It's My Job to Predict Trends—You Can Get Ahead of the Fashion Crowd Now with These 7 Summer Buys
2026 has some exciting high-summer trends that I'm confident you're going to love, so prepare for a very well-dressed season ahead.
Dear reader, forgive my hastiness in bringing up summer during one of the chilliest and wettest early springs of recent memory, but as an eternal optimist, there's something about the promise of warm weather that brings out the best in me. Not only is summer my favourite season, but it's also my favourite time of the year to dress for, and high-summer styling will always have a place in my heart (and wardrobe).
Granted, every year the same staples do it for me: linen, maxi dresses, flip-flops, etc., but this year, I'm keen to revamp things a little. For summer 2026, I want to explore all the new cult classics that are beginning to surface on the runways and in turn, social media, in a bid to keep my look fresh. Who's with me?
There's something undeniably elegant about a well-curated summer wardrobe that will work just as well for sticky city days as it does for breezy, alfresco evenings. And, my favourite thing about summer styling is just how laid back the feel (and execution) of these outfits can be. Summer is the season to go makeup-free, with tousled hair and the closet pieces you can find to go from casual daytime 'fits to sunset dinner dates, and what's not to love about an outfit that takes five minutes to assemble?
But of course, not all summer outfits are created equal. The key is finding pieces that are as functional as they are fashionable, and that often means reverting to the same oversized pieces and basics we've loved for years. But if you're looking for an alternative, you've come to the right place. 2026 is throwing out some very exciting high-summer trends that I'm confident you're going to love, and many of them are so versatile that they could work with everything you already have in your wardrobe.
I've been studying the spring/summer 2026 runways and seeing how fashion influencers are mastering these looks for summer, and believe me: there's plenty of inspiration to go around. From retro prints to elegant jewellery, keep scrolling to see my summer fashion trend predictions for 2026 and to shop the pieces you need to get the looks for yourself. Now, all we need is a little more sunshine…
1. Polka Dots
Style Notes: One thing that stood out to me whilst watching the Jacquemus autumn/winter 2026 show was just how chic polka dots can be. The print often gets a bad rep for being too twee, but there's something about spots in the sun that brings out a "Riviera" energy—can you imagine, say, paisley just as easily on a yacht? Precisely. Minimalists and maximalists alike can enjoy the right polka dot, and if Simon Porte predicts they'll be sticking around into autumn/winter too, now is a good time to get ahead so you can say that you were "hot for the spot" before anyone else.
Shop Polka Dots:
Ultra-fine polka dots for print sceptics.
This would look so good with a white tank top and sandals.
The white-on-brown is already elegant, but the halterneck too? Perfection.
Isn't the balloon silhouette adorable?
The lace detailing makes this even prettier.
2. Peplum Pieces
Style Notes: Millennials, look away now. Just when you'd thought you'd seen the last of the peplum, it has resurfaced for 2026. Unlike the 2000s, this peplum is less about dressing up tank tops and more about creating sensual, feminine silhouettes. There are peplum finishes on fitted pencil skirts, softening baggy jeans, even adding volume to bandeau tops, and those who lean into a more is more approach will love how this simple detail still manages to create a little extra drama.
Shop Peplum Pieces:
This also comes in pale blue, yellow, black and plum red.
Some say controversial, I say covetable.
This is the perfect evening top to pair with any skirt or trousers.
Just add a basket bag and flat sandals for a dressy, holiday-ready look.
Infinitely cooler than your average long-sleeved top.
3. Pebble Pendants
Style Notes: Not brand new for 2026, but given how prominent they still are on the runways and on social media, it's fairly easy to predict that stone and drop pendants will still be the accessory of choice for fashion insiders this summer, too. A little bit bohemian, a little bit '70s, long cords and chains finished with precious stones are taking over from the 90's choker moment that came and went last year. The ultimate pairing with this sought-after style? Stacks of chunky resin bangles. In fact, put those on the list for summer 2026, too.
Shop Pebble Pendants:
Worth saving up for.
How beautiful is that huge chunk of jade?
I keep seeing styles like this bubbling up, and if it's not stones or leather pouches, it could also be fringing.
This looks far more expensive than its price tag.
You can't argue with that price.
4. Sheer Separates
Style Notes: It just wouldn't be summer without an excuse to strip off, and this season sheer pieces are hinting at what lies beneath. Underwear-as-outerwear always manages to come back around in some way, shape or form, but sheer garments are designed to show a mere hint of lingerie and instead are all about breathability. You might not remember what a heatwave feels like quite yet, but once you do, you'll be glad to have gauzy dresses, feather-light blouses and see-through skirts to cool you down. Take tips from Christopher Esber and influencer Aimee Song by pairing such statement skirts with casual thong sandals for the ultimate in high/low styling.
Shop Sheer:
I would instantly believe that this is designer.
Doubles as a beach cover-up.
A perfect example of how to do sheer without baring all.
Just the slightest hint of skin.
There are matching trousers too!
5. Camel Dresses
Style Notes: After LBDs and white midis, it's about time that camel dresses had their moment in the spotlight. Warm caramel tones and summer go hand in hand like jeans and a nice top, so if you're looking for a trend that is low effort but high impact, don't underestimate the power of an elegant beige dress. Whether airy crochet, crisp cotton or liquid silk, I have a feeling this colour is going to come into its own this summer with the rise and rise of khaki neutrals.
Shop Camel Dresses:
White linen is good, but oatmeal linen is great.
I can't wait to float around in this.
This comes in four other colours, but the camel is by far my favourite.
Just add flatform sandals.
Polka dots and beige? Add a pendant necklace to tick every box.
6. Short-Shorts
Style Notes: Given that they showed up in the collections of Isabel Marant, Balmain, Magda Butrym, Hermés, Vivienne Westwood, Fendi and Conner Ives, to name but a few, it's safe to say that short-shorts will be a sure thing this summer. Easy to style and with no ironing required, these fuss-free bottoms are a warm-weather wonder you're likely to spot on the street-style set very soon. You heard it here first.
Shop Shorts:
This Western, boho energy is very Marant.
Wear with an oversized white shirt and gladiator sandals.
Yes, they are technically lingerie, but that's not to stop you from wearing them outside.
Still a best-seller in 2026.
7. Red Shoes
Style Notes: Finally, the bold pop of colour we deserve for putting up with grey skies for the past six months. Red-hot shoes are the mood-booster brightening monochrome looks in 2026. From sandals to slingbacks, pumps to peep-toes, this fashion-forward choice tells people you don't take yourself too seriously and can find the fun in dressing up. Think Stella McCartney's pink-and-red colour clash or Mimi Nguyen's spots-and-sandals combo (pictured below). Next time you're debating between sensible black or a pop of red, remember that everyone has a pair of black shoes in their wardrobes, but it's only the daring who can pull off such a vibrant hue.
Shop Red Shoes:
Sculptural yet subtle.
I have these and I have been wearing them nonstop for the past year.
These have "luxury holiday" written all over them.
I've never seen a pair of slingbacks I didn't like.
