elevated holiday wardrobe.
3. Ruffles
Style Notes: Once a hallmark of the 1980s, ruffles certainly fell off the trend cycle for some time. Now, they're back and more elegant than ever. They're voluminous and exciting and create a statement merely by how the fabric folds. As we saw with the T-shirt dress, ruffles can be sleek and streamlined, but they can also be free-spirited and romantic, as seen at Chloé's show.
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A subtler take on the trend with the ruffled neckline.
So pretty.
The definition of romantic. It doesn't get more whimsical than a gossamer silk dress from Chloé.
4. Asymmetric Waists
Style Notes: Asymmetrical hemlines had their moment in the spotlight, but the intentionally-uneven lines have drifted up. This year, asymmetrical waistlines are taking over. Any design feature that plays with proportions makes getting dressed infinitely more fun. Whether you love a well-defined waistline or one that's more subtly off-kilter, this trend is undeniably eye-catching.
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Available in both a timeless black and trendy burgundy.
A more subtle version of asymmetrical.
This dress is full of chic cinching, draping and asymmetrical lines.
5. Silk Minidresses
Style Notes: Come the season of minidresses, you can expect to find many options rendered in silk and satin materials. Just look to Victoria Beckham and Givenchy, two fashion houses out of multiple that embraced this look for 2026. There isn't just one style either. You'll find more structured dresses with stiffer skirts as well as fluid and slinky silk minidresses.
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So cute!
Perfect for a hot-weather holiday.
I love the colour of this one.
6. Bold, Blue Dresses
Style Notes: The next big colour trend is here, and it's enticingly bright but has plenty of depth. Capri blue is shaping up to be this year's burgundy or butter yellow, and as an avid lover of cobalt and other shades of blue, I'm personally thrilled. Although it's deep and saturated, it's also a joyful colour. It's not the only shade to take over runways either. Navy, sky blue and turquoise also appeared at dozens of designers' shows. So no matter what shade you have an affinity for, blue is most certainly in, especially in dress form.
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Hello the perfect party dress!
Perfect as a wedding guest dress or for nice dinner parties.
A beautiful choice if you prefer lighter shades of blue.
7. Chic Draping
Style Notes: As with the aforementioned dress trends, this is another that requires ample fabric and imaginative arranging. Draped dresses were another trend that hit the runways, and it's impressive just what this simple fabric orientation results in. Stella McCartney paired looped draping with a structured bodice, whereas Zimmermann opted for bubble-hem draping. There are so many ways in which draping can manifest, and as 2026's runways prove, they're all extremely elevated.
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A rosy red that suits spring and summer wardrobes.
The perfect little black dress, with draping.
A lovely style for a black-tie wedding.