You're reading Worn Weird, Who What Wear UK’s latest monthly column where acting deputy editor, Rebecca Rhys-Evans, spotlights the fantastical world of shoes. From split toes to soleless styles (yes, really), she covers the most "cult" and controversial pairs money can buy. Think PVC jelly shoes, furry exteriors, thick wooden clogs and anything else weird and wonderful sparking hot debate online. They might be a little silly, they may repel men (if not, what’s the point?), but that’s fashion, darling!
This month Rebecca decodes the obscure footwear trends presented at men's Paris Fashion Week for spring/summer 2027. From Saint Laurent's viral transparent pointed plastic dress shoes to Nike's new hybrid sneakers, there's a lot to unpack. So let's get into it...

Paris Fashion Week men's has just wrapped up, and the biggest takeaway, the talking point everyone is covering, is the footwear presented. From Saint Laurent's clear dress shoes to Setchu's high heeled Geta clogs, as well as Jaden Smith's sophomore collection at Christian Louboutin, menswear has finally caught the memo that freaky footwear is on the fashion agenda, and I for one, love to see it.

Starting with the most major of all: Anthony Vaccarello's Saint Laurent show. Here are four words I never thought I'd write together: pointed clear polyurethane brogues. Coming in a few hues, from deep glossy burgundy to olive green and a smokey black, some with snakeskin details, all had the same ultra pointed, elongated toe that we've seen in the women's collections for a few seasons, which many critics and commentators have likened to the Medieval poulaine styles worn in the 14th and 15th century. As well as the lace-ups was a slightly more traditional iteration in Chelsea boot form (because Vaccarello likes to cater to everyone, obvs!). The most subversive detail of this footwear collection was not so much a feature of the shoes, but each model's foot—in that they were all laid bare, below the the PVC upper. And without socks! Just five free range piggies squished inside each shoe in 35+ degree heat.

This collection debut comes just a month or so after Chanel's viral soleless sandals that basically announced the naked shoe as the new naked dress. Is this Saint Laurent's more wearable answer to this trend? Is this menswear finally catching on? Either way, the dogs are barking, but so am I.

The fabulously freaky, wonderfully weird shoes didn't stop at Saint Laurent transparent lace-ups. Christian Louboutin—designed by Jaden Smith—showcased a red 'shoe' (if you can call it that), that more evoked a monster's paw than it did a traditional sneaker, boot or slip-on. Smith also took the dress shoe to new heights, or rather lengths, introducing an Oxford lace-up with a long front, harsh square toe and toe-like mouldings on the top.

Nike too presented several new models for the coming spring season, embracing more hybrids that made 'sneakerinas' and 'snoafers' look relatively old hat. The Air Force 1 has received a makeover that has a square toe, a plaid print and a version in tan suede with turquoise embellishment that might persuade John Wayne to hang up his cowboy boots.

Finally, special mention must be made to Setchu, who dressed male models in its traditional Japanese Geta clogs, but instead of their usual heightened but flat sole, had a 'high heel' shape. Men in heels—yes please!

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As a card-carrying Sagittarius, international travel has always been a priority in my personal and professional life as Who What Wear’s editor in chief. My habits abroad have become fairly ingrained (locate the restaurants beloved by locals, certainly check out the vintage shopping scene, and so on). But when I was on my annual pilgrimage to Japan earlier this year with my husband and infant daughter, I got the brilliant idea to try something new. I had been wanting to take family photos and figured a Tokyo backdrop and no-obligations vacation energy would be an excellent combination. I’m no stranger to Airbnb (*checks receipts* I’ve had 72 home bookings on the platform) but had never tried an Airbnb service. Within an hour, I had consulted our what to wear in Tokyo guide, had a booking with Yosuke, and now I have epic family photos and an edited video for a third of the cost of what it would be in my home city of Los Angeles. Travel-hack success!

Fast-forward a few months, and I needed to secure a spot to attend Paris fashion week. I was looking for a place that could receive my show invites and a location close to the venues. An excellent closet and good lighting for social content was a bonus. And for my nursing daughter along for the ride: a crib setup, bathtub, no walkups, and plenty of space for her to toddle around. Paris has almost 100,000 homes on Airbnb, so I knew I could find precisely what I was looking for. I ended up connecting with the folks at Airbnb, and they set me up with my dream apartment and also suggested I try some of their experiences and services. Another opportunity to test out my new favorite travel hack of using Airbnb to take family photos around the globe? Twist my arm!

I booked everything in the app seamlessly and love how it organized everything into an easy-to-reference itinerary. I could confirm details and make any updates all in one spot. It felt like I had engaged a travel agent but without having to talk to anyone. Dream.

One of the services I tried is Airbnb’s newly launched partnership with Welcome Pickups, where you can prebook a private car service to and from the airport. They offer the service in 125 cities and counting, so it’s already very accessible. The warm welcome and luggage help were lovely, but I was mostly so grateful to have car seat logistics sorted. A seamless start and end to the trip is a godsend on hectic travel days, and now I’m not sure I’ll be able to go back to my usual taxi! Next time, I have my eye on even more services like a masseuse for a post–fashion week treat and professional hair and makeup for attending the most noteworthy shows. And while the services make a ton of sense while traveling, I’m not not scheming about booking in my hometown too. A mixologist for my husband’s upcoming birthday party? The perfect surprise. A chef to create a special at-home evening when my parents are in town? Done.

Paris hotels are known to be exceptionally tiny. Paris apartments, generally also not the most spacious. But this magical apartment in the Marais felt like a palace. I could have learned a gymnastics floor routine in the living room. My habitually overpacked self was in heaven.

One of the things I love about Airbnb is there’s such a range of accommodations, whether you’re looking for something low-key or ready to splash out for a special occasion. In Paris, I’m always looking for charm (those classic wood beams are iconic) and a location right in the heart of the bustling Marais, where the vintage shopping is exceptional.

Travel gives you the opportunity to live in ways you wouldn’t dream of at home, and I think a boat tour on the Seine is peak tourist in the best way. I collect memories and experiences like others might collect coins or stamps, and I’ll never forget cruising down the river on a private boat with my family sipping champagne.

The number of truly delightful-sounding experiences offered in Paris is staggering. Despite being tempted by croissant baking and wine tasting, I was drawn to a tour of the Orangerie. I had previously visited Monet’s house out in Giverny and was excited to see the rooms specifically built to house the artist’s massive, curved water lily paintings. Our tour guide was a master storyteller with endless deep-cut tidbits that brought the paintings to life. Our guide, Maurizio, also got bonus points for being incredibly patient with the hectic pace of a roaming toddler.

After my last show of the week, I met my husband and daughter for international family photo shoot round two. Airbnb recommended Sofiane for the booking, and when we got the photos back, I was again so grateful to have this moment in time captured. At the risk of stating the obvious, a professional is going to capture you and your loved ones with exponentially more care than the nearest tourist you ask for a snap. I have fewer pictures with all three of us together since either my husband or I are usually taking the picture, which makes these all the more precious. Like in Tokyo, the cost was significantly more affordable than if I had done a shoot locally. I’m dreaming of a little photo album for my daughter with all our family shoots around the world. A win all around—and a travel hack that holds up whether I’m on vacation or carving out a moment between fashion shows.

Fashion month has officially come to a close for the fall/winter 2026 collections. The shows at Paris Fashion Week offered us a preview of the trends that will mold fashion for the remainder of 2026. Last season, we saw many debut collections from newly appointed creative directors at the biggest fashion houses in the industry. This season, we observed as the designers settled into the maisons—some doubling down on historic house codes, and others continuing to establish their distinct points of view.

So, how did this net out for the biggest trends at PFW? At the Paris shows, we saw the return of romance, high-impact accessories that were key for styling, and a strong endorsement of the biggest color trend of the year. Ahead, read more on the five biggest fall/winter 2026 trends to know from PFW.

Many designers doubled down on the royal purple color trend that has been dominant throughout fashion month. At Chanel, a breezy ruffled top and pants look tapped into Chemena Kamali's take on boho. At Celine, Michael Rider presented a purple leather trench coat, as well as gloves and bags in a distinct shade. At Loewe, an asymmetrical textured mini dress was executed in a deep purple color. We're already seeing this color trending amongst style insiders and expect it to be a defining color this year.

In 2026, softer, more romantic pieces are appearing everywhere, from the runways to the street style scene to the red carpet. There is a sense of intentional frivolity and diffused dressing that is really making an impact on and off the runways. Simply put, we're seeing the return of romance, and 2026 is marking a shift toward soft fashion that is lighthearted and playful and just may make us add some whimsy back into our wardrobes.

In past seasons, we've tracked the emergence of '80s oversize suiting with big, bold shoulders and masculine proportions. Then, the rise of "soft power" dressing with the infusion of more feminine silhouettes in suiting and officewear. Now, we're seeing a rise in the return of skirt suits on the runways. It's a clear departure from oversize pantsuit proportions and a movement towards reimagined ways to wear polished skirt sets, whether it's ladylike tweed or sheer, alluring lace.

There are always standout styling techniques that emerge at Paris Fashion Week, which define what cool dressers will be wearing the following season. At the recent shows, it was all about scarves wrapped and tied around the neck—something we saw on the runway at shows such as Loewe and Celine. Rather than a typical scarf, these styles stand out for the thick and bulky shapes, making them architectural and sculptural in nature.

Shearling outerwear has been on the rise in recent years, but we saw it take on an even more specific form on the fall/winter 2026 runways. The styles designers are sending down the runways are draped and almost fluid in form. At Dior, Jonathan Anderson executed this in the form of a Bar jacket-inspired piece with a peplum shape. At Alaïa, too, Pieter Mulier showcased an hourglass shape in the plush materials. At Miu Miu, Miuccia Prada focused on car coat silhouettes.

While I definitely get excited to see the fashion month shows from the major houses, one of the things I look forward to the most every season are the up-and-coming brands. They’re the ones that usually leave me feeling the most inspired, from the unbridled collections to the shows that feel more like performance art. It's a special time to discover something new, whether it’s a familiar name continuing to challenge conventions or coming across a designer I haven’t heard of before.

This kind of discovery is one of my favorite parts of my work, and fashion month is the perfect time for it. As runways always do, this inevitably influences the ways we think about shopping for the season ahead.

For S/S 25, I wrote about the emerging designers that I loved at New York Fashion Week. This season, I'm expanding my focus to the entire F/W 26 fashion month calendar. Below, shop the designers that stood out to me on the latest runways across every city, from Copenhagen to Paris.

Fashion Month F/W 26 Emerging Designers

Brands to remember: Nicklas Skovgaard, OpéraSport, Caro Editions, Paolina Russo

Copenhagen Fashion Week consistently has some of the coolest brands in any market. This season, Nicklas Skovgaard, OpéraSport, Caro Editions, and Paolina Russo especially caught my eye. For me, Caro Editions truly epitomized the glamorous dressing trend, and it was one of the standout collections of the week. I’m also currently eyeing an OpéraSport baseball hat or bag for myself.

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Brands to remember: Gabe Gordon, Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen, Mel Usine, Jane Wade, Colleen Allen, Pipenco

Living in New York, my hometown fashion week is, of course, New York Fashion Week. At Gabe Gordon, knitwear remains the signature, and there was a timely nod to ice skating as well. Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen’s post-show press release cited “pre-industrial pregnancy corsets, sanitary belts, and maternity wear” as references, with materials like secondhand linens and vintage nylon bringing that vision to life.

Mel Usine, which debuted this past spring, continued building on its foundation with a second collection drawing from historical research, French lore, and medieval dressing. And Jane Wade’s The Summit brought her workwear lens outdoors, leaning into performance and expedition wear, including a shoe collaboration with Sorel.

Others who left the biggest impression on me include Colleen Allen, who has become one of the most beloved names at NYFW for editors, and Pipenco, a one-of-a-kind fantastical line designed by Romanian designer Lorena Pipenco.

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Brands to remember: Conner Ives, Chopova Lowena, Tolu Coker, Petra Fagerström, Pauline Dujancourt, Lucila Safdie

London Fashion Week truly might be my favorite part of the fashion month calendar. Beyond the household names like Burberry and Vivienne Westwood, I always love keeping up with the designers coming out of Central Saint Martins, along with the other emerging brands that show each season. For F/W 26, my top shows were Conner Ives, Chopova Lowena, Tolu Coker, Petra Fagerström, Pauline Dujancourt, and Lucila Safdie, many of which can be shopped at Nordstrom, Net-a-Porter, and Farfetch.

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Brands to remember: Avavav, Florania, Institution by Galib Gassanoff, Casa Preti

I like seeing what Avavav does each Milan Fashion Week. The label consistently puts on theatrical (and often satirical) shows with an absurdist approach to design. Founded in Florence and now based in Stockholm, it’s become known for its tongue-in-cheek runway presentations, and this season was no different. Beyond that, Florania, Institution by Galib Gassanoff, and Casa Preti were also particularly memorable.

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Brands to remember: Julie Kegels, Hodakova, Matières Fécales, Vaquera

Along with LFW, Paris Fashion Week has my heart. Some of the highlights included baby blue tights at Julie Kegels, a makeshift bra made of teacups at Hodakova, jaw-dropping, over-the-top couture-inspired looks at Matières Fécales, and an unexpected twist on bridalwear (with a baby's breath bouquet) at Vaquera, as pictured above. In terms of incorporating these brands into my own wardrobe, Vaquera's Pretty Boy T-Shirt, which has a graphic of a Chihuahua (my favorite dog), is currently on my wish list.

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For those less in the fold, Paris Fashion Week is the last of the ‘Big Four’ cities on the schedule. Last, but certainly not least. In fact, most would probably say that Paris is the most exciting of all. From big players like Dior, Chanel, Loewe, Balenciaga and Chloe, to cult favourites like Acne Studios and Jean Paul Gaultier, as well as some of Britain’s finest like Victoria Beckham, Stella McCartney and McQueen, it’s a jam-packed schedule of one stellar show after another. As such, us editors on the ground are both inspired and exhausted in equal measure by the very end. The shows! The presentations! The parties! The trends! There’s so much to do, see, touch and enjoy, it really is sensory overload. But one we’re happy to have.

Autumn/winter 2026 is an interesting time and a highly anticipated season in fashion. The autumn/winter collections are always a bigger focus than spring/summer, so there’s a higher degree of pressure to deliver. What’s more is after the ‘big reshuffle’ that took place in time for last season, with over 16 new creative directors at major houses, this was the sophomore collection for a lot of high-power luxury brands and the debut of their autumn/winter vision for the respective brands.

In light of this, there’s simply so much to unpack. Particularly so with the major trends that came through from the French capital. To name a few, I noticed a lot of sharp tailoring, some expected and others less so. From Saint Laurent to Givenchy, Dior to Victoria Beckham and Tom Ford, sharp suits had a major moment. There were equestrian influences, too, to marry with the Year of the Horse. Stella McCartney even presented her collection in an actual riding hall with a magnificent horse show at the centre.

Adding to this, check prints, waterproof garments in transparent plastic materials as well as multiple collections that echoed last season’s obsession with the ‘80s, it was yet another display of joy, colour and fantasy.

5 Key Trends From Paris Fashion Week: Autumn/Winter 2026

1. Horse Power

Style notes: According to the Lunar New Year, 2026 is the Year of the Horse. And let’s just say fashion got the memo. From Stella McCartney’s horse show extravaganza within the Paris riding hall Bois de Boulogne, to Acne Studios, Chloe and Hermes (of course) bringing full horse girl energy by way of over-the-knee boots, belted blazers and silk neckerchiefs, equine influences were scattered throughout the week. Whilst equestrian style can venture into feeling slightly preppy, prim and proper, it is here sharp and streamlined. Whilst McCartney's version felt sportier and slightly more casual with jeans, Schiaparelli's three-piece suit in butter yellow was cinched and snatched.

2. Check Mate

Style notes: Check prints will always have some kind of presence on the runways, because let's face it, they're timeless. But this season there were too many to count, and in different variations. Where Dior, Dries van Noten and Acne Studios layered multiple checks one on top of the other, especially on tailoring and outerwear, Chloe stayed true to its bohemian roots, with a ruffled high neck maxi dress. At Matthieu Blazy's Chanel we expected checks across tweed sets, but not like they came in the closing few looks. Chainmail tartan midi skirts, jewel-adored blazers and trench coats finalised his epic collection—and cemented the resoundingly positive reviews.

3. Against the Elements

Style notes: It may come as no surprise that an autumn/winter season might provide much protection against the cold and wet weather. But be it Loewe's XXXL rubberised coats, vinyl trench coats at Off-White and Louis Vuitton and metallic windbreakers at Cecilie Bahnsen, practicality was a major focus on the outerwear front. Even Haider Ackermann's triumphant collection at Tom Ford, which many likened to the costume in the 2000 film American Psycho with its array of sharp '80s-style suits, also included a series of clear plastic waterproof garments, from hooded raincoats to skirts. If you're as much a fan of the film as I am, you'll remember the protagonist Patrick Bateman putting on a plastic raincoat in a specifically violent scene. Of course, none of these connotations are carried with these pieces, but the stylised and cinematic quality this use of plastic gave, instead of feeling cheap, was well noted amongst editors and critics alike.

4. Avant-Garde Silhouettes

Style notes: If there's one thing we love in fashion, it's drama. We live for vibrant colour palettes, the mixing of materials, prints and, naturally, a few voluminous silhouettes. This season wasn't exactly a sea of streamlined cuts—quite the opposite. For Mugler it was all about the strong shoulder, as ever the house stayed true to its '80s DNA. Meanwhile at Victoria Beckham, it was a dress with cut outs at the waist that left a notably on-brand 'V' shape at the front, that made an impact. At other designers, the extreme, almost avant-garde silhouette took a more dramatic formation. Louis Vuitton closed its show with several heavy shouldered, spatial pieces, that felt more like a work of art than clothing. Similarly at Vacquera, a bridal look came in a spherical shape. But my favourite of all the innovative shapes came on a deep red velvet dress at Jean Paul Gaultier, which followed a fishtail silhouette, but was—as ever with Gaultier—so much more than this.

5. Fur, Fur, Fur

Style notes: Faux fur—in its many forms—is officially back again in autumn/winter 2026. ICYMI, it had a major presence in the winter collections in 2025, but new tones, textures and coat cuts make this timeless style feel fresh. Saint Laurent's ultra short, but oh-so big on the shoulders, belted jacket was nothing shy of impactful. As too was Givenchy's take on an animal print full-length number, which I particularly enjoyed with the pairing of red accessories. Zimmermann on the hand showcased a series of furry shawls in different shades of brown. Some tied together with a brooch, other jacket or coat styles were belted, or worn loose and effortlessly off the shoulders. But my favourite of the brand's fur accents was the green-tinged lapels on the the khaki leather bolero, which when paired over the lace skirt and lingerie bodice, felt like true twenties perfection.

In his first two collections for Celine, Michael Rider finessed preppy style on the runway, doubling down on printed satin scarves, primary colors, neckties, and derby sneakers. His take on the prep aesthetic took an approach of classics with a twist—looks that were subverted with giant sunglasses, skinny pants, and leather bags with smile-shaped zippers. For fall 2026, the prep has been dialed back, but a similar approach is intact. “Classics is one thing, but we like bite,” Rider shared with Vogue.

Held at the Institut de France, the venue marks a new home for the Maison’s runway shows. With tailored outerwear, draping, and kick-flare pants, the collection still taps into the bourgeois that is quintessential Celine, yet Rider introduced a new direction for the brand. “At its best, Celine is a style: a mix of old and new that feels urgent and dreamy,” Rider shared in the show notes. “Making the things we all dream of finding and wearing.” Perhaps that makes Rider’s Celine just so compelling—he is a master at designing the elusive pieces we’ve been fantasizing about discovering and adding to our closets, all while showing the most directional ways to style them. Ahead, more on the Celine fall/winter 2026 collection and how it will translate to how the fashion set will be dressing this year.

Classics With Bite

When Rider refers to classics with bite, we see this play out on the runway with unlikely pairings. Offsetting the impeccably tailored outerwear, there were eccentric accessories: kooky hats, muffler scarves covering the necks and faces, and necklaces and bracelets covered with charms and shells.

Royal Purple

The definitive color of the fall/winter 2026 season: royal purple. It appeared on the Celine runway with a floor-sweeping trench coat, leather gloves, and a new bag silhouette designed with Triomphe hardware. The color also appeared in the collection of brands such as Loewe and Chloé, and we’re predicting it will take over this year.

Kick-Flares

In Rider’s previous Celine collections, relaxed trousers and skinny pants were the dominant silhouettes. Shapes are shifting on the runway with kicky cropped flares worn with peplum coats, animal-print jackets, and sharply pointed boots.

The Sunglasses

Celine has a strong eyewear business, including its oval-shaped Triomphe sunglasses, which have been a key buy since they were released in recent years. The metal-rimmed styles presented on the fall/winter 2026 runway are the next standout buy in the category.

The industry has been waiting all fashion month for Matthieu Blazy's fall/winter 2026 collection for Chanel. At Paris Fashion Week last season, Blazy showed his debut collection after joining the maison from Bottega Veneta—a collection that was received with acclaim. That show was followed by Blazy's first Métiers d'Art show, which took place in an abandoned subway station in NYC, as well as the creative director's debut couture collection. Each collection gave us an initial glimpse of Blazy's vision for Chanel.

The fall/winter 2026 collection is Blazy's second ready-to-wear collection for the fashion house—a significant moment, as it showcases how Blazy is settling into Chanel and where his vision will take it in the future. "I wish to create a canvas for women to be unapologetically who they are and who they want to be,” Blazy shared in the show notes. From new riffs on the iconic tweed skirt suits to the accessories poised to create a shopping frenzy, Blazy is putting his own stamp on the Chanel house and inviting a new shopper into the brand. Ahead, read more on Matthieu Blazy's fall/winter 2026 collection for Chanel.

The Blazy Tweed Skirt Suit

Blazy revisited some of the house codes on the runway and specifically doubled down on the Chanel skirt suit. "The suit serves as the central canvas, ready to reflect whoever wears it. Boldly reimagined, it encompasses ribbed knits to classic tweeds and intricate fabrics woven with artificial fibres, lurex, and silicone alongside natural gauze," the show notes shared. Blazy's vision for the skirt suit is executed in intricately woven textiles and thick trim and styled with untucked shirts that lend a more casual approach to the traditional pieces.

Drop Waists

A running theme on the runway: drop waists. Executed in everything from ankle-length dresses to low-slung miniskirts, the dropped-waist silhouette taps into the 1920s silhouettes that were popular in the early days of the Chanel house.

Ornamental Dresses

A signature on Blazy's Chanel runway? Ornamental pieces that are instilled with a sense of joy. On the fall/winter 2026 runway, this resulted in embellished dresses in shades of celadon, bubblegum pink, and sherbet that are primed to be in hot demand for the red carpet.

The New Bags

After the frenzy that ensued in Paris when Blazy's first pieces arrived at Chanel boutiques, all eyes were on the accessories. The latest bags are already selling out at stores, so we're keeping a close eye on the upcoming styles set to hit the market later this year. Standout styles on the runway include Blazy's new interpretation of the classic flap style adorned with an extra chain detail along the bag, crocodile finishes, and new CC-lock closures.

The New Shoes

Blazy's Chanel shoes have proven to be as in-demand as his bag designs. For fall, we can expect to see new versions of the iconic toe-cap design executed in shades of azure and burgundy, striped glove pumps, heeled loafers with CC hardware, and highly textured heels that incorporate layered textiles and ornamental details.

As the lights dimmed inside the Louvre, an audience dotted with A-listers and fashion industry legends settled in as the Louis Vuitton fall/winter 2026 collection began to emerge. Some guests were instantly drawn to the handbags, while others were captivated by the folklore-inspired, slightly whimsical world ushered in by creative director Nicolas Ghesquière. But the real standout from the show might have been the detail that created the least amount of spectacle. Rather than an over-the-top statement piece or a micro-trend, it was a fresh take on classic pumps that quietly caught the attention of editors and insiders alike.

Part of what made the moment even more noteworthy upon review is that we had just seen a similar style walk down the runway at Chanel under the direction of Matthieu Blazy just the day before. Two major fashion houses with such distinct visual identities landing on a similar shoe structure during the same fashion week? This is often the signal that a wider shift is underway. Take a look at this winning style.

And the trend that connects it all is a modern take on classic pumps. Rather than the traditional, straightforward stiletto silhouette, designers are reworking the classic style through contrasting colors, high vamps, sculptural elements, unusual textures, and statement finishes. Now, see it for yourself.

On the Runway

Now, this is a silhouette that feels both nostalgic and modern at once—familiar enough to those of us who once collected pumps only to watch them fall to the wayside for a few years, yet updated in a way that makes them feel brand new. It was the kind of shoe style that fashion people immediately clock as something that will live far beyond a single season.

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After a relatively quiet few years for pumps, classic heels have been steadily reemerging in recent seasons, and 2026 is shaping up to be a peak moment for the silhouette. If the reaction inside the room was any indication, collectors and fashion insiders alike are more than ready to wear it again. Below, find proof that Alaïa, The Row, Victoria Beckham, and more are already on board.

It's been a particularly busy fashion month, and whether reporting live from the front row at London Fashion Week or celeb-spotting in New York, one thing I always make time for, whatever the city, is to note the street-style trends. Designers may set the tone for what we're going to wear next season, but the crowds outside the shows are a strong indicator of what's resonating now. One standout this season? Just how much stylish Parisians love denim.

If you thought the typical French wardrobe was still bouclé jackets, cigarette trousers and ballet pumps, I can assure you that times have drastically changed. People in the French capital love experimenting with shape, colour and texture, and whilst the French will always be known for their appreciation of the classics, modern dressers are also incorporating playful pieces and fun accessories into their looks, refreshing what we consider to be the archetypal French "uniform".

This March, Paris was full of spring-ready outfits built around denim staples. Yes, there were jeans and blouses, jeans and tees, jeans and jackets, jeans and… well, just about anything, but there were also plenty of denim jackets and skirts, too. For too long, humble denim has been relegated to casual territory, but Parisians know how to style it up to its full potential.

Curious as to how you can make denim feel fresh in 2026? Keep scrolling to see the five denim trends that have been doing the rounds this PFW for some inspiration. After all, it's one of the fashion capitals of the world for very good reason.

1. Ultra-Distressed Jeans

Style Notes: Parisians might have a reputation for being polished, but that's not going to stop them from getting into a down-and-dirty denim trend like roughed-up, distressed jeans. If they look like they've been slept in, rolled around in and worn day in and day out for years, they get the cool-girl stamp of approval. We called it first, and the rise of the "messy girl" aesthetic is a rally against the quiet-luxury, clean-girl look that has dominated fashion for the past couple of years. This season, it pays to look like you haven't tried too hard, so don't.

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2. White Jeans

Style Notes: Yes, you can wear cream, ecru and white trousers outside of summer, and at Paris Fashion Week, attendees were wearing white washes of denim with warmer layers like funnel-neck jackets and mohair cardigans over tanks and tees. There's something surprisingly luxe about cream denim in looser, relaxed fits, but especially when accessorised with heels and chic mini bags.

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3. Quirky Details

Style Notes: With so many pairs of straight-legged indigo and true-blue jeans on the market, Parisians are looking for a point of difference that makes their denim stand out. Little touches like studs, embroidery, reworked waistbands, contrast stitching and raw hems help turn simple jeans into a talking point, and follow the lead of designers like Coperni, Acne and Diesel, who are rewriting the denim rulebook in the 2020s.

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4. Double Denim

Style Notes: Perhaps it's time to rebrand the "Texan tuxedo" as the "French fancy", because whilst Americans have moved away from double denim, Europeans are leaning into it. Unlike the original slim fit of the '80s and '90s, this time around, we're doing double denim supersized. Baggy jeans stuffed into boots, balloon jackets tucked into waistbands: the bigger the better for Parisians who are adopting this easy outfit combo for a dose of off-duty cool. Sorry, skinnies, this look is all about roomy denim that prioritises comfort.

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5. Long Denim Skirts

Style Notes: I would be remiss not to include skirts on a list of the best denim trends to come out of Paris this season. Often falling well below jeans, jackets and shorts in the best-denim rankings, the overlooked denim skirt is just as versatile as its cousins, but with a little more spring/summer appeal (if you ask this editor). On days when clingy jeans are just too much, long denim skirts strike the perfect balance between coverage and airy freedom, and the French prefer theirs in mid-blue washes that go with everything from blouses to bomber jackets.

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The best thing about a Miu Miu show is that you never know what you're about to see. Mrs. Prada has been leading the fashion charge for decades now, constantly putting clothing and accessories and interesting style choices on the runway that no one else is touching out of fear of them not being beautiful enough. And yet somehow, even if it seems off at the time, they all eventually come around. By then, of course, when her weird, almost-ugly vision is trending everywhere, Miuccia is onto the next thing.

This season, there was no shortage of things that may give someone pause. There were fedoras, zig-zag headbands, leather garden clogs, opera-length mittens. Sure, there were minidresses and sheer tops, but the clothing wasn't particularly sexy. At least to the plain eye. This season, Mrs. Prada was interested in exploring intimacy in a different way. It wasn't about showing skin but about the ways in which our clothes hug our bodies with tender love and care.

Fedora Flashback

Last season, Miuccia was responsible for the sudden interest in apron dresses, with a collection inspired by working women and finding glamour in their uniforms. This season, she may just do the impossible and make fedoras trend again. Models wore them on the very top of their head, so that they tilted almost comically, with a slant that seemed to defy gravity but didn't. The effect was purposeful, as Mrs. Prada opened her show notes titled Mindful Intimacy with, "The smallness of our human bodies, in the vastness of our world."

An Exploration of Mindful Intimacy

The conversation around sensuality in clothing is often limited to how others perceive it. A dress is sexy if someone else considers it sexy. We are often pressured to dress in ways we think others will find appealing. Mrs. Prada, though, wants us to consider a different kind of relationship; not the one others have with our bodies, but the one we have with our own.

In the show notes, she writes, "Garments embrace the body, prioritizing and valuing that inside. Pulled close to the skin, washed fabrications give a gentleness and feeling, affording a sensuality to cloth, and a sense of human experience. The idea of the antique is not about the passage of history, but about existing within times." This notion felt particularly prevalent in the way the clothing clung to the body, with wrinkles and signs of wear. What made them sexy was the fact that you could tell they were living, wrapped around the body, as it moved through life. That's real intimacy: to be loved so much that you are worn.

The Mishmash of Garden Clogs, Sparkles, and Bows

Aside from setting trends in terms of what accessories and garments will become popular, Miu Miu also has a way of inspiring people to wear things in ways they've never even fathomed. This is all thanks to stylist Lotta Volkova, who styles the Miu Miu shows with a so-wrong-it's-right sensibility. This season, there were dresses worn with slim, bedazzled sneakers and fur coats worn with slides. Every look was idiosyncratic, which, in turn, gave it real personality. If these looks could talk, they'd have things to say and an entire backstory. The Miu Miu girl doesn't just present—she actually lives.

The Summer I Wore Miu Miu

Miu Miu always brings out the best crowd, and everyone seemed particularly excited to see Lola Tung from The Summer I Turned Pretty. Other notable guests included Paloma Elsesser, Nina Dobrev, Tyla, and Daisy Edgar-Jones. Chloë Sevigny and Gillian Anderson also walked the show. The most interesting thing about the Miu Miu crowd every season is the fact that their personal style always shines through in their looks.

Earlier on during Paris Fashion Week, The Row staged a runway for its Winter 2026 collection that was, in keeping with the brand's no-phone traditions, quiet, mysterious, and under wraps until they said so. Showgoers who attended spoke about how the Paris light and unseasonably warm weather flooded into the venue space and how afterwards, they were treated to a carton of cherries and blackberries—a thoughtful touch that the brand has become known for.

With the week's shows winding down, we're finally able to dive into the offering now that images have been published, and as usual, it was worth the wait. Filled with all the savvy and carefully studied features that always delight us about The Row, the collection was also notably unfussy. Workhorse staples and couture-esque craftsmanship lived side-by-side in many looks, becoming both aspirational and inspirational at once. Winter 2026 also continues with the maximalism and texture from last season, with touches of velvet ribbons and sheer organza punctuating the pared-back tailoring.

From new suiting silhouettes to the expert deployment of sheer layering, these are the key elements that every fashion person will look to emulate. Here, we're unpacking the winter 2026 collection's top-level takeaways and the potential new It items to know.

Advanced Sheer Layering

A string of pearls peeking through from underneath a sheer turtleneck. An organza top layered over a poplin tunic. These were the styling tactics employed by The Row that indicated a truly advanced level of layering that felt like nothing we'd seen before. Sheer dressing is hardly novel, yet this collection managed to deploy translucent fabrics in an innovative way that only The Row could.

Slimmer Silhouettes

Slouchy, relaxed looks, once the calling card of the brand's ready-to-wear, were all but absent on this runway, where the tailoring was decidedly more slim-fitted. Cigarette trousers and shrunken jackets were the heroes of The Row's fall lineup, and it indicates a larger shift that we've been taking note of across the runways this season. The close cuts and precise tailoring of the late '90s are officially back.

An Update on Maximalism

If the arrival of opulent textures like feathers and sequins took The Row into a new era of maximalism last season, the winter 2026 show was an evolution of where their unique take on louder looks is heading. The answer was a series of looks that incorporated stealthy texture—whether it was through a fur-trimmed pencil skirt, sparse feather collar, or shredded velvet ribbons.

It-Item Potential: Polished Pumps

It wouldn't be a report on The Row runway if we weren't zooming in on the accessories. The shoes and bags tend to be on the fast track for It-item status, and this season, it was the polished pumps that took center stage. Classic point-toe heels finished off many of the looks, and they were styled mainly with a pair of sheer black or gray tights, lending a ladylike finish to skirts and beautiful coats.

The Necklines to Know

Elegance is always in at The Row, and as they seem to say each season, less is more to that end. The way to do modern elegance in 2026? It's all in the silhouette. Curved boat necklines arrived on several shift dresses on this runway, and their collarbone-framing shape makes even something as simple as an LBD feel altogether more special.

I’ve been monitoring Victoria Beckham’s style for years, and I have to say, she’s always at her chicest in Paris.

Returning to the French capital at least twice a year for the Victoria Beckham runway show, she’s well acquainted with dressing for the world’s most stylish city. Not one to dip in and out of trends at pace, Beckham instead relies on a carefully curated wardrobe of enduring staples to see her through. Chief among them? Her signature puddle pants.

Stepping out alongside a flurry of models who had just walked her show, Beckham emerged in a styling formula that has never failed her. Opting for a sleek two-piece in a rich grey tone, she paired a relaxed, boxy blazer with deep grey trousers that pooled elegantly around her shoes.

The wide-leg cut of the trousers ensured comfort—a necessity during the chaos of runway preparations—whilst the elongated, floor-grazing hemline kept the look sleek and streamlined. Paired with the structured blazer, the silhouette felt sharp enough for the occasion, but relaxed enough to avoid feeling overly styled or rigid.

Of course, the key to mastering puddle pants lies in the shoe pairing. Flats can quickly lead to tripping hazards, but an extra-tall heel allows the fabric to skim the floor in a far more elegant way.

If they’re good enough to accompany Beckham on her regular trips to Paris, they’re certainly good enough for me. Scroll on to shop the chicest puddle pants to recreate her look below.

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We made it—this very long, jam-packed fashion month is coming to a close. If you've been following along on Who What Wear this season, you know that we've been bringing you every update there is to know during NYFW, LFW, MFW, and now, PFW, from the noteworthiest runway moments to the best celebrity looks to behind-the-scenes updates on Instagram to, of course, the street style. As the show attendees will attest, after four cities, that's a lot of outfits, but per usual, they saved some of their best looks for last. The Paris Fashion Week street style vibe is arguably the most elegant and refined, but that doesn't mean the fashion crowd doesn't experiment with trends.

I combed through hundreds of PFW street style images and selected the best looks of the week, all of which represent current trends or outfit formulas that feel fresh and worth your attention. The celebrities, editors, models, influencers, and fashion execs who were photographed heading to and from the shows know what's cool, so trust me—scrolling through won't be a waste of your time. With that, scroll on to see the best looks straight from the streets of Paris Fashion Week and shop similar pieces to get the look.

Paris Fashion Week Street Style F/W 26

The Formula: Red Turtleneck + Black Sweater + Khaki Skirt + Tights + White Pumps

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The Formula: Floral-Print Crop Top + Cropped Skinny Pants + Flip-Flops

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The Formula: Cream Bomber Jacket + White Tee + Cream Trousers + Brown Suede Shoes

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The Formula: Button-Down + Matching Scarf + Dark-Wash Jeans + Ankle Boots

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The Formula: Blazer + Matching Trousers + Pointed-Toe Shoes

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The Formula: Trench Coat + Running Shorts + Pumps

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The Formula: Leather Coat + Black Top + Lace-Trimmed Skirt + Pumps

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The Formula: Red Dress + Red Bag + Black Pumps

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The Formula: Leather Bomber Jacket + V-Neck Sweater + Miniskirt + Tights + Ankle Boots

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The Formula: Leather Bomber Jacket + Brown Scarf-Sweater + Matching Shorts + Tights + Pumps

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The Formula: Red Funnel-Neck Jacket + Trousers + White Pumps

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The Formula: Leather Trench + Silky Dress + Pumps

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The Formula: Red Sweater + Matching Scarf + Red Bag + Light-Wash Jeans + Pumps

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The Formula: Black Turtleneck + Brown Suede Skirt + Tights + High-Heel Sandals

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The Formula: Leopard-Print Jacket + Black Pants + Zebra-Print Heels

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It’s been a minute since Hermès truly leaned into a hyper-specific mood—not just impeccable craft or quiet luxury but an atmosphere you can feel as much as you see. In a fashion climate that increasingly prizes shock value and visual flash, the Hermès fall/winter 2026 show felt like a deliberate shift into something more enigmatic, moody, and quietly compelling. Creative Director Nadège Vanhee, who’s long championed discreet elegance, took that signature Hermès rigor and let it breathe with a kind of dusky sensuality that lingered like the last light of day. It isn't the first time the maison has taken a step in a sultrier direction. In retrospect, last season's highly praised spring/summer 2026 show felt like it was leading up to this moment for Vanhee and the brand.

This wasn’t a show about loud moments or viral outfits. (Though, there were plenty worth talking about.) It was a show about vibe, atmosphere, and a deeply felt aesthetic that hovered somewhere between twilight and night. Hermès wrote about the collection as a moment “when perception heightens and senses sharpen,” calling upon the moment between dusk and dawn, where fading light warps all. This is Hermès, after all, where beauty, craft, and elegance meet in the middle. Plus, seeing an enviable Kelly Bag go down the runway doesn't hurt the glamour, either.

Below, read our full recap of the Hermès fall/winter 2026 show during Paris Fashion Week.

Into the Twilight World

Hermès didn’t just decorate the space—it activated it. The moment you walked in, you felt the show’s concept: that beautiful, fleeting hour of dusk when the world softens and perception sharpens. Hydrated moss decorated the runway while a James Turrell–inspired light fixture washed the runway in the twilight color palette: deep blues and soft shadows, all adding to the overall mood Vanhee aimed to capture this season.

An Intentional Palette

Hermès’s palette this season was less about trend and more about temperature. Think oxblood that felt like the last warmth of sunset, moss green that almost melted into the runway floor, navy that fell into shadow, and mustard that popped like a glint of fading light. These weren’t seasonal colors tossed together hastily—they felt chosen with the same care Hermès puts into its leathers and cuts.

The Best of Bags

Let’s be honest: Hermès doesn’t need to prove that its bags are iconic. But seeing them here felt charged. Classic Kellys, structured Picotins, slouchy Hobo bags (and in unexpected exotic leathers!) weren’t just accessories; they were punctuation marks in a full-look narrative.

While the womenswear felt very dark, certain handbags in brighter and even neon-adjacent colors served as statement pieces for the more adventurous Hermès customer.

Horse-Girl Energy

Hermès’s equestrian roots surfaced with a confident wink this season. While the maison first began with an array of dedicated horse and riding goods, which still exist today, the fusion of equestrian wear and fashion was apparent this season: thigh-high riding boots that serve as fashion statements or jodhpurs, traditional riding pants, that were reimagined in sleeker silhouettes or in modern two-piece cuts.

After-Hours Beauty

Beauty at the Hermès fall/winter 2026 show nearly took center stage as much as the ready-to-wear and accessories. Smoky tones around the eyes, soft contours, and intentional under‑eye dimension read editorial without feeling too conceptual. It read as someone who’s been out all evening, is coming home in the wee hours of twilight, and looks even better doing it.

Hair was understated, barely there, letting the beauty, the lighting, and those beautifully crafted ready-to-wear pieces take center stage.

Anyone who knows me will know about my not-so-subtle penchant for French style. There’s just something about it: always elegant, always effortless, there's a reason Paris has long been regarded as the home of some of the chicest dressing in the world.

So when Paris Fashion Week rolls around and the city fills with some of the most stylish people on the planet, you know I won’t let the moment pass me by. Indulging in a little street style spotting, courtesy of the Parisian fashion set, I combed through the crowds to pinpoint the key trends gaining traction right now.

From the outerwear trend Parisians are actually wearing (hint: it’s not bouclé) to the new shoe silhouette overtaking ballet flats, below are the five street style trends from Paris Fashion Week March 2026 that are already taking off.

1. Red Jackets

Style Notes: Sorry, beige bouclé—fashion people in Paris are bundling up in red jackets instead. While red bomber and windbreaker styles made the biggest impact on the streets, I also spotted striking trench coats and tailored blazers in the shade throughout the week. Injecting a confident pop of colour into otherwise pared-back outfits, this bold outerwear choice added personality without compromising that enduring Parisian polish

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2. Archival Icons

Style Notes: I spotted countless fashion insiders carrying revived it bags, from the iconic Chloé Paddington Bag to the Celine Phantom Bag and Balenciaga Le City Bag. These once-beloved designs, many of which have been reissued in recent years, are clearly finding favour again.

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3. Bootcut Jeans

Style Notes: This season, the city’s most stylish dressers are swapping their straight-leg and baggy jeans for sleek bootcut silhouettes. Subtly flared through the calf, the shape elongates the leg while introducing a slightly bohemian, ‘70s-inspired feel.

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4. Lace-Trim

Style Notes: Delicate lace trims added a romantic flourish to many of the prettiest looks throughout the week. Spotted peeking out from skirts and slips, the detail brought a soft, feminine finish to outfits. Elegant and intricate, it also taps into the broader romantic aesthetic that continues to gain momentum this season.

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5. Square-Toe Heels

Style Notes: After seasons dominated by ballet flats and Mary Janes, heels are finally returning to the street style scene. But rather than delicate stilettos, the fashion set are stepping out in chunkier, more sculptural square-toe heels. Slightly more directional, and a little less traditionally “pretty”, this modern silhouette feels like a natural evolution, and one I suspect will soon make its way across the Channel, too.

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In 2026, the chic, well-dressed bride no longer conforms to societal expectations. She's taking a different approach, choosing the look that feels most authentic to her. This shift is evident in the choices we're seeing, from red wedding dresses and garments already in one's closet to selecting trousers over a gown or even a bolero instead of a veil. Brands are embracing this nontraditional movement as well, with Vivienne Westwood being a prime example.

On day six of Paris Fashion Week, Vivienne Westwood, under the creative direction of Andreas Kronthaler, showcased its fall 2026 collection. Kronthaler drew inspiration from Italian designer Danilo Donati as well as German French actress Romy Schneider, whom Kronthaler told Vogue "embodied everything. And she was a bit like Vivienne, a fearless woman who always went for the artistry."

The show featured 45 ready-to-wear looks, concluding with a single bridal ensemble worn by Swiss model Vivienne Rohner. The unconventional look included an unfinished ivory satin blazer and a maxi pencil skirt. It was accessorized with bow-adorned pumps, an avant-garde cylindrical headpiece, and a bouquet of radishes. The beauty styling reinforced the nontraditional theme with smudged red lipstick and a yellow manicure.

Vivienne Westwood, which has long challenged tradition and convention while referencing historical styles, built its bridal reputation on corseted gowns. A prime example is the iconic Nova Cora, famous for its internal bodice, folded off-the-shoulder neckline, and flowing satin draping—a look chosen by Demi Lovato for her wedding. However, Vivienne Westwood’s move for fall 2026 asks, What if the bride didn't wear a dress? This new ivory skirt suit answers that question in a way that feels modern, subtly rebellious, and unmistakably Westwood.

If you're a 2026 bride-to-be who wants to marry the Westwood way, keep scrolling to see the runway images for yourself and shop the chicest bridal suits available right now.

On the Runway

Vivienne Rohner and Andreas Kronthaler closing out the show

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Pierpaolo Piccioli has a tough job at Balenciaga. Heading a brand as big as this one comes with responsibilities that include pleasing shoppers who, prior to his arrival, were buying a very different aesthetic than the one the house is traditionally known for and satisfying buyers who desire a return to the Balenciaga of yore, when its founder, Cristóbal Balenciaga, established the house's codes. Piccioli's work is elegant, refined, and sophisticated, which is why so many Balenciaga traditionalists praised the brand's choice to bring him on. Demna—who left in 2025 and is now the creative director at Gucci—followed a more alternative direction during his decade-long tenure at the brand, leaning into streetwear and grunge-forward style. This is what makes Piccioli's task at hand such a difficult one. He has to meet the demands of both groups, not isolating those who've been shopping from the brand these last 10 years while also bringing in new and returning customers who desire a look that's more in line with Cristóbal Balenciaga's original vision.

Piccioli, who debuted his sophomore collection for Balenciaga this weekend during Paris Fashion Week, did just that, easing into his still-new position by checking off both customer bases' core boxes. According to the collection notes, "the centrality of and focus on the human form" for fall 2026 expanded the methodologies of Cristóbal Balenciaga, with "the body itself [becoming] the structure inside garments." The couturier's influence continued in the formal gowns that were strewn throughout the 81-look offering, ranging from beaded and sequined numbers that glittered with every step to equally elegant but less intricate draped-jersey options that revealed bits of skin and hugged the body in all the right places. Also featured, though, were casual, laid-back ensembles with leggings and cigarette jeans as focal points styled with furry outerwear and voluminous leather bomber jackets in bright, daring shades—nods back to the streetwear many have come to associate with Balenciaga.

"Different generations walk together in clothes created to symbiotically fuse them as a collective power yet celebrate them as individual forces united in being," the collection notes state. The Balenciaga of old and new found a home in the fall/winter 2026 offering, ushering in an entirely new era for the house Cristóbal Balenciaga built that blends both.

Scroll down to read and see more about Balenciaga's F/W 26 collection.

What is ClairObscur?

This aforementioned sense of duality also showed itself in an entirely different way in the collection. The fall/winter 2026 offering was titled ClairObscur, in reference to a High Renaissance art technique of the same name that explores the tension between darkness and light. "Light defined by its shadow, darkness always relieved with light," the collection notes describe. "The collection finds an interplay in these inherent antinomies, the certitude and truth that one cannot exist without the other." Clair-obscur effects can be seen on handbags, like the Midnight City and HG Avenue bags as well as d'orsay sneakers and expertly draped gowns.

Euphoria x Balenciaga

Anyone excited about the long-awaited new season of Euphoria got a hint of what's to come at the Balenciaga show. Piccioli teamed up with Euphoria creator Sam Levinson for the event, creating a backdrop for the collection's reveal that included clips from the forthcoming third season. To add emphasis to the collaboration, the soundtrack for the runway show featured tracks by one of Euphoria's newest cast members, Rosalía, and Labrinth, the singer-songwriter responsible for some of the show's most iconic scores. Another newcomer to the series, Danielle Deadwyler, sat front row and was featured on prints throughout the collection. Deadwyler also read out a line of text to kick off the show: "The forms of bodies could not be understood in detail, but for shadow—shadows are created by light."

It's 2012 Again

It's true: 2010s fashion is back, and Balenciaga's F/W 26 show is the final piece of proof we needed to make the era's sartorial return official. Let us explain. First, there were the apparel and accessories references, including ombré throughout, particularly on handbags, as well as leggings, cigarette jeans, platforms with cheeky peep-toe details, and sleek leather bomber jackets in bright shades like fuchsia and red. Then, of course, there was Josh Hutcherson, aka Peeta Mellark from The Hunger Games (2012), sitting in the front row. (Granted, he was there with the rest of his I Love LA costars, but we can't help but to think of him in THG first.) Micro minidresses and thigh-high moto boots only added to the 2010s aesthetic.

All-New Bags

Balenciaga's handbag selection has been especially buy-worthy over the last few seasons, and the Rodeo, specifically, has dominated in a landscape that's stocked with beautiful options. But the brand isn't resting on its laurels. Instead, Piccioli used the fall/winter 2026 show as an excuse to up the ante, debuting a handful of new styles and updated takes on existing ones, all of which will be spotted around the fashion world in a few months. The new Balenciaga bags include the HG Avenue bag and the George bag, two instant classics. Piccioli also showcased the Midnight City bag, a fresh take on the brand's iconic City bag that features the clair-obscur effect.

Hudson Williams: Balenciaga's New Face

Heated Rivalry star Hudson Williams has been making the rounds during fashion month, popping up in New York, Milan, and now Paris for the Balenciaga show. In February, the Canadian actor appeared alongside Harris Dickinson, Winona Ryder, and others in the brand's summer 2026 campaign, with Balenciaga calling him a "friend of the house" in a press release. A month later, he's sitting front row alongside both of his aforementioned costars in the campaign as well as the cast of I Love LA. Oh, and Piccioli's pup. For the occasion, Williams wore all black, including a smooth-leather bomber jacket and a matching handbag. Will he be announced as an official brand ambassador before the fall 2026 collection debuts in stores? Only time will tell.

Yes, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is chic seven days a week, but whenever she descends on Paris, somehow—despite already operating at an impossibly high bar—her style levels up even further.

So when I caught wind of her latest trip to the French capital during Paris Fashion Week, it didn’t take long before I was deep in a scroll session. By the time I reached the end of my research spiral, my notes app—and my packing list—were full.

Across her Paris wardrobe, a few standout pieces emerged, elevating otherwise simple outfits into something far more considered. Below, I’ve broken down the key buys that anchor Huntington-Whiteley’s Paris capsule wardrobe—and the three chic items I’m officially adding to my suitcase for my next trip.

Discover Rosie's Paris Capsule Wardrobe:

1. Chunky Knit:

Style Notes: Stepping out for an evening of Fashion Week events, Huntington-Whiteley forgoes dresses or skirts, instead opting for an ultra-sleek white suit. Bracing herself against Paris’s gusty early-spring chill, she draped a tonal chunky knit jumper over her shoulders. The thick cable-knit texture added dimension and warmth, whilst softening the formality of the tailored suit. Practical and visually interesting, it’s a styling trick I’ll be borrowing well into spring.

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2. Grey Trousers

Style Notes: Sometimes I get so stuck in a denim rotation that I forget the transformative power of a great pair of tailored trousers, and Rosie’s rich grey pair might be the chicest reminder I’ve seen in a while. Where jeans would have skewed more casual, the deep neutral shade brings a refined edge to her outfit. Styled with a simple fitted top and a glossy leather trench, the trousers ground the look and make the entire ensemble feel sharper and more deliberate.

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3. Long-Line Pencil Skirt

Style Notes: If there’s one new-season silhouette fashion people are backing this season, it’s the long-line pencil skirt. Rosie opted for a version in supple suede, with a soft light-brown tone. She leant into the skirt’s inherent sophistication by pairing it with open-toe heels, a sleek black turtleneck and oversized dark sunglasses, creating a chic, Paris-worthy look.

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The establishment is not feeling whimsical anymore—or at least that’s the prevailing mood on the runways lately, where a certain brand of serious, hyperpolished minimalist crafted brands have dominated our social media feeds. But childhood knows something the fashion cycle tends to forget: The most interesting worlds are the ones built out of imagination, a bit of chaos, and a willingness to play. The best clothes, in this editor's opinion, toe the line between meticulously crafted and delightfully absurd.

For their second season at Spanish fashion house Loewe, creative directors Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez seemed determined to remember exactly that. A sophomore outing is always a telling moment in a designer’s tenure—the point where the polite introductions are over and a clearer personality begins to emerge. If their debut established the parameters of a new Loewe, the fall/winter 2026 season suggested the pair are far less interested in solemn heritage than in what happens when craft gets a little mischievous. Think meticulous technique, yes, but also the slightly unhinged joy of dressing as if you’ve just raided a particularly deranged toy chest.

The result was a collection that felt less like a solemn continuation of Loewe’s legacy and more like the beginning of a new chapter—one where technical brilliance and childhood imagination coexist happily.

Below, read our full recap of the Loewe fall/winter 2026 collection during Paris Fashion Week.

Cool Kids Craft Club

For their sophomore outing at Loewe, creative directors Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez leaned fully into the house’s long-standing dialogue with craft—only this time, with a distinctly zesty twist.

The designers, who will serve as jurors for the Loewe Craft Prize for the first time this year, seemed keen to position craftsmanship not as reverent tradition but as a playground. Much of the collection was inspired by artist Cosima von Bonin, whose work merges meticulous technique with a sly sense of humor. That spirit came through in garments that felt both handmade and mischievous: sculptural knitwear, tactile embellishments, and pieces that revealed their construction almost proudly.

Polly Pocket Madness

If there was one moment that captured the gleeful weirdness of the collection, it was the latex. Dresses molded close to the body arrived stamped with intricate patterns, while rubber scarf details twisted around necklines and shoulders as surreal accessories plucked from a toy box. The effect felt almost Polly Pocket–like in spirit; kind of like a miniature world blown up to runway scale. Honestly, the clothes looked good enough to chew on.

Behind the playfulness was serious innovation. The house experimented with a new latex stamping technique that allowed for delicate textures—floral impressions, ripples, and embossed bow motifs—to appear almost sculpted into the surface.

Swim Shoe Style

Every season has its conversation-starting accessory, and this time it came in the form of a shoe that looked like it had wandered straight out of a beach bag. Loewe’s standout footwear transformed humble swim shoes you'd find at a summertime water park into cool kitten heels, creating a silhouette that was equal parts aquatic practicality and date-night glamour

The shoes were paired with sleek black mini dresses, dramatic fur stoles, and sharply cut outerwear, turning what could have been a novelty into a genuine fashion moment. It was wacky, unexpected, and oddly chic, the kind of accessory that instantly telegraphs a new delightfully strange direction.

The New Era of the Loewe Army

For years, Loewe’s front row functioned as a cultural mood board, filled with the kind of A-list personalities who shape the internet’s fashion discourse in real time—figures like Luca Guadagnino, Taylor Russel, and Josh O'Connor. Now, in their second season, McCollough and Hernandez appear to be building their own version of that ecosystem.

The guest list suggested the beginnings of a new Loewe “army,” one that reflects the designers’ broader creative universe. Actors, musicians, and internet-era tastemakers mingled in a crowd that felt intentionally eclectic. Sarah Pidgeon brought a rising-star cool factor, Emily Ratajkowski added downtown polish, and Metro Boomin injected the kind of cross-industry energy that fashion houses increasingly covet. Julia Garner, the brand's first global ambassador under McCollough and Hernandez, also attended.

The Proenza Boys Are Designing for Loewe Men

The Loewe fall/winter 2026 show marked a milestone: it was the first time McCollough and Hernandez extended their vision for the house into menswear. Their take on Loewe men leaned into classic tailoring—sharp wool coats, structured jackets, and neatly cut trousers—but injected it with the bold color instincts that have cemented Loewe as a kooky, playful maison. Neon green outerwear collided with royal purple corduroy pants, while traditional suiting fabrics were reimagined in unexpected color palettes.

On day five of Paris Fashion Week, Sarah Burton, creative director of Givenchy, unveiled her third collection for the house, emphasizing her intuitive portrayal of women's strengths. She achieved this by showcasing contrasts: soft versus structured, and feminine versus masculine elements. This balance was clear in the juxtaposition of tailored pieces—such as double-breasted suits (one worn by Timothée Chalamet at the 31st Annual Critics' Choice Awards), belted trousers, and peplum blazers—with flowing garments like relaxed, drapey blouses and capes, voluminous lace dresses, and footwear decorated with bows. While the collection was based on a palette of muted blacks and grays, it was enlivened by pops of color and animal prints.

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the fashion crowd gathered to see the highly anticipated collection. Cementing its status as a seasonal highlight, celebrities and style icons filled the front row. Notable attendees included Rooney Mara, Elizabeth Olsen, Diane Kruger, and Alexa Chung.

Burton has consistently challenged the idea of a single "type" of woman, telling The Financial Times, "Often as a designer, the first question you get asked is 'Who's your woman?' and that makes women sound like they're just one type of thing." Her view is to see women as a collective. Keep reading to discover more about Burton's F/W 26 collection for Givenchy.

Sensual Tailoring

In her first two seasons at Givenchy, Burton focused on rebuilding by establishing the foundation and structure. Now that she has found her footing, she has highlighted her technical skill, especially her craftsmanship of tailored suits and well-cut dresses. The collection was designed around the female form, emphasizing structure while respecting the body's natural shape. Key tailored pieces included fitted, short, double-breasted peplum jackets paired with slim trousers, as well as menswear-inspired blazers with broad shoulders styled with belted, pleated pants. For dresses, A-line, thin-strap styles with high slits offered glimpses of skin, alongside long skirts that elegantly followed the curve of the hips.

T-Shirts With a Twist

Northern European Old Masters paintings inspired parts of the collection, particularly the dramatic head coverings designed by British milliner Stephen Jones. "These headwraps are the most natural hair coverings there are," Jones states in a press release. "Just a T-shirt. Just a twist. But it's the right T-shirt, with the right twist." Crafted with sculptural volume and modern materials, these pieces echoed the shape of a wimple, but instead of symbolizing restraint, they framed the face with architectural precision, creating a bold, unmistakably powerful statement.

The New Shark Lock Boots

In the early 2010s, Givenchy launched its Shark Lock Boots, also known as the Knife Boots. They're characterized by their fold-over shaft, concealed wedge heels, and turn-lock hardware. This style became popular among Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, and Lindsay Lohan. Over the years, it was updated by Givenchy's prior creative directors, including Clare Waight Keller and Matthew M. Williams, with variations in height and materials. While reports have suggested that the brand has discontinued the boot, Burton appears to be bringing it back. In the F/W 26 collection, she unveiled the new Shark Lock Boots—a thigh-high style with silver or gold hardware across the front thigh area, featuring the same fold-over design and hidden heels.

Power Jewels

The portrayal of female power went beyond just tailored clothing to include jewelry. The pieces featured substantial collar necklaces and hanging earrings decorated with jewel-tone gems. Additional elements included heavy chains and studs made from materials like gold and wood. These accessories conveyed strength and protection while also enabling bold self-expression.

Leopard, Lace, and Lots of Color

The collection showcased an elegant blend of color and print set against classic blacks and grays. Bold splashes of sapphire blue highlighted velvet dresses, fuzzy shoes, long coats, and leather handbags. Lemon yellow was prominently featured in maxi and midi dresses, bow-adorned heels, and leather gloves. Cherry red added lively accents to head coverings, high-neck dresses, and draped blouses. While floral prints appeared, leopard print was a key motif, incorporated by Burton into strapless frocks, faux-fur coats, and square-neck bralette tops. Additionally, lace added richness and texture to the selection of eveningwear, from a white puff-sleeve minidress to a plunging-neckline black maxi dress.

The morning of the Schiaparelli show in Paris, creative director Daniel Roseberry posted a video on the maison's Instagram. In it he is seen walking through the streets of Paris, reflecting on when he first arrived at the brand.

"When I first got to Schiap," he says. "And I looked through the archives, the only thing that spoke to me was this brooch from Giacometti that was of a sphinx. I loved this half human, half animal, sphinx-like quality to Schiap." His inspiration has always been to build on that idea and to create a brand that contradicted itself.

The result is clothing that follows in Elsa Schiaparelli's footsteps. The late designer questioned the medium of fashion by making pieces that felt entirely unconventional, like dresses with skeletons embroidered on the torso and pockets with drawer pulls. Roseberry's latest collection for the brand featured tops made of crushed CDS, kitten heels that hiss at you, and knitwear that almost defies the rules of gravity. To many, Schiaparelli represents the clothing one might wear in a surreal dream, except the dream is very much a reality.

The Enigmatic Keyhole

At the beginning of his shownotes, Roseberry wrote about the enduring codes of the house. "There’s a secret inherent in Elsa’s most famous iconography: the keyhole. For some, it may just be a pleasing shape," he wrote. "But I think it symbolizes something more—both a challenge to the designer to unlock the potential of this brand, and a reminder that every woman is herself an enigma: to others, and to herself. Fashion is how she externalizes the mystery of who she is to the world." The keyhole was featured throughout the collection, on the tips of shoes and as a cut-out on long gowns.

Impossible Knitwear

Roseberry also said that he really wanted to explore the tension in fashion between fashion as a business and as a dream factory. This idea came across most clearly in the looks that he said contained "impossible knitwear," Aran cable knits with panels of illusion tulle that allows them to appear as though they are floating on the body of the wearer.

The Radicalism of Feeling Alive and As You Are

The reason that so many are drawn to Schiaparelli is the fact that Roseberry has created something that is radical without being alienating. He pondered this notion at the end of the show notes, writing, "Maybe that’s the ultimate legacy of what Elsa built: clothes that made women feel more alive with the dream of who they were…while also feeling comfortable with who they actually were. It was a paradox that worked a hundred years ago. May it be ever so." While his ready-to-wear feels entirely unlike anything else happening in fashion right now, it still feels wearable.

A New Kind of Kitten Heel

The most talked about piece from this collection is certainly the kitten heel known as the "Sphynx," which has gone viral now on every single social media platform. The heels look to be taxidermy but isn't. Instead fabrics and techniques were used to create something animalistic without hurting any animals. The heels are certainly fierce in a way no other kitten heel has been before, with it's toe tips covered in an open-mouthed cat's hiss.

Chloé is dialing the clock back from its signature '80s energy to the bohemia of the late '60s. In the show notes for the fall/winter 2026 collection, designer Chemena Kamali remarks that she was profoundly inspired by traditional costume and folkloric craft. "I felt drawn to the essence of making," she muses, "the human touch, the spirit of community, connection, and shared values." In an age when advances in technology seem to be hurdling us into the future at top speed, Kamali envisioned a fall wardrobe that centered craft and storytelling—in all their imperfection—as a means of imbuing a sense of humanity. The slower the better, she seemed to say.

It was a sentiment that the folk musicians of the '60s famously embodied, especially Joni Mitchell and Carole King, both of whom famously resided in Laurel Canyon during a moment when creativity and ideas were flourishing. Perhaps Kamali had these ladies of the canyon on her mind as she designed the looks for the Chloé show because the same ideas and overall aesthetic were mirrored throughout this collection, from the circular Woodstock-esque sunglasses to the long, free-flowing hairstyles that accompanied the looks.

Here, discover everything to know from the Chloé fall 2026 show, from the new decade of influence to the It accessory everyone will be preordering.

Ladies of the Canyon

Mitchell's third studio album Ladies of the Canyon (1970) was the singer's portrait of the artistic sisterhood she was a part of in 1960s-era Laurel Canyon. It was a community where creativity and free-wheeling ideas abounded, and the energy of Chloé's fall runway seemed to envision what Mitchell and her peers might have been wearing to sit around at one of their famous jam sessions and write songs together. Aesthetically, that looked like billowy maxi skirts, ruffled collars, and plenty of prairie-style embroidery.

Embroidery and Craftsmanship

Embroidery was a major detail of the show, where knitted cardigans and airy blouses arrived with hand-stitching. "What moved me most about these garments is not only their beauty but also to feel how much effort and time was put into them," says Kamali. The unique irregularities of these pieces are, she insists, what make them so special. They're the product of generations of skills and stories that no machine could ever come close to re-creating.

The It Accessory: Horse-Buckle Belts

As for accessories, there was one clear winner that stood out: the belts sculpted with horse-shaped statement buckles that cinched that waists of leather pants and skinny-leg trousers. Chloé's offering is always ripe with It buys, and come fall, I'm placing bets on these belts becoming especially sought-after. It is the year of the horse, after all.

Victorian Blouses

Is it just me, or have we all been caught up the Wuthering Heights craze? While this Chloé collection was obviously crafted well before the film's mid-February release, the blouses bore an uncanny resemblance to those of the Victorian era, although I doubt that Catherine would have styled hers with a leather apron dress or ruffled genie pants like the women of fall 2026.

The Chloé Girls in the Front Row

The Chloé show brought out a cast of familiar celebrity faces from all walks of the creative world, including Love Story breakout star Dree Hemingway, whose been having a banner PFW this season, and Oprah herself, a rare sight to behold at fashion week. Olivia Rodrigo, Alexa Chung, Nina Dobrev, and more all arrived in their best boho looks for the occasion.

Pictured: Dree Hemingway

Pictured: Olivia Rodrigo

Pictured: Nina Dobrev

Pictured: Oprah Winfrey

Pictured: Alexa Chung

Tom Ford Creative Director Haider Ackermann debuted the fashion house’s F/W 26 collection in the most dramatic of ways. As the show opens in a stark-white room, overhead lights flicker, the music signals for you to be on edge, and models creep aimlessly throughout the space rather than in a single file. They looked around at each other obsessively in passing, dressed similarly to American Psycho’s protagonist, or should I say antagonist, Patrick Bateman in officewear such as crisp button-downs and trousers. For the collection, Ackermann intersected the exquisite tailoring with the seductiveness Tom Ford is known for, notably through suiting with strong shoulders and double-breasted closures.

A hint of the '90s was expressed on the runway, with simple basics, from a plain white T-shirt to a black turtleneck to low-rise pants with belts that sit through one loop, creating a negative-space effect. Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's understated glamour came to mind when I saw the Dalmatian-print coat and croc-embossed pencil skirt styled with a sweater.

The soundtrack shifted from haunted to upbeat as models walked in PVC accessories styled to perfection in cheeky yet chic ways. Sensuality and luxury were the through line in this collection, and I predict the playful sexiness will be the aesthetic that people draw from the Tom Ford F/W 26 runway when fall hits. Ahead, take a deeper dive into Ackermann’s masterful collection.

Classic Tailoring

While there were just a few examples of suiting throughout this collection, the ones featured were excellent. The proportions were slim rather than the oversize, laid-back suits I’m used to seeing on runways. Clean lines, strong shoulders, and the perfect shoe-to-hemline ratio proved that classic tailoring will always reign supreme. Fashion’s era of nonchalance just might be no more.

Faded Denim

This inclusion of denim admittedly surprised me. This is a new development for Ackermann’s Tom Ford. The deep blue wash with fading at the knees and the shape of each pair varied slightly, from tapered to straight-leg to cigarette, high-waisted fits. I’m curious to see if the creative director will continue to play with denim.

PVC Accessories

Nods to American Psycho emerged throughout the collection, including Bateman's clear, slick raincoat. The man is meticulous with every detail, including what he wears to commit a crime. The collection featured not just a PVC coat but also a rain cap, pencil skirt, vest, and cropped jacket. This could have gone terribly wrong, but these pieces were executed so well. Who knew PVC could be so chic in 2026?

Croc-Embossed Leather

Croc-embossed boots were a major trend last year; now it's expanded further to clothing. The croc-embossed collared leather jackets and pencil skirts throughout the collection were proof. Textures within a minimal outfit will always do wonders, in my humble opinion. I can't believe I'm saying this, but this trend actually has me looking forward to cold weather again.

In a fashion landscape still reverberating from recent seismic leadership shifts across luxury houses Christian Dior and Chanel to fresh chapters unfolding at Gucci, the fall/winter 2026 fashion month calendar reached a poignant crescendo with the final presentation from Alaïa under Creative Director Pieter Mulier. The Paris show wasn’t just another collection drop; it was a definitive farewell. After five years at the helm of the Parisian house, Mulier has officially concluded his tenure with Alaïa, capping his run with a collection that both honored the brand’s storied codes and looked forward to what comes next.

The show unfolded less like an over-the-top farewell and more like a carefully composed reflection on the brand’s ecosystem—its atelier, its architectural tailoring, and the community that has gathered around it during Mulier’s tenure. In a world where new directions are still being cemented at major houses—Mulier included, who is set to lead Versace later this year—the collection stood apart for its quiet intentionality.

Rather than chasing spectacle for a final bow, Mulier presented something more grounded: a wardrobe that balanced the house’s historical codes with the sculptural signatures that have made his Alaïa resonate so strongly on contemporary runways and across social media.

"This collection is not about me. It is about the Alaïa team—our family—and an expression of all we have learned, and felt, and loved across the past five years," the show notes, written by Mulier, read. "In turn, this collection is itself a portrait of Alaïa. Not my Alaïa, our Alaïa."

Below, read our full runway review of the Alaïa fall 2026 show.

Pieter's Emotional Goodbye

If there were a prevailing emotion in the room, it was gratitude. Pieter Mulier’s departure from Alaïa has been quietly looming over the season—even more so since the Belgian designer was announced to succeed Dario Vitale at Versace—but the weight of it sunk in the moment guests took their seats. The audience itself felt like a living archive of the brand’s orbit—longtime collaborators like Raf Simons and Matthieu Blazy, editors who have chronicled the house for decades, and younger fashion voices who discovered Mulier’s work during his tenure at the maison.

Several social media posts quickly went viral following the show—one in particular, which scanned the room to see figures like Simons, Blazy, Anna Wintour, and Mel Ottenberg all giving a standing ovation to honor Mulier’s final bow to mark his end at Alaïa.

An Ode to the Atelier

If the collection looked inward, the show’s visual language made that intention unmistakable. Show notes, set design, and preshow social media all centered on the people behind the garments—the atelier itself. A series of portraits shot by Japanese photographer Keizo Kitajima of the Alaïa artisians was compiled into a book and left on attendees' seats in the form of show notes.

The decision reframed the collection before the first look even appeared on the runway. Rather than positioning the designer as the sole creative force, the narrative celebrated the collective ecosystem that sustains the house. The portraits also decorated the screens of the runway, hanging above the clothes like a larger-than-life visible reminder of every person who makes the maison greater than a single creative director.

Reflecting on Legacy

The collection itself unfolded like a quiet dialogue between past and present. The opening looks leaned heavily into the foundational codes established by Azzedine Alaïa: sculpted waists, body-conscious silhouettes, and sexy yet provocative knitwear. The restraint felt deliberate from Mulier—perhaps a nod to the house’s foundation cores before assuming the role as creative director.

As the show progressed, the energy subtly shifted. The latter half introduced the kind of sculptural experimentation that defined Mulier’s tenure—jackets curved around the torso like armor, dresses molded into shapes that felt closer to wearable sculpture than traditional ready-to-wear. These were the pieces that have consistently ignited conversation online during his run: garments that photograph dramatically, circulate virally, and reaffirm Alaïa’s place in the cultural imagination.

The Power of the Jacket

Where the collection risked drifting into simplicity with strapped body-con dresses, tailoring stepped in as its structural backbone. Jackets and coats punctuated the lineup with sharp vision, reminding the audience that construction has always been Mulier's quiet superpower.

Some silhouettes hugged the torso before flaring subtly at the hip, echoing the sculptural precision that has defined the house for decades. Others introduced subtle textural drama: glossy crocodile-embossed leather and delicate lambskin were particular highlights.

Modern Dressing for the Modern Woman

At first glance, the collection felt almost restrained—unexpectedly so for a designer whose Alaïa has often thrived on spectacle and sculptural extremity. Some early murmurs from social media suggested the opening stretch felt subdued, even slightly underwhelming. But backstage conversations and the show notes reframed the intention. Alaïa, very consciously, was a commercial fall/winter 2026, with Mulier laying a blank page for his successor who has yet to be named.

The strategy read less as compromise and more as pragmatism. In his final outing, Mulier seemed intent on leaving the house with a collection that stores could confidently sell and clients could genuinely wear. Mulier's final collection was found in accessibility—luxury garments designed not just to be admired but to be worn by the modern woman in her everyday life.

Paris Fashion Week fall/winter 2026 is still in full swing, but one silhouette has already started to emerge as a clear frontrunner: the basque waist. It's defined by its scooped, elongated V shape that dips below the natural waistline. Lately, the historic cut has been popping up across runways in fresh, modern versions. And once you start noticing it, it’s hard to unsee.

Some designers are leaning into the drama. At Jacquemus, Saint Laurent, and Alaïa, the basque waist appears in sharply structured, almost architectural forms that exaggerate the torso and carve out a striking silhouette. The waist dips low before flaring outward, creating a look that feels corseted, sculptural, and incredibly intentional. Elsewhere, the approach feels softer. Christian Dior, for example, played the basque waist shape for its fall 2026 collection in a more fluid, conceptual way—less rigid, but still clearly defined, elongating the torso without feeling overly severe.

On the Runway

The return of the basque waist also makes sense when you zoom out and look at the bigger silhouette conversation happening right now. For the past few seasons, designers have been experimenting with sculpted waistlines, tightening and shaping garments to reframe the midsection. This season's peplum explosion is a big part of that. Peplum jeans and flippy flared jackets have been everywhere—from New York to Milan to London and now Paris—bringing playful volume and movement to tailoring.

Seen through that lens, the basque waist feels like a natural evolution. While peplums flare outward, the basque cut pulls the eye downward, creating a longer line through the torso and playing with proportion in a more controlled manner. Designers are clearly having fun with the female form right now—sculpting, exaggerating, and rethinking classic silhouettes in ways that feel both historical and new.

On the Runway

While everyone is (rightfully) talking about the peplum craze, I have a feeling the basque waist might end up being the real sleeper trend of the season. The silhouette has already been gaining traction in the bridal world (corseted bodices and dropped waists have been quietly trending for the last few years), and now, it's making its way firmly into ready-to-wear lines.

In other words, don't be surprised if the basque waist starts showing up everywhere this year. Think your best friend's wedding, yes, but also your favorite cool-girl watering hole in the West Village.

Shop the Trend

This is a debut that has everyone at the edge of their seat. After 14 years with Olivier Rousteing at the helm, it's been quite some time since Balmain had a brand-new creative director. Once it was announced that Antonin Tron would be assigned the role, a new layer of excitement and buzz has surrounded the brand and what it would come to be. Spectacle and statement has long been part of its runway-show DNA, but this season felt more intentional while making a quiet statement.

What makes this debut compelling is how it deliberately looks backward in order to move forward. With it's forward-thinking designs and exciting celebrity placements, Balmain feels brand-new season after season, but we can't neglect that the house was established in 1945. Tron sought to create a collection that would spotlight the female form not only in physical shape but also in society. It's a collection that simply can't be missed.

Once the looks start appearing on the runway, the direction becomes clear. Tron’s vision for Balmain is what he calls “minimal opulence”—sensual, sculpted, and just a little bit dangerous. The result feels like a reset for the house, especially with a theme that is set to define a new era.

1. A New Face in Town

For Tron, stepping in as the creative director at Balmain, after Olivier Rousteing's 14 years at the helm, isn’t about rewriting the house—it’s about starting a new, aligned chapter. He's known in the fashion industry as a protégée to Anthony Vaccarello, so ahead of the show, it was expected that this collection could draw inspiration from his time at Saint Laurent. He is also known for his work at Atlein, where draped jersey and body-conscious silhouettes became a signature. Tron brings a sense of thoughtfulness to cut and movement that feels like a natural evolution of how Balmain fits into this modern era.

2. Back to the Beginnings

A noteworthy guiding principle behind the collection was a return to origin. In recent years, the brand has evolved to a different place than where the original collections took us. Tron has spent the past few months immersing himself in the work of Pierre Balmain, pulling from the house’s earliest years to shape its future. That influence comes through not in literal reproductions but in the shoes of the woman the brand was initially designed to dress.

The Balmain woman, as originally envisioned, was classy, feminine, and unapologetically herself. She was glamorous, yes, but never conventional. Tron taps into that spirit through silhouettes that nod to the late ’40s where the brand story begins: sculpted shoulders, draping at the waist, and that emerging peplum line that feels poised for a comeback. It’s a reminder that Balmain’s roots weren’t about the maximalism the brand has become known for—they were about precision, allure, and a certain kind of confidence that doesn’t need to announce itself.

3. Liquid Leather

One of the most striking elements of this collection is the leather that doesn't behave like leather. Instead of being stiff, strong, and structured, it moves. Glossy, fluid, almost weightless and buttery soft—it even catches the light upon every movement. It's a subtle but important shift as the fashion house has been known for structured moments but takes on a new persona with these leather looks.

4. Modern Drapes

Draping has always been part of every fashion house's vocabulary, but in Tron's hands, it feels brand new. The past few seasons, designers have had an eye for this technique and Balmain is fully on board. This is a fabric that doesn't just decorate the body; it becomes it. Jersey fabrics twist and contour to create an opulence that feel quite modern.

5. The 2026 It Jacket

Starting in New York and finally settling in come Paris, this is the fashion month that honored one controversial jacket silhouette: peplum. It would be harder to find a show that didn't spotlight a peplum jacket than it would to find one that did. Structured shoulders, an emphasized waist, and a flare at the hips makes for the ideal silhouette, so naturally designers are buzzing about it. Balmain's take is subtle yet strong.

If it feels like March has already been an exceptionally stylish month, you’ve probably been subconsciously influenced by the influx of runway, front row and street style images permeating the sartorial landscape.

Indeed, with fashion month in full swing, each day brings a brand new look to covet, whether it be tastemakers heading to a local trattoria post Prada’s show in Milan or grabbing a cocktail at some ritzy New York bar after seeing Khaite’s collection. Joining this canon is none other than London cool girl, Lila Moss.

Arriving in Paris after a slew of stylish events in her hometown—including Burberry’s rainy presentation on the banks of Tower Bridge and Conner Ives’s glamorous show inside Claridge's grand art deco ballroom—the nascent model joined her mother, Kate, to watch Anthony Vaccarello’s latest panoply for Saint Laurent.

However, the following day, the 23-year-old appeared to eschew every convention you’d come to expect from someone visiting the French capital. Rather than adhere to a dress code of stovepipe jeans, polished black ankle boots and a leather jacket from the likes of Isabel Marant, Lila wore an ensemble resembling something you’d spot along Marylebone High Street or King’s Road.

Wearing a poppy red graphic t-shirt from Barcelona-based brand Gimaguas that reads “Careful I’m Fragile” (which is a fashion week mood if I’ve ever seen one), she completed her look with a pair of navy elasticated trousers and gathered loafers.

Clearly rejecting the mood of destination method dressing, which is an urge to immediately dress like a local of wherever you’re holidaying, Lila’s look is laissez-faire, elegant and proof that off-duty wardrobes of celebrity savants will always be the most overt display of their personal style.

Of course, Lila’s love of emerging British designers has been well documented. Whether it be the Charlotte Simone coat she wore to attend a yoga class or the Peachy Den blouse she wore to a brunch event, she’s never far from labels—or looks—grown on U.K. soil. Shop the look for yourself, ahead.

Shop Lila Moss's Outfit

Paris Fashion Week is one of my favourite times of year—and not solely for the runway shows. Of course, there’s a thrill in watching Jonathan Anderson’s latest creations glide down the runway, but for me, the real inspiration happens outside of the show. The street style set weaving between the city, the celebrity arrivals spilling onto cobbled pavements—this is where I derive most of my styling inspiration.

Right on cue, Kate Moss emerged in Paris for a whirlwind of fashion week appearances wearing an outfit that stopped me mid-scroll. Forgoing her trusty denim, she opted instead for a breezy throw-on dress, styled with a pair of heeled lace-up ankle boots.

A gentle nod to the promise of spring, Moss’s calf-grazing dress came in a rich shade of blue, scattered with painterly purple and white florals. A drawstring waist softly cinched, whilst delicate button fastenings, and an easy A-line cut brought a casual elegance.

But it was the footwear that actually caught my attention. Conventional styling wisdom would suggest a knee-high boot to bridge the expanse of skin beneath a midi hemline. Moss, naturally, did the opposite. Her ankle boots cut off well below the calf, creating a subtle throwback to the carefree proportions of the 2010s. The lace-up detailing—an accent we haven’t seen dominate ankle boots for some time—added a faintly nostalgic edge, lending bite to an otherwise romantic silhouette.

Delivering warmth and practicality, this pairing also offers a fresh way to start rotating your lighter dresses into play before spring has fully settled. Scroll on to shop the chicest throw-on dresses to recreate the look.

Shop Throw-On Dresses and Heeled Ankle Boots

The Dior fall/winter 2026 show opened up with a video of Jonathan Anderson in conversation with Bella Freud of the fashion podcast Fashion Neurosis. They were seated in two green park chairs at the Tuileries Garden in Paris, where the runway show itself was also held. Anderson said the iconic public garden reminded him of "pleasure gardens—where people used to dress up to go somewhere."

For the Irish creative director now based in Paris, the city will always feel like a destination he is visiting instead of home. "I always feel like a tourist in Paris," he told Freud. But they both decided that being a tourist isn't a bad thing. Freud continued, "It's a way of finding the things that attach you to a city." Anderson's latest collection was inspired by the gardens and the people who visit them.

It's not a French-girl uniform, but the uniform of a curious individual, experiencing the beauties of the city and allowing it to influence the way they get dressed. There are hints of the Tuileries Garden in everything Anderson designed for fall/winter 2026, but the biggest through-line in the collection is a sense of wonder you only get from falling in love with a place you'll never call home.

The Return of Dramatic Peplum

Anderson's designs are always whimsical, like something you'd see described in a fairytale but can't possibly imagine being real. His Dior features billowing silhouettes with movement, like peplum. Jackets, coats, and even skirts jet out at the hips with bell sleeves, often mimicking the shape of an upside-down tulip.

Water Lily Shoes and Peanut Bags

But the whimsy isn't just for the ready-to-wear. If anything, Anderson's accessories feel even more fantastical. This season, there were green heels with water lily embellishments, like a lily pad that allows just enough room for the toes to peek out from underneath. There were also bags, either peanut-shaped or covered in flowers that appeared to be blooming from the leather.

The Enduring Theater of Parisian Park Life

Something Anderson was particularly inspired by was the notion of Parisians and visitors alike truly dressing up to go to the gardens. The clothing reflected that in the sense that there was nothing really casual about it. Anderson was designing for the individual who wants to go out and be seen. He was dressing for those of us who treat the park walk like one would a runway.

There are countless reasons Paris Fashion Week remains one of the most beloved stops on the fashion month calendar, be it the sheer number of heavy-hitting designers on the calendar or the celebrity star power in attendance, and one of the most anticipated shows of the week is none other than Saint Laurent. Well, if one can even call it a show—full-on production is a more apt term for how and where the winter 2026 runway was staged. It was set inside a modernist residence, all floor-to-ceiling glass windows, with sweeping views of the Eiffel Tower, even complete with an oversize replica of a bust that once stood at the heart of Yves Saint Laurent's private home.

While the front row was stacked with A-listers from Kate Moss to François Arnaud, the runway was a parade of top models, including one Bella Hadid, who were all outfitted in a uniform of louche tailoring, dramatic outerwear, and what Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello is calling "nocturnal elegance." The collection was defined by two themes: on the one hand, the masculine tropes of the tuxedo and on the other, the femininity of sheer lace. It was a study in contrasts and one that revealed the designer's ultimate strength: his take on sexy that's somehow always sophisticated, never contrived, and endlessly sought-after.

Le Smoking, Revisited

In 1966, Yves Saint Laurent revolutionized the world of tailoring—and who gets to participate—with the release of Le Smoking, the first tuxedo concept designed with women in mind. Since then, designers past and present have interpreted and reinterpreted the silhouette for their time. Creative Director Vaccarello revisited the iconic suit for his fall 2026 collection, presenting a series of single- and double-breasted suits that were striking in their precision and simplicity. Styled with bold crystal earrings, a dark lip, and presumably nothing but a great set of undergarments underneath, his relaxed tuxedoes take on an aura of both power and refinement, a conversation "between the parameters of masculinity and femininity," declare the show notes.

Lots of Lace

Vaccarello's take on sexy incorporates lace—and a lot of it. The majority of looks on the fall runway were defined by sheer lace, whether that meant lace pencil skirts layered with strappy lace tanks and bodysuits or floor-length lace gowns. In his show notes, the designer calls his approach "nocturnal elegance" and remarks that the attitude is "more insouciant shrug than swagger."

Drop-Waist Fur Coats

The excess and drama of the '80s has been an ongoing theme throughout designer Anthony Vaccarello's recent collections, and while this runway had a quieter overtone than in seasons past, the era's codes showed up nonetheless in the form of drop-waist fur coats with plenty of volume and impact to balance out the show's pared-back opening looks. The coats featured shawl necklines, slouchy sleeves, and fluted skirts that made them less of a layering piece and more of a whole look in and of themselves.

It Piece to Know

Saint Laurent doesn't play when it comes to the accessories, and models finished off their looks with just one of a few decisive styling pieces including wire-frame sunglasses, crystal statement earrings, glossy waist belts, and, perhaps most notably, big bejeweled brooches. The brooches were used as a sort of top button to fasten lace evening jackets that otherwise fell open over plunging lace bodysuits. We've been charting the antique accessory's rise over the course of the year, but with a major stamp of approval from Saint Laurent, the accessory is set to be an It piece to know for fall.

The A-List Arrivals

The Saint Laurent show remains one of the most star-studded affairs of Paris Fashion Week, and this season's production only further cemented the French house's position at the heart of the cultural zeitgeist. House regulars like Zoë Kravitz and Kate Moss were present, of course, but we were also delighted by appearances from the likes of Heated Rivalry star François Arnaud and Rosé, all of whom were decked out in their sleekest Saint Laurent–coded looks consisting of lots of cool tailoring.

"Like mother, like daughter" may be as cliché as phrases get, but in certain instances, it's as accurate a phrase as there is. In this case, it applies to what Kate Moss and her daughter, Lila Moss, packed for their current stay in Paris for fashion week. I don't think it's a coincidence that they just arrived at their hotel wearing the same color combination: black and white.

When you walk down the street in pretty much any arrondissement in Paris, you'll see quite an eclectic array of outfits, just as you would in most of the big cosmopolitan cities on the globe, but the most foolproof way to dress in Paris if you want to fit in and look chic is classically and elegantly. And the easiest way to achieve that is by pairing black and white pieces together, just as both generations of Moss women did.

Kate opted for a long white satin skirt with a black sweater and blazer, accessorized with a black Chanel bag and black sock boots. Lila went with a white T-shirt and low-rise white pants, finished off with a long black coat, black boots, and a black bag. Each looked sophisticated and chic in their own way, and perfectly appropriate for a day or night in Paris.

Keep scrolling to see Kate and Lila Moss' looks and to shop black and white pieces to wear together in Paris or anywhere else.

Shop Black and White Pieces to Wear Together

Paris Fashion Week is a time when runway trends take center stage. However, I look at more than just the runways. I also look at the street style to show me exactly where I should keep my finger on the pulse, and the looks from Paris have already shown me several outfit trends that I must try for spring. The It girls who are in town for PFW are leaning toward casual-chic outfits and simple color combinations. Bella Hadid's recent outfit is proof.

While on her way to the Saint Laurent F/W 26 show, Hadid wore a jacket color trend that many skip over in favor of black jackets. It was a tan bomber jacket (Saint Laurent, of course) paired with crisp white jeans and black loafers. Layered underneath her jacket, she wore a black hoodie, and to accessorize, she added a large pair of black sunglasses and a black Saint Laurent Amalia shoulder bag in the shape of a crescent moon. Her tan jacket made her white jeans pop in a cool way. White jeans tend to get a bad rap for being dated, but color-blocking with tan outerwear made her outfit look much fresher for 2026.

If you're in the market for ways to make your white jeans look less dated and more like Hadid's cool girl–coded outfit, keep scrolling to re-create her look and shop similar items.

On Bella Hadid: Saint Laurent Cotton Canvas Jacket in Beige Oleron ($3200) and Amalia Embellished Leather Shoulder Bag ($4200)

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We talk a lot about color at Who What Wear. Which ones are trending? What shades look best with them? Who's styling them the most interestingly? These questions often lead to one particular trendsetter, who seems to have a knack for combining colors in ways we hadn't thought of before, making them feel fresh rather than dated, and sparking styling ideas every time she steps out. That person? Victoria Beckham. Her latest color pairing literally proves my point.

Ahead of Paris Fashion Week, where she will debut the fall/winter 2026 collection for her namesake brand, Beckham was spotted on the streets of the French capital wearing red with the specific shade of brown that makes it pop every time: tan. Red really looks good with everything, from chocolate brown to cream and gray, but after it became *the* color a few years back, so many of those combinations have started to feel played out. Red and tan, however, still have a long time before their expiration dates.

On Victoria Beckham: Hermès bag

Specifically, Beckham wore a chunky red turtleneck tucked into tan high-waisted, flared trousers, which she styled with heels, a pair of oversize sunglasses, and a shearling-lined Hermès Kelly bag. Upon seeing the ensemble, I was instantly reminded of a similar outfit worn by Heaven Mayhem founder Pia Mance during a recent trip to New York City. (She lives in Los Angeles.) She, too, styled a red turtleneck with tan pants—hers were suede—and a Kelly bag, though she went for a more classic black-with-gold version. Mance finished off the look with white heels and '90s sunglasses.

Clearly, this color combination is catching on, and with spring coming up, it will undoubtedly be seen everywhere. To get ahead of the trend, keep scrolling. Below, you'll find ways to re-create Beckham's tan-and-red outfit as well as more shoppable items in both shades.

Get Victoria Beckham's Look

Shop Red and Tan Items

In case you haven't already noticed, the best dressed people in the world are currently in Paris, whether it's because they live there year-round or are just stopping through for a Haute Couture Week show or two. One such skilled dresser is Alexa Chung, who attended a Bulgari event in the City of Lights wearing an outfit that made little black dresses irrelevant. They're classic, yes, but sometimes, classic just doesn't cut it. Maximalism is back with a vengeance in 2026, and if dressing like the chicest women in Paris is high on your list of priorities this year, I suggest you follow Chung's lead by ditching basic dresses. Instead, try her preferred style out for size.

The dress trend in question? Fringe dresses. Specifically, the British It girl chose an ivory dress from Anna October's pre-fall 2026 collection, which hasn't yet been released. The dress features a subtle and elegant jacquard print and long, silky fringe on its hem and cape. The opulent fabric and details feel like a nod to French history, dating back to the days when Marie Antoinette led the rococo style movement that was full of similarly soft colors, delicate materials, and lavish embellishments. Her look for the evening wasn't all loud and bold, though. On her feet, Chung kept it simple, donning a pair of sleek black pumps that allowed her dress to be the star of the show.

On Alexa Chung: Anna October dress; Bulgari Serpenti Tubogas Bracelet (Price upon request)

It shouldn't come as a huge surprise that fringe dresses like Chung's are making the rounds in the world's most stylish city. Fringe, in general, has been on the up-and-up for a while now. Suede and leather fringe dresses dominated this past fall, and tassel-edge scarves are gaining popularity ahead of spring's long-awaited arrival. This is basically the year of the fringe, and dresses will not be left out of the movement.

Ahead, re-create Chung's Parisian fringe-dress look and shop more fringe dresses for 2026.

Get Alexa Chung's Look

Shop Fringe Dresses

Kate Moss is undeniably a style icon. Her early '90s looks defined fashion, including memorable moments like the sheer silver Jean Louis dress and the simple pairing of a white miniskirt with a black quarter-length-sleeved top. Decades later, her intentional and polished approach to off-duty dressing remains as trendsetting as ever. A recent appearance at Paris Couture Fashion Week perfectly captured this signature ease and cemented her ability to look like a local.

This week, Moss was seen in Paris wearing an elegant black coat with fur trim and floral accents. She styled the statement piece with medium-wash cigarette jeans and a black sweater. Her footwear choice was classic black heeled ankle boots with a satin finish.

Cigarette jeans are poised to be one of the biggest denim trends of 2026. It's a silhouette that my fellow editors and I at Who What Wear have been reporting on and closely tracking. This style hits that sweet spot between tailored and relaxed. It evokes the look of skinny jeans without being as tight, offering greater ease and less restriction. With a hem that hits mid-ankle, cigarette jeans create just the right amount of space for a heeled ankle boot.

When it comes to heeled ankle boots, styling cigarette jeans with them should be a no-brainer, especially in winter. As a former model, Moss understands how this combination creates a clean, elongated line, especially when finished with a pointed toe, which enhances the leg-lengthening effect.

Keep scrolling to see Moss's refined winter outfit. If you're inspired to add these pieces to your wardrobe, discover the best cigarette jeans and black heeled ankle boots to pair with them ahead.

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Shop Black Heeled Ankle Boots:

Something is in the air this Paris Haute Couture Week. Celebrities are all going model-off-duty mode on days off, and it's refreshing to see. Some of these casual outfits are reminiscent of my friends' easy winter uniforms in NYC. Across all five boroughs, there's one jacket that's a mainstay every single winter, a classic black The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Jacket, and Dua Lipa just wore it in Paris while out walking with Callum Turner.

If you're an NYC transplant from somewhere warm, there's a common event we all go through: buying a puffer jacket for the brutal winter ahead. The North Face's Nuptse is laid-back, warm, and still cool girl coded—very New York. It's rare to see such a casual outfit like this in Paris, but I love it. Lipa also wore black trousers by The North Face with a pair of Balenciaga Runners. Her pop of color was in the form of a red Ralph Lauren baseball cap over her pigtails. This outfit brings together my favorite places in the world.

If you're into this relaxed outfit, keep scrolling to re-create her look and shop more The North Face puffers in different fits and colors.

On Dua Lipa: The North Face 1996 Retro Nuptse Puffer Jacket ($380) and Woven Loose Trousers ($66); Balenciaga Runner Sneakers ($1190)

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A lot is going on in Paris right now, with the Haute Couture shows going full steam ahead directly following the men's ones from last week, and because of that, people who get paid to have great taste have all flocked to the French capital, making it an even better place for trend spotting than it is on any given Tuesday. Knowing that, I've been doing some extra sleuthing, putting in overtime to try to spot the next It thing in fashion on the streets outside Paris's chicest hotels and buzzy runway-show locations. It was all worth it, though, when I discovered a compelling shoe style on several particularly stylish celebrities. Taylor Russell, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Kelly Rutherford—all in the span of a single day—were photographed wearing pretty satin heels. Once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, and three times is a pattern—and just like that, an exciting new shoe trend was born.

All three satin heel–clad celebs were first seen leaving their hotel, Le Bristol Paris, before heading to shows around the city, including Jonathan Anderson's first haute couture show at Dior, hosted at Musée Rodin. For the star-studded event, house ambassador Taylor-Joy wore a jacquard-print silk trench coat, styled with a feather scarf and a pair of champagne-colored Dior pumps. Her fellow Dior ambassador, Russell, also attended the show, wearing a sculptural cocktail dress from the brand's pre-fall 2026 collection paired with black satin pumps.

On Anya Taylor-Joy: Dior coat and shoes

On Taylor Russell: Dior dress

At the same hotel, Gossip Girl actress and elevator-mirror-selfie expert Rutherford was seen heading out to the Julie de Libran Haute Couture show wearing a black belted shirtdress from the French designer. With it, she added black tights and matching satin pumps.

On Kelly Rutherford: Julie de Libran Lucille Satin Dress ($3673)

These kinds of coincidences don't just happen—when three best dressed contenders all fly to Paris with the same shoe style, it's important to take note. It's even more important to get ahead of the rising trend by investing in a pair of the elegant, sophisticated footwear. They offer a unique twist on classic pumps by adding a textural change-up from typical leather and a far more formal touch. But don't think you can only wear them with dresses or skirts. Satin heels look just as chic with vintage jeans and a sweater or tailored jacket. Just don't wear them in the rain!

Keep scrolling to shop the satin-heel trend, 2026's most-worn shoe style in all of Paris.

Shop Satin Heels

At this point in the year, some people start to think about their New Year’s resolutions. But us? We’re thinking about the 2026 trends we can begin investing in now, before everyone else. We’d even go as far as to argue that shopping in this way is a resolution in itself.

Shopping now for the person you want to dress like next year is forward-thinking. It’s a way to get ahead of the “I hate everything I own” complaints we all fall victim to once a major seasonal shift hits. It’s also the ideal time to think about which runway trends from this past fashion month actually resonated with your personal style—and how it makes sense to integrate them into your daily wardrobe.

The shoe trends of 2026 are also shaping up to be fairly fun. It appears that the flip-flop craze of 2025 has led to a more toe-forward approach to all of the shoes everyone will be wearing, and pumps are also making a comeback after getting shafted for more comfortable sneakers following the pandemic.

Below, see four of the big shoe trends that are getting us excited for next year.

Elegant Pumps

It’s been a while since heels were hot. During the pandemic, most of us lived in flat shoes and cozy sneakers. With nowhere to go, there wasn’t a reason to wear pumps at all. Since then, it’s felt like heels, in general, have left the zeitgeist almost entirely. That kind of thinking is likely what led to the rise of flip-flops as fashion shoes. But now, the OG fashion girl staple is back, and elegant pumps are about to be very in again. This time around, though, they’re more comfortable, with reasonable heel heights and easier-to-wear silhouettes. And best of all, they weren’t really designed with a 9-to-5 office lifestyle in mind, making them far more fun to wear every day.

Peep-Toes

The rise of flip-flops means most of us are already accustomed to seeing toes everywhere. Apparently, it hasn’t been enough. On nearly every runway this past fashion month, even the most buttoned-up heels and serious stilettos featured small peepholes for toes to peek through. It’s a freaky little trend that reminds us fashion doesn’t have to be so weighty—it can also be quirky and fun. Just be prepared to budget for more pedicures than usual.

Freaky Flip-Flops

And given their discussed impact on other shoe trends, flip-flops also aren’t going anywhere. If anything, they’re only getting weirder. At Copenhagen and Paris Fashion Week, models wore flip-flops that challenged the very notion of what the shoe could be. Some were heeled. Some were shiny. Some had PVC straps. Some had all of the above. So if you didn’t go all in on the flip-flop trend last year, you still have time.

Embellished or Extra in Every Way

As we veer farther into maximalism after years of minimalism and quiet luxury, shoes are expected to become even more of a statement. Instead of relying on your loafers or sneakers next year, consider embellished or embroidered slingbacks. Backstage at Tory Burch, the designer couldn’t stop talking about finally perfecting an embellished heel covered in beading and embroidery. She’d been wanting to do it for seasons, but the timing felt right this time around—and clearly, she was onto something. Expect to see far more shoes with plenty of bling.

At fashion month, we got a preview of the trends that are set to be big for spring 2026—as well as how style is unfolding on the street style scene and the key buys of the season. In Milan and Paris, we always see a sense of elevated style alongside directional items, and this season was no exception. Attendees at the S/S 26 shows set the tone for how looks will unfold in the coming months, and showcased some key ways to pull off polished, elevated style.

Pieces such as sleek column skirts and half-zip knits were key players, as well as classic accessories such as leather ballerina flats and wayfarer sunglasses. 2025 has been marked by sophisticated style and we saw plenty of evidence of that during fashion month.. Ahead, see the top street style looks from Milan and Paris that tapped into elevated style and the key items to shop to execute it in your wardrobe.

Women In Milan and Paris Proved These 6 Items Will Always Make You Look Elevated

1. Column Skirts

Style Notes: Following on from the ‘office siren’ aesthetic we saw earlier on this year, column skirts are trending majorly at the moment. Sleek, polished, and easy to style, this longer and more fitted skirt style was spotted all over spring/summer 2026 fashion month, both on and off the runways. The key to making it look modern? Pair them with easy knits and laid-back kitten heels in neutral hues for an effortlessly chic look.

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2. Half-Zip Knitwear

Style Notes: If there was one outerwear trend that dominated last season, it was the funnel-neck jacket. And now, fashion people are emulating this sleek trend with their knitwear as well. Enter the half-zip sweater, a much softer version of the funnel silhouette that can be worn fully zipped or halfway zipped to create a collar, like the name suggests.

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3. Dark Denim

Style Notes: By the time winter comes around. I usually set aside my light-wash jeans for darker indigo and black hues, and fashion people have proven just how elegant it looks. These deeper washes are not only easier to style for more formal events, but their similarity to black tailored trousers means you can get away with them in the office as well.

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4. Cardigan

Style Notes: Want to make your cardigans feel ‘2026’? Take a cue from stylish dressers and wear them as a top with trousers, skirts, and jeans alike. Stick to neutral hues that feel elevated but won’t date in your wardrobes in the years to come.

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5. Ballet Flats

Style Notes: If there’s one shoe that trends in every season, it’s a ballet flat. Neat, easy to style, and most importantly, comfortable, ballet flats can be taken from day to night with ease. Not to mention, they’ll help to soften up your edgier fashion items.

Shop the Staple:

6. Sleek Sunglasses

Style Notes: There’s not a single outfit that a pair of chic sunglasses won’t improve. Not only do they give you that ‘off-duty’ model look, but they’re also an investment that you’ll get wear out of no matter the time of year.

Shop the Staple:

Fashion month is a whirlwind, but it's a creative, inspiring, and era-defining whirlwind. The four weeks of fashion-and-beauty madness began with New York Fashion Week, followed directly by London, Milan, and Paris (in that order). Who What Wear's intrepid team of editors covered hundreds of shows, delved into new and old designer collections, and boldly stationed ourselves amid backstage chaos. At the end of it, we were exhausted, but more importantly, we knew all the major trends that are heading our way come 2026.

This year, it seems we'll see a mix of old and new trends collide. There are wearable looks, like windswept hair and winged eyeliner, that are making their way back to peak relevancy. Then, there are the new, bold, and editorial looks that demand attention. Think statement-making lipstick (I mean that quite literally) and next-level, doll-like lashes. Ahead, see the seven most major beauty trends from spring/summer 2026 fashion month.

The first trend is all about rebuking the minimalist, "clean-girl" makeup look that's been almost omnipresent on social media over the last couple of years, and swapping it with bold, look-at-me lashes. Backstage at Ulla Johnson's NYFW show, models wore gold-dipped lashes (created by combining gold eye shadow with a mixing medium). At Mossi's PFW presentation, models were spotted with impossibly long, doll-like ones (a validation that we're smack-dab in the middle of baby-doll fall). Similarly, at Harris Reed's LFW presentation, models wore feathery, avant-garde falsies that reached well past their brows. Meanwhile, at Collina Strada, clusters of bright-pink lashes were placed on the outer corners of the models' eyes.

While colorful mascara is an easy way to re-create this trend, you can also opt for colorful and/or bejeweled falsies—anything that demands attention and makes your eyes the focal point of your look. Do as the designers did, and embrace this rather whimsical, otherworldly element in your makeup routine.

Shop the Trend

Watercolor eye shadow was a major trend during NYFW, and it continued on to be a major trend throughout the rest of fashion month, too. First, there was Collina Strada, where models wore a wash of unrestrained pink eye shadow all over their eyelids, outer corners, and under-eyes. Then, there was Ashish, with a messy and striking brushstroke of cobalt blue. At LDW, Toga's models wore a wash of canary-yellow eye shadow, and at PFW, Gabriela Hearst's models wore a subtle powder-blue shadow just on the inner corners of their eyes. It's a blink-and-you-might-miss-it makeup element that feels right in line with French-girl fashion.

In 2026, fashion people aren't putting up with basic lip combos. They're branching out and testing bold new looks. Chloé's S/S 26 show featured models wearing bright, powdery-pink lipstick. At Sportmax, models wore bitten-berry lipstick. At Roksanda, models wore a black-to-red lip color that was topped with a vinyl-like finish for good measure. Simone Rocha took the trend to another level by sending models down the runway with sayings and phrases painted on their lips. Talk about a statement-making lip (literally). Take this as your sign to dust off the bolder lip colors in your collection, whether that's a vampy berry shade, crimson red, or punchy pink. And don't be afraid to doctor it up, either. Try blotting it out for a blurred effect, layering a high-shine gloss over top, or blending two shades for an ombré effect.

We've seen all sorts of skin-focused trends over the last couple of years. There was "glazed donut" skin, spearheaded by Hailey Bieber and her trusty Rhode skincare line. There was "glass skin," which made its way Stateside from South Korea. There's also been "dewy dumpling" skin, created by celebrity makeup artist Nam Vo. According to S/S 26 runways, the internet's obsession with glowing skin won't slow down in 2026. Instead, it will ever so slightly evolve.

It seems we'll see a more restrained take on super-dewy, highly reflective skin finishes. Instead of an allover glow, makeup artists send models down the runway with softly radiant skin. Some complexions were velvety matte. Others had a precise, shimmer-free highlighter placed on the cheekbones, nose, brow bone, and Cupid's bow. Regardless, it's all about creating a healthy-looking, lit-from-within radiance.

For this look, skin prep is everything. The softer, smoother, and more hydrated the skin is before makeup, the better. (Yes, that means glow-boosting masks, essences, and primers.) Then again, a touch of some expertly formulated, well-placed highlighter doesn't hurt either. Shop our top picks below.

As makeup looks become louder and bolder, hairstyles seem to be going the opposite direction. Throughout fashion month, designers debuted their new collections with models who wore natural-looking, windswept hair; the list includes Valentino, Stella McCartney, Roberto Cavalli, Erdem, Dior, and more. It seemed as if hairstylists embraced or at the very most highlighted the models' natural texture, and it gave them the effect of walking down a city street on a breezy day. Think slightly ruffled, tousled hair that could have just been revealed from under a scarf or a hat. We love when high-fashion embraces a wearable, effortless trend, and this is it. So put down your heat tools because 2026 is going to be big on natural-looking, lived-in hair.

Here's another beauty trend that kicked off in a big way during NYFW: nail embellishments. At Grace Ling, models wore a single chunky gem on each long, claw-tipped nail. At Kim Shui, models wore what we can only describe as bold, silver nail brooches. At Di Petsa, models wore minimalist mermaid-esque opals atop their silvery manicures. Last but certainly not least, at Christian Cowan, models wore silver-studded, translucent nails. It seems that, in 2026, the best manicures will be unique, creative, and feature 3D elements. Prepare by picking up a set of studded press-ons or a pack of individual nail gems.

If winged liner feels rather… 2016 to you, you're not alone. Blame it on the "clean girl" trend that's dominated social media over the last couple of years, but eye makeup has been on the decline (until now). People have abandoned their eyeliners, eye shadows, and even mascaras. (The no-mascara trend was major this year.)

According to a set of high-fashion houses, though, that's changing for 2026. At Sandy Liang, models wore a subtle brown flick. At Attico, models wore a smoky version of the same look. Meanwhile, some models walked the Fendi runway wearing a bold black wing with red lipstick (an utterly classic look). Dolce & Gabbana also embraced a classic black wing. So, yeah, it's official: Whether it's black or brown, smoky or sharply cut, winged eyeliner is back, baby.

Tiffany Reid is a Who What Wear editor in residence, fashion executive, freelance stylist, and brand consultant who most recently served as the senior vice president of fashion for Bustle Digital Group. She recently launched a YouTube series, Tried + True, in which she walks viewers through the latest trends.

Every fashion season, getting dressed feels like a new challenge. My style has always been a balance of spicy meets sophisticated, a blend that lets me experiment while staying true to myself. I’ve never been one to shy away from bold pieces, but I always add a polished finish to my looks too. My wardrobe lives somewhere between luxury and high-street, where a statement piece meets an everyday essential. When shopping, I am attracted to anything elevated or with a thoughtful detail. Once I find that piece, that’s usually when I swipe my card.

Over time, the way I prepare for fashion moments has completely evolved. I pack more intentionally now, curating each look with purpose rather than impulse. Ever since I have been traveling to see collections, I plan full style-outs and photograph my outfits in advance before leaving home. Now it looks a little different because I pack just exactly the right amount of outfits based on my calendar, nothing extra; it saves time and spares me from the chaos of overpacking. Motherhood and entrepreneurship have reshaped my priorities, so I’ve learned to value ease without sacrificing style. Obviously, when getting dressed for shows, the goal is to stand out but in a way that draws the right kind of attention: the “Where did you get that?” not the “What are you wearing?” kind.

I’m an old-school editor in the sense that I used to dress purely for the show I was going to, meaning I’d wear the designer I was going to see to the show. But now, it’s about mood and personality: the personality of the creative director or the mood of the fashion house. So now it’s one day I’m dressed avant-garde to Sacai, the next quiet luxury for the Hermès show. Somehow, this season, I ended up matching the color palette of the shows I was attending. Maybe it’s intuition, or maybe I’ve just done my homework. Either way, fashion has become less about chasing trends and more about curating a story that feels like me.

Here are my favorite looks from this fashion month.

Preppy Schoolgirl

I opted for a preppy-schoolgirl look for the Off-White show in NYC; it was fitting since it was held in an actual school. The layered sweater, skort under a miniskirt, and kitten heels added subtle balance to the playful silhouette. Classic collegiate colors tied the whole look together, keeping it chic and perfectly on theme.

Late-Night Fringe

To the Public School anniversary party, I wanted to wear a standout piece that still felt timeless, something with that old-school New York energy. The fringe brought the look to life, like it was made for a late night out filled with music and dancing. I kept accessories minimal to let the dress be a statement on its own.

Cotton-Candy Queen

I wore this look to the Miu Miu show, known for its playful spirit and element of surprise each season. The whimsical sweater brought that sense of fun, perfectly balanced by my signature classic staples like these dress shorts. It felt effortless, a mix of lighthearted energy and timeless pieces.

Primary Colors

With the new creative directors' debut at Loewe, I, like many other editors, did not know what to expect, so I leaned into that quirky energy of the brand. I played with a mix of bright, bold colors, grounded by rich brown tones that acted as a neutral base. Limiting the palette to two strong hues kept the look cohesive, and a sweater tied around the waist added a final colorful punch.

Quiet Luxury

I embraced minimalism in soft tonal shades for Hermès day, the ultimate expression of quiet luxury. Each piece was refined yet understated, letting the texture from the sheer pants and the silhouette of the puff scarf speak for themselves.

Fashion month has officially come to a close for the spring/summer 2026 collections. The shows concluded at Paris Fashion Week, giving us a preview of the trends that are set to shape the direction fashion will take next year. With more than 15 designers taking over at some of the biggest fashion houses across the industry this season—and most of the debuts in Paris—it has been an unprecedented moment of change that will shift the future of fashion. This includes Jonathan Anderson, who presented his first womenswear collection at Christian Dior; Pierpaolo Piccioli at Balenciaga; and Matthieu Blazy, who took the helm at Chanel—some of the most anticipated shows of the fashion month.

We've been deliberating about how these creative-director shifts would materialize all year, and seeing the initial collections, it's giving shape to those conversations and showing us the direction fashion is heading in 2026. At the Paris shows, we saw the return of sex appeal, optimistic colors, and a new wave of preppy-bourgeois style that is already impacting how the fashion set is getting dressed. As newly appointed creative directors showcased their first collections, we saw varying approaches to their debuts. Some closely distilled the house codes, and others broke swiftly into their new visions for the brands. Ahead, read more on the six biggest spring/summer 2026 trends to know from Paris Fashion Week.

Many of the designers who stepped into new creative-director roles this season took a close look at the house codes that have defined the designs of their predecessors. At Dior, Anderson presented the iconic Bar Jacket as cropped and shrunken. At Chanel, Blazy reimagined tweed with frayed-edge jackets and sheer skirts as well as two-tone heels with square-toe versions. At Balenciaga, Piccioli resurrected the elegance of the past alongside its futurism in a renewed way. Many designers pointed out that it was about rethinking the archives rather than looking back in tribute. "The debut collection by Pierpaolo Piccioli as creative director of Balenciaga commemorates … the work of Cristóbal Balenciaga, bringing it into the present," the show notes read. "Not homage, but recalibration."

Despite all of the reflection on the past, there was an undeniable sense of newness on the runways that will usher in a wave of change in fashion in 2026. At Chanel, Blazy took this head-on. "We can go two ways," Blazy told Tim Blanks in an interview for Business of Fashion. "Either we do a clean, modern, by the codes, by the book Chanel show, and it's a first step. Or we do this show as if it was our last. I took the last option." The collection he unveiled was confident and new. Though it infused the heritage and house codes from Coco Chanel, it was distinctly Blazy, from the first look to the finale, and will usher in a new era for the French fashion house and perhaps fashion as a whole. This was mirrored at other shows too, including Haider Ackermann at Tom Ford, Anderson at Dior, and Michael Rider at Celine, who each brought their distinct visions to the runways. In with the new!

A cool, modern preppy-bourgeois aesthetic has been sweeping across fashion. Rider kicked the aesthetic off for spring 2026 at his debut Celine collection in July and doubled down on it for his summer 2026 sophomore show. Rider is distilling Left Bank Parisian prep through a modern eye, making classic pieces like satin scarves, tailored trench coats, and colorful accessories feel cool and covetable once again. At Miu Miu, collared polo shirts were styled with midi skirts and printed scarves. At Loewe, polo shirts were also prevalent, often styled with V-neck sweaters on top in contrasting colors. Polo Ralph Lauren, a brand with Americana prep closely woven into its DNA, brought cool, preppy style to Paris as well. The collection was infused with inventive styling, including subtle pops of bold color, layers of beaded necklaces, and jackets and cardigans fastened in unexpected ways. It's a new lens on prep that is bringing bourgeois dressing back for 2026.

Lightness was a through line this season, often appearing with the use of joyful, optimistic color. At Celine, Rider showcased '60s floral-print minidresses among the opening looks of the show as well as bags and shoes in bold, vibrant shades. At Chloé, Chemena Kamali resurrected '50 florals prints in a range of bright, punchy hues, from lilac to tangerine to teal. At Loewe, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough presented a collection where every single look had a dose of color, whether it was the opening look that sandwiched a red polo underneath a canary-yellow turtleneck and black leather jacket or the black gowns that had bold trains in hues like hot pink and orange. We tracked the rise of color throughout the season and expect it to make one of the biggest impacts on how people will be getting dressed in 2026.

At the Tom Ford show, models provocatively sauntered and slithered onto the runway. "I told them I want them to seduce," Ackermann shared backstage before presenting the collection. It brought an undeniable sense of sex appeal to the show—an attitude that was matched by the clothes, which included sharply cut satin pastel suits worn with exposed bras and backless gowns with the tiniest sleeves. At Schiaparelli, a series of gauzy see-through dresses finished with fuzzy straps closed the show. At Hermès, tight leather corset tops and exposed skin highlighted the sexy undercurrent in Nadège Vanhée's collection.

In her show notes for Givenchy, Sarah Burton explained how "powerful femininity" inspired the collection. "I wanted to explore the strengths of women through feminine archetypes," Burton shared. "It started with peeling back the structure of tailoring to reveal skin and a sense of lightness and ease—and then exploring the female vocabulary of dress and undress." Recently, we've seen designers narrowing in on the archetypes of female dressing. It was a theme in the fall/winter 2025 collections as well, including the Miu Miu show titled Femininities that explored what femininity means today. On the spring/summer runways, designers explored different notions of traditional female attire but added modern twists. At Givenchy, sheer, see-through details were infused into dramatic gowns. At The Row, couture-adjacent skirts ushered in a new era of elegance and eclipsed minimalist, pared-back pieces. At Christian Dior, hourglass-shaped dresses were embellished with oversize bows.

Craftsmanship and technique have been center stage this spring/summer 2026 fashion season, where we've seen designer after designer present some of their most innovative and skilled work to date. It seems that they're making a statement about what fashion is really all about. It's not hype, social media virality, or even sales—it's art. There's perhaps nobody with a better command of this today than Pieter Mulier, the creative director of Alaïa since 2022. Mulier is a designer who has earned a reputation for transforming fashion into art.

The winter/spring 2026 collection (because Alaïa likes to be one season ahead) was a perfect example of Mulier's unique ability to elevate clothing to the realm of the intellectual while still making pieces we all want to wear. This time, he manipulated fabrics like knit and macramé into appearing as fringe and pearl accents that deserve a second or third look. Silhouettes both dialed up the volume—as the new 2026 version of the viral genie pants did—and showed remarkable restraint, which a series of next-gen body-con looks did. Here, discover every key trend, color, and potential It buy to know from the Alaïa winter/spring 2026 collection.

A Digital Stage

At the Cartier Foundation in Paris, Alaïa staged a digital display throughout the space where blown-up photos of the models projected across the floor underneath their feet as they walked. It gave the show a futuristic quality that somehow added to the effect without taking away from the clothes themselves. Alaïa has a long legacy of transforming fashion into art, and this felt like an installation worthy of a gallery.

Clothes That Cry

Before signing off his show notes, Mulier ended them with a line that simply read, "Clothes that cry." He was referencing many of the looks that moved with a waterfall-like effect with flowing elements that were light as air and fluid as water. Here, the designer flexed his fabric-innovation skills by deploying several trompe l'oeil moments that he described as "invention through craft": A fringed coat that swished and bounced was made from macramé, and strings of knitted pearls flowed over and under as accents to belted coats.

Genie Pants 2.0

Alaïa's genie pants had nothing short of a viral moment, and they were featured all over social media this summer, inspiring countless iterations and trickle-down designs. This latest collection doubled down on the design IP and presented the next phase of the pant trend. This time, they arrived as hybrid skirt-pants that featured billowing volume and skin-baring cutaways before finally cinching around the ankle. As you can imagine, they deserve to be seen from multiple angles to get a proper look.

Movement, Movement, Movement

It's hard to fully appreciate this collection through still imagery alone because so much of it was defined by how the clothes moved through space. Fringe details were found all throughout in ways that ranged from the overt, like the fluffy faux-fringe coats you just saw above, to the more subtle, like the knee-high fringe socks that peeked out from underneath long layers. Gown-like cape coats and high-low tassel skirts were other features that gave each look a certain dramatic flair. As beautiful as they are to look at, these are clothes that are meant to be worn, a nod to Azzedine Alaïa's pragmatic design ethos.

Rich Jewel Tones

Alaïa tends to be at the forefront of next-season color trends, and there are already several to take note of for winter and spring 2026. The palette was all about rich jewel tones, and deep emerald green, royal purple, and inky navy blue each got their own standout moment as they were styled against neutrals in each look.

New-Age Body-Con

"I'm fascinated by the idea of tension," Mulier said about the collection's skintight silhouettes that punctuated the majority of its free-flowing movement. "A tension between genders, between excess and restraint, covering and revealing, between our history and our future, cultural forces. There is a tension in the performance of the show, the figure of each model caught between a filmed and mirror image of herself." Tightly fitted tops that limited the models' range of arm motion offered a modern vision for what body-con dressing could look like in 2026.