"Wait, What?" 6 Unexpected Trends You Didn't See Making a Comeback in Spring 2026
Florals for spring aren't groundbreaking, but you might not have had these trends on your 2026 bingo card.
We all know that fashion likes to move in cycles, and as quickly as something is declared "out" there is something new to replace it, but for those of us who track trends for a living, seeing which "fads" stick around for the longest and why is the most interesting proposition. Spring is a great time of year to see what new styles will bubble up for the rest of the year, and 2026 already seems to be leaning heavily into nineties and noughties throwbacks as a wardrobe refresher after the year that gave us "the clean girl".
Don't get me wrong—there is always room for everyone's style and aesthetic, and part of the beauty of such a busy cultural landscape lies in it's variety, but suddenly everything old is new again. Gone are winter's collarless jackets and slouchy boots, and in rolls spring's new-season offerings, a lot of which have been influenced by the Y2K revival and Gen Z's affinity for all things 2016. Who could have predicted that ten to twenty years later, the same hero pieces that were favoured by celebs and It girls would be making a fashionable comeback? Well, we could.
After keeping a very close eye on runway and street style references for the last few years, we've noticed the same microtrends coming and going, upping and downing, and eventually landing in 2026 in a way that feels more confidently grounded. After flirting with the same pieces time and again, we're officially calling them key trends for their sheer staying power, but they may not be exactly what you're expecting.
While we cannot ignore the current penchant for funnel neck jackets, baggy jeans, and slimline trainers, you won't actually find them on this list. Instead this is a rundown of the six spring trends that you didn't see coming. From the return of a pretty print trend that always causes a stir, to the "in between" trouser length that.just won't quit, keep scrolling to see this spring's comeback kings.
6 Fashion Trends Making a Comeback for Spring 2026
1. 90's Athleisure
Style Notes: You needn't have secured Oasis tickets last year to know that the return of the 90's Brit Pop aesthetic meant more than just a sudden uptick in the sales of bucket hats. In 2026 retro sportswear is making it's presence felt, and everything from windbreakers to retro trainers are dominating this spring, giving pretty blouses and cute dresses a sportier edge. Think Harry Styles' short nylon shorts, All Saints' inspired track tops, and of course, everything Adidas.
Shop Athleisure:
This would look just as cool with skirts as it would with jeans.
Who likes short shorts!
If you didn't get your hands on the latest Wales Bonner X Adidas trainers, these will upgrade your old classics.
Practical meets fashionable.
These sportier Saint Laurent pieces are doing numbers on social media.
2. Capris
Style Notes: Whether you call them capris or pedal pushers, just don't call them "over", as the three-quarter, calf-grazing trouser is back for yet another spring/summer. We keep spotting them with flip flops, sandals, ballet flats and mules, making them the perfect choice for the warmer months that don't require heavy duty denim. Unsure of how to make them feel 2026 ready? Take tips from Emily Ratajkowski and Kendall Jenner and wear with tailored blazers or simple tank tops and flats.
Shop Capri Trousers:
An entire outfit worth recreating.
The cutest print.
Exactly how I want to dress on chilly but sunnier days.
Denim Capris feel like a brand new take.
Just add a cardigan and a pared-back heel.
3. Military Jackets
Style Notes: Straight out of the 2000s hipster handbook and back into 2026, the military or Napoleon jacket has been making its presence felt this spring after reappearing on the McQueen, Dior, Ralph Lauren and Kenzo runways. Forever synonymous with Kate Moss and Glastonbury, this historical piece has been co-opted into a symbol of rock and roll Britannia, and you'll find it most commonly worn with distressed denim or prairie dresses instead of a leather biker.
Shop Napoleon Jackets:
A discreet nod to the trend.
This comes in different colours and prints, but the classic green is my favourite.
This is already selling unbelievably fast.
I wouldn't believe you if you told me this cost under £55.
An elevated, designer take on the look.
4. Bermuda Shorts
Style Notes: People tend to fall into two camps: those who love Bermuda shorts, and those who hate them. The latter is often sceptics who aren't sure how to wear them, but I'm convinced the right pair might just change minds. After all, if you're on board with jeans and shorts, these are only the happy medium, perfect for "will it, won't it" spring weather that can't make up it's mind. If denim feels a little bit too much, try a tailored pair that can be dressed up with heels too.
Shop Bermuda Shorts:
Nobody's Child don't just do excellent dresses and blouses, there's denim too.
The Frankie Shop were one of the first to make long shorts feel cool again.
You'll wear these on repeat throughout summer too.
I love this ecpensive-looking shade of khaki paired with a brown belt.
The coolest way to wear long shorts now.
5. Polka Dots
Style Notes: Yes, we are once again hot for the spot, and when florals just won't do, kitchy polka dots are a designer favourite. Cropping up in the spring/summer 2026 collections of Altuzarra, Khaite and Dries Van Noten (as well as autumn/winter Jacquemus), grown-up polka dots can add ladylike polish to monochromatic looks. Double up on your prints and clash colours to score extra points for fashion-forward styling.
Shop Polka Dots:
Rixo have invested in so many great polka dot pieces right now.
The frills! The puff sleeves! The micro dots!
I'm adding this to my wish list to wear with a cardigan and ballet flats.
Gorgeous on it's own, even better as a co-ord.
For those who aren't quite ready to commit to head-to-to dressing.
6. Tassels
Style Notes: As SEO writer Ava Gilchrist succinctly puts it, tassels are rising trend among those looking for full-throttle glamour in the everyday. "They’re the kind of thing you’d typically see swinging from the end of an ornate curtain tieback in an 18th Century French chateau, not hanging from the waist of a Parisienne tastemaker as they wind their way from vintage shopping in Le Marais to drinks at Hotel Costes. But thanks to the tassel fashion trend, these opulent charms needn’t stay hidden inside palatial interiors." From skirt hems to scarves, it's impossible to ignore the tassels and fringing swinging around this spring, the ultimate way to find the joy in dressing up.
Shop Tassels:
A dress designed to invite compliments.
How to upgrade any look, for under £10.
The LBD just got even better.
Things brings the wow factor.
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