They're Here: The 6 Chicest Spring Runway Trends You Can Actually Wear Right Now
The shows were spectacular. The weather is not. From safari-inspired utility jackets to balloon trousers, these are the S/S26 trends you can actually wear now, whatever the weather.
The downside to watching runways six months ahead of launch season is the wait for each trend to trickle through. Although, of course, it does allow for plenty of moodboarding, outfit planning and making space in your wardrobe for whatever you're planning to add. Starting this weekend, you'll find me at the boot sale.
Now that we're edging into the spring/summer season, however, the pieces from the September shows are beginning to appear in store. Until the weather catches up though, it's wise to tread carefully before stepping out in a crochet blouse and denim shorts to—as my dashboard informed me this morning—a shiver-inducing six degrees.
So I bring to you the spring/summer 26 trends you can actually wear right now, that will still see through to the warmer months. Utility jackets, cargo trousers and layered beads make safari chic one of the season's standout aesthetics. Block colour was spied at Prada, Loewe and Balenciaga. And the balloon trousers we loved last year are back for another polished outing.
All of which slot seamlessly with whatever is already hanging in your wardrobe—the coin belt especially, this season's most in-demand accessory, and one that Celine has made entirely its own.
Scroll on to see each trend in action.
6 Spring/Summer 26 Runway Trends to Wear Now:
1. Safari Chic
Style Notes: Utility jackets, khaki tones and cargo trousers made more than an occasional appearance on the spring/summer 26 runways with Balmain, Burberry, Isabel Marant and Saint Laurent among the standout examples. The throughline? Safari chic. Undone, effortless and possessed of a coolness that is particularly tempting to emulate, especially before it gets too warm for the extra layers.
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As Isabel Marant's collection leant heavily into the safari chic theme, it's an obvious starting point for investment finds in this aesthetic. With buckles, pockets, rope ties and a rich interplay of colour, this particular piece is spectacular in its detail.
Few fashion finds lean into the safari chic trend quite like cargo trousers. The more pockets, the better.
For a more formal take on the trend, a khaki shirt is an easy starting point. White jeans, linen trousers and tone-matched skirts all pair perfectly.
A classic cotton tank will easily become one of the most versatile pieces in any wardrobe.
With a cinched waist and two deep pockets, this is a minimalist yet practical take on the utility jacket.
2. Coin Belts
Style Notes: If last year brought us layered belts, this season is all about statement-making designs. Hermès attached Kelly bags to its waistbands, Louis Vuitton leant towards rope, and Celine created its own version of the classic coin belt: extra-large medallions, oval metal clasps and heavy hardware included. Belts, they remind us, are one of the most outfit-transforming accessories around.
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Simple and sleek, Khaite's central coin belt has already all but sold out in the black leather colourway, and the suede is sure to follow suit.
Dresses, jeans and even a bare midriff (here's looking at you, Carrie Bradshaw) will all be instantly elevated by this jewellery-like coin belt.
Blending the classic coin belt with a signature Western flair, this Ralph Lauren piece is my personal favourite.
Dior's Médaillon belt is a key find from its spring/summer 26 runway, and there are loafers to match.
This gemstone-inspired resin belt adds a pop of colour to any outfit.
3. Colour-Blocking
Style Notes: Pink and green, pink and burgundy, red and white, green and yellow—the spring/summer 26 runways were a kaleidoscope of colour, pairing strikingly contrasting shades to brilliant effect. Opposites attract, after all. For those looking to go bold, invest in key pieces that lean into this vibrancy, and look to Prada, Chanel, Alaïa and Balenciaga for inspiration on particularly striking combinations.
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This retro mini comes in a number of shades, but the baby pink feels like an easy fit for weddings, summer parties and evening dinners.
This is the exact Prada piece straight from the spring/summer 26 runway and, predictably, it's already proving incredibly popular.
Wear a bold-coloured jean the same way you would your trusty blue denim and you won't go far wrong.
With sunshine on the way, now is the time to swap crisp cotton shirts for lighter-weight linen.
Anoraks, windbreakers, shell jackets—whichever word you use, they're one of the most sought-after items right now, thanks largely to YSL and Hailey Bieber.
4. Balloon Trousers
Style Notes: Balmain, Michael Kors and Calvin Klein were far from the only labels sending balloon trousers down the spring/summer 26 runway, cementing the exaggerated-hem trouser as a key trend carried over from last year. Neutral colourways, exaggerated silhouettes and silky fabrics are all proving particularly popular, as is the styling trick of pairing them with boots: warmer for this time of year, and an easy way to enhance the proportions.
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Prefer a more formal-feeling balloon trouser? With sharp pleats and a poppered ankle cuff, this Mango pair offers exactly that.
These crinkle-effect trousers add both interest through shape and texture. A classic white shirt will style especially easy as will the matching top.
With both a tie waist and ankle, this adjustable balloon trouser is one of the most comfortable on the market.
While nylon may not be the comfiest of fabrics on a sweltering day, it does hold it's shape. So, if volume is your core aim, consider this pair a particularly good fit.
These slightly sheer trousers look equally as polished with the co-ordinating shirt as they would a crisp white vest.
5. Bold Bohemian
Style Notes: Since Chemena Kamali's Autumn/Winter 24 Chloé debut, bohemian style has sat firmly at the top of the agenda—lace, creamy palettes and floaty fabrics in abundance. This season, however, a shift is underway. More vibrant colours, bolder patterns (florals chief among them) and more dynamic silhouettes were all spotted at Chloé and Zimmermann, two of the aesthetic's key players.
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Zimmermann's watercolour style skirt spied on the spring/summer 26 runway is already in stores and selling fast.
Whether you style it with an animal print skirt and bangle or jeans and a coin belt, Doên's floaty folk blouses scream boho.
New York label Bode are like the original pioneers of modern folk and bohemia, and this jacket is so special, it's like a collector item.
A basket bag is a must in the summer boho wardrobe.
The embroidered detail and motif is a sure boho microtrend.
6. Full-On Fringing
Style Notes: Fringing has always had a way of elevating a hem, a lapel, a sleeve. It's a cornerstone of trending Western dressing, after all. But this season, the textural detail is taking centre stage in a much bigger way, covering the majority of each piece rather than simply finishing it. Think fully fringed skirts, bags and tops that take tactile dressing to its logical extreme. Max Mara, Roksanda and Gabriela Hearst have all made the case on the runway—and the latter is still in stock if you want to shop direct from the show.
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Dries Van Noten never fails to produce statement-making yet particularly sleek pieces, this fringed skirt included. Style with a shirt and mules and you could even wear this to an office.
This is a much more playful take on the famous Prada Galleria. Plus, suede bags are still one of the most in-demand styles.
This is likely the most similar you'll find to the Gabriela Hearst dress on the high street.
Fringed leather feels incredibly luxurious and is much easier to style than you may at first think. Other natural materials such as cotton (denim included), linen and silk all pair perfectly.
Paired with a simple vest top or tee and kitten heels, this purple-hued tassel skirt will become an easy party piece.
