Fifteen years after I first entered the fashion industry with an internship and a dream, I finally got to check off a major bucket-list item: attending couture week. Guess what? The wait was worth it. The Haute Couture Week shows in Paris are the pinnacle of fashion with a capital F, representing the industry's most capable craftsmanship, ingenious imagination, and stirring spectacle. This season's shows overdelivered on each of these fronts. Continue reading for my take on the haute couture fall/winter 2026 collections.

To attend the Dior Haute Couture show at the Musée Rodin, I wore an Erdem dress I bought on major sale several years ago, along with a Strathberry East/West Bag, Staud Brigitte Mules ($295), and Warby Parker sunglasses.

1. The New Dior Bride

A mere 72 hours after Taylor Swift got married in a Dior Haute Couture by Jonathan Anderson dress in New York City, the designer staged his fall 2026 couture collection in Paris. Naturally, I was eager to glean clues about Swift's still-top-secret wedding dress—any breadcrumb would do!—but as expected, Anderson kept details under wraps, only telling WWD that "it was a joy to work with her."

That said, the collection's closing look did bring Anderson's idea of the Dior bride into sharper focus. The final model, the show notes describe, wore a wedding dress in white hand-pleated chiffon overlaid with a dégradé cactus flower and fern-motif white lace, reembroidered with beaded ferns and white feather dandelions. Here's a video of it in mesmerizing motion. It was soft, romantic, semisheer, and downright fairytale-worthy. Only time will tell whether Swift's wedding dress can be described in the same way. Until then, this lovely Dior bride will have to tide you over.

2. The Balenciaga City Bag Goes Couture

We've come a long way from the wine-stained Balenciaga moto bag that permanently sat in the crook of Mary-Kate Olsen's arm circa 2004. For his triumphant first couture collection since taking the helm at Balenciaga, Pierpaolo Piccioli upgraded the iconic Le City bag in crystal-studded mesh with metal trim. So which celebrity will have the privilege of being the first to wear the straight-off-the-runway bag? Perhaps Balenciaga's newest campaign star, Sarah Pidgeon. Whoever the brand entrusts with the new bag, you can bet they'll keep a tight grip on the museum-worthy work of art.

Accessories aside, one of my favorite looks was this emerald-green feathered and fringed frock. "Feathers are a metaphor—weightless, delicate, yet with tensile strength," the show notes explained. I was also quite partial to this ombré dress dipped in pastel pink, which gave me major Taylor Swift wedding vibes.

On the celebrity front, I captured Lily Collins and Hudson Williams meeting for the first time at the Balenciaga show, much to the delight of Emily in Paris and Heated Rivalry fans in Who What Wear's Instagram comment section. I also recorded several other celebrities arriving at the show, which was held at the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris, including Teyana Taylor, Shailene Woodley, Naomi Watts, and Cynthia Erivo.

3. Same-Day Delivery

Zendaya and Law Roach just gave a new meaning to straight off the runway. Just hours—yes, hours—after Schiaparelli's fall 2026 couture collection was presented in Paris, Zendaya popped up in London wearing the show's closing look. What kind of fashion sorcery is that? To pull it off, Roach took the garment with him on a private jet and hand-delivered it to Zendaya. In the show notes, Schiaparelli Creative Director Daniel Roseberry described the look as "a glowing dress with a molded bustier in white glazed porcelain-
effect silicone."

4. A World of Pure Imagination

One of the highlights of reporting IRL on the 2026 Met Gala red carpet was witnessing Robert Wun's fanciful creations for Lisa and Naomi Osaka. Cut to two months later, I was just as impressed with his Paris couture show. In front of an audience that included Cardi B, Fan Bingbing, and Maura Higgins, Robert Wun put on a master class in creativity and storytelling. The show's venue, the Dôme de Paris, has seen its fair share of awe-inspiring artistry over the years—it even hosted the very first musical production of Les Misérables in 1980—making it the perfect choice for a couture house as theatrical and entertaining as Robert Wun.

"The collection unfolds as a timeline of growing up," Wun explained in the show notes. "From a child as a 'plain paper' to being coloured to being shaped and formed, characters are built like toys, childhood stories that lead to dreams emerging. Redefined, tailored, and embroidered within the brand's universe but with a reorienting intent. The closing chapter of the collection features customised balloons, colours exploding from the suited bodies, like the childhood that we all still carry deep within. And just like balloons, beautiful and joyous yet fragile and not meant to last."

One of my favorite looks was seemingly pulled straight from The Birds, Alfred Hitchcock's infamous horror movie. Click here to see the mesmerizing look in motion.

There are a few key spring and summer events that help our editors keep an eye out for inspiration and trends, runways, of course, red carpets, after-parties and The Met Gala.

This year Hunter Schafer wore one of our team's favourite red carpet looks of the night, which was a custom Prada gown inspired by Gustav Klimt's "Mäda Primavesi." Then, for the Saint Laurent after-party at People's Bar in New York City, she changed into a custom dress by emerging British designer Steve O Smith and carried one particular accessory: Prada's Wish Pouch.

That made me think back to the Italian luxury house's spring and summer 2026 runway show, where the bag appeared multiple times throughout the collection, taking an essentials-only approach to dressing: phone, keys, wallet. The silhouette comes in three materials—silk, Re-Nylon, and leather—and in a range of shades including black, grey, orange and even pink.

Pouches also appeared at Loewe's, Miu Miu's, and Valentino's spring and summer 2026 shows and even at Celine's autumn and winter 2026 presentation—a nostalgic eveningwear aesthetic reminiscent of the dainty styles dating back to the late 18th century.

Below, shop Prada's It bag for summer 2026 along with more designer pouches from Bottega Veneta, Chloé, Saint Laurent, The Row, and more.

On Prada's Spring and Summer 2026 Runway

On Hunter Schafer

Shop Prada's Wish Pouch:

Shop More Designer Pouches:

If you’ve been inundated with shots of moulded corsets, beanstalk heels and knotted satin dresses all over your social media feeds, it should come as no surprise that we’re currently in the midst of the fall/winter 2026-2027 Haute Couture Week. The most prestigious of all fashion weeks, the bi-annual event is a showcase of wearable artistry, with the capabilities of hallowed ateliers and the exceptional work of the petites mains (a French phrase that refers to the seamstresses, embroiderers, milliners and button makers who create these garments) on full display.

Presenting a collection during the exclusive event is by invitation only, and controlled by Paris’s Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, meaning that only the most exceptional maisons can participate. The result is garments that are nothing short of masterpieces, often taking hundreds of hours to complete and rendered with painstakingly accurate, breathtakingly beautiful hand-stitched embroidery, flourishes, sequins and accents.

Each garment is then made to order using the precise measurements of the ultra-high-net-worth clients who have the extreme fortune of taking these creations home. However, for many of us, it is just a privilege to revel in the sight of these showpieces. That’s why whenever Haute Couture Week rolls around, it’s paramount to take the time to peruse each look and inspect every minuscule stitch and meticulously applied motif.

Despite a more considered and pared-back schedule, especially compared to the ready-to-wear seasons staged each February and September, there is still a chance that something exceptional passes you by. To save you the trouble, we've compiled a guide to the unmissable moments, exceptional looks and visual references that are dominating conversation in fashion circles.

It goes without saying that a lot of these looks will linger with you. So, without further ado, scroll through for all the noteworthy designs from the F/W 26 haute couture collections.

Everything of Note From Fall/Winter 2026–2027 Haute Couture Week

1. At Schiaparelli, Gaudí, Ghostface and Kinky Silicone

For Schiaparelli’s F/W 26 haute couture collection, creative director Daniel Roseberry penned a manifesto on the "magic of creation" which can be "found only in total surrender to the unknown", as he wrote. "Codes—as beloved as they are—aren’t meant to be static," he continued, explaining his decision to eschew conventional Schiaparelli archetypes for something far more imaginative and inventive.

In place of literal anatomical motifs, subversive, surrealist faces were woven into dresses that resembled the Ghostface villain from the Scream franchise. In the place of keyhole symbols, vibrant fish scales adorned dresses and jackets to resemble the architecture and façades of Gaudí masterpieces, including Barcelona’s Casa Batlló.

Furthering the French maison’s innovative spirit, Roseberry fused quotidian materials with superb craftspersonship, creating breathtaking gowns made from subversive latex and dreamy silicone. Indeed, it’s clear that the upper echelon of fashion has caught jelly fever, with Roseberry rendering this gelatinous and aquatic material into sculptural corsets, coral-inspired skirts and sea urchin sandals.

These bustiers were a focal point for the panoply, made by carving the resin mould by hand before casting it with a porcelain effect and rendering it in hyperrealistic shades that melted to the body.

One exceptional moment came not on the runway but in the hours after. The closing look, modelled by Ivy Stewart, was whisked from the opulent parlour inside the Petit Palais where it was presented that morning and immediately transported to the red carpet at Leicester Square, where Zendaya wore it for the world premiere of The Odyssey that afternoon. Talk about an epic adventure.

Elsewhere, on the front row, Schiaparelli continued its procession of awe-striking designs with the silhouettes it dressed its guests in. Emma Corrin, ever the fashion chameleon, was washed in pastel plumage in a feather-adorned jacket accented with a funnel neckline and protruding, nipple-like talons.

Bad Bunny made his haute couture debut in a buttercream suit and gilded tie that appeared as though he was wearing a plait around his neck. Those in the know will recognise this as a callback to Schiaparelli’s F/W 24 ready-to-wear collection, which invoked the tailoring seen in Pippa Garner's 1987 photography collection, Future Man!

The subjects of the legendary 1990 documentary Paris Is Burning might’ve told us that reading is fundamental, but when it comes to fashion, referencing is clearly even more essential.

2. At Dior, Fans, Ferns and a Glimpse at Jonathan Anderson's Bridal Visions

Jonathan Anderson might’ve designed Taylor Swift’s wedding dress, the first haute couture creation of its kind for a celebrity since the Northern Irish designer took the helm of the brand, but he skipped the exclusive New York City nuptials over the weekend ahead to stay in Paris for Dior’s FW/ 26 haute couture show.

Despite remaining quite tight-lipped after the show—he told the press that "it was a joy to work with her"—he did provide a glimpse of what his vision for a bride would entail. In the esteemed couture tradition, he concluded his collection with a dreamy off-the-shoulder white gown, complete with resplendent fern motifs and rosette details.

Botanicals have been a consistent part of Anderson’s work at the luxuriate, from his lily pad heels to his frog chainmail clutches. This season, it took a starring role as the Jardin des Tuileries was transformed into a greenhouse flanked with black-lacquered wood and lined with fronds. On the runway, a verdant, grass-like fabric was woven throughout the collection, appearing in long robes, cropped bar jackets and fringed scarves.

But where boutonnières and embroidered petals constantly appear, Anderson used the collection to honour the work of American sculptor Lynda Benglis. Using her methodology of knotting and moulding as a framework for textile manipulation, Anderson created sumptuous dresses that pleated like accordions. This idea of folding hit a literal note in the suite of fans that appeared in the collection, perhaps a nod to the fact that Paris had just encountered a record-breaking heatwave in the weeks prior? Metallic plissé hats were also a highlight and cemented Anderson as not only an incredibly cerebral designer, but one who always relishes humorous touches.

On a more serious note, Dior also embraced the long-standing relationship between Benglis and artisans in the Ahmedabad and Gujarat regions by showcasing the Indian crafts of chintz and gemstone carving. The latter, a finely woven cotton textile bearing floral motifs, was on display through the clutch bags that bore antique chintz prints that date back to the 18th century.

If designing the most important dress of Taylor Swift’s life wasn’t the biggest thing to happen to Anderson this week, this sophomore show certainly is. But he wouldn’t get by without a little help from his friends: Sabrina Carpenter, whom he also dressed for her magnum opus Coachella headliner, Josh O’Connor, whom he dressed for Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers and Alexa Chung, who recently wore a custom chartreuse Dior dress to the 2026 Met Gala.

3. At Chanel, Mattieu Blazy Gets His Happily Ever After

Once upon a time, there was a man named Matthieu Blazy who landed the job of one’s dreams as the artistic director of Chanel. The designer knows his life is a fashion fairytale, and for the French maison’s latest haute couture collection, he materialised the whimsical universe he occupies, complete with climbing vines, beanstalk heels and magpie treasures.

The first model stepped out onto the runway carrying a century-old leatherbound book of fairytales that was owned by Coco Chanel herself. Compounding this ode to fantasy was the soundtrack, featuring snippets of The Lord of the Rings soundtrack and "Kiss Me" by Sixpence None The Richer, arguably one of the most romantic songs of the '90s.

The collection itself was laden with references to literary archetypes and folklore, including a miniature sleeping bear bag that would suit the Goldilocks amongst us and stilettos accented with thorned roses à la Beauty and the Beast. The Golden Goose, Swan Lake, Snow White and Princess and the Pea were all obvious references, too.

Elsewhere, the front row was matched with a dramatic lineup, including Teyana Taylor, Pedro Pascal, Sarah Pidgeon, Alexa Demie and Elizabeth Debecki. The most noteworthy addition was Joël Blanc, a French artist who specialises in live watercolour landscapes from prestigious sporting events, including Roland-Garros. In a world fixated on the return of physical media, could there be a more charming form of documentation than this?

The question that remains, however, is whether Chanel would get its happily ever after. Given that Blazy is quite the romantic, the answer should be obvious. In his imagination, however, the narrative doesn’t end with the princess being swept off her feet by her prince and heading down the aisle, despite the presence of a fantastical wedding dress.

Instead, he looks to the lives of Gabrielle Chanel and Princess Diana, ending the show with a "revenge dress" rendered in sultry black, proving that the women he designs for don’t need rescuing, but rather elegant clothes to write their own stories in.

4. At Balenciaga, Pierpaolo Piccioli Returns To Cristóbal's Roots

Cristóbal Balenciaga is heralded as one of the best couturières the world has ever seen. So, it is a demanding task to live up to the reputation of someone so esteemed that his nickname is “The Master”. His successor, Pierpaolo Piccioli, has always worked best in high-stakes settings, with the majority of his most memorable collections at Valentino the most dramatically staged. (Lest we forget the collections that were presented on Rome’s Spanish Steps, Venice’s 12th-Century shipyard or France’s Château de Chantilly.)

For his first haute couture foray as creative director of Balenciaga, Piccoli once again proved himself to be a maestro with a sewing pin. Here, silhouettes, shades and textures were the main visual story, remaining true to the essence of haute couture as a showcase of textile manipulation and craftsmanship. There’s a profound beauty in stripping things back to their purest form. Expressing restraint against conjuring a sartorial spectacle made each silhouette all the more extraordinary.

Here, Piccioli proved himself a virtuoso of colour theory, with the main talking point of the collection being the expressive use of vibrant shades. The collection really ran the gamut of high-octane hues, from vermilion coats to chartreuse gowns and aubergine draped dresses. Some of the standout pieces seamlessly combined several different shades, be it aquamarine blue and slate grey or piquant yellow and royal purple.

If colours were high octane, so were the silhouettes themselves, from the ombre petals that lined one dress to the sequins that adorned another and the rich plumage that cloaked Gigi Hadid as she made her return to the runway.

Though the collection took nine months to create, it isn’t a far departure from the oeuvre he’s been developing over the last quarter-century of his career. And if this collection is anything to go by, we can only wish to have several decades more of him at the helm.

5. At Jean Paul Gaultier, Duran Lantink Becomes Fashion's New Enfant Terrible

After the revolving door of guest designers—including Simone Rocha, Glen Martens and Haider Ackermann—Jean Paul Gaultier has found its artistic lead in Dutch fashion designer Duran Lantink. His debut collection for the French fashion brand had a lukewarm reception, with many criticising his departure from JPG’s signature isms—particularly the marinière stripe, tattooed mesh, and cone bras—as too far gone in the wrong direction. Those naysayers will certainly have a lot to quip about, then, with his debut haute couture collection nothing short of provocative.

The collection itself could be distilled into two desperate ideas. The first surrounded Lantink’s interest in the opulent wardrobes of Louis IV and Marie Antoinette. Rather than take a Sofia Coppola route and subvert the 18th-century silhouettes with contemporary touches, he took a far more digital approach. Indeed, the second theme woven throughout the collection was one that interrogated the role of technology in the creation of fashion.

Here, we melded crinoline skirts with protruding elements, creating shapes that can only be described as what Demi Moore/Margaret Qualley looked like at the end of The Substance. As it did with the former Queen of France, this collection really only had one ending, and that was to send people off with their heads. But what’s a fashion week without a shade of discourse, hey?

6. At Robert Wun, Haute Couture Is Simply "Childsplay"

Robert Wun has become somewhat of a haute couture darling, imbuing the week with an element of magical realism, irony and exceptional craftsmanship. Much like Viktor and Rolf, the Hong Kong-born, London-based designer uses his runway as a forum to create pieces that can conveniently never be worn in mundane settings. There’s no mistaking his pieces as wearable art, even if the remit of where these pieces are suitable for is fairly limited.

His latest collection hit a joyful note, invoking the essence of childhood in ballgowns splattered with splashes of paint, geometric dresses that served as literal building blocks and models carrying adult-sized stuffed animals, including a tweed bear.

The pièce de résistance, however, was the closing look. In a gown that’s reminiscent of the No-Face ghost from Spirited Away, Wun evoked the memories of pre-school parties with a train made out of colourful balloons. Call it a commentary on inflation, or the state of pop-ular culture, but at a time where the state of things feels so precarious, there’s something sweet about returning to this youthful innocence and a time where pining for a blow-up dog and a slice of cake was your only concern. Much like Chloé’s Disney Princess-coded jelly mules, fashion is regressing to its most innocent self.

7. It's a Wonderful World at Pandora With a Chic Party Featuring Alexa Chung, Harry Lambert and Dree Hemingway

As anyone who has attended a fashion week would know, some of the most notable moments aren’t on schedule. (Just look at the fuss Connor Storrie’s Saint Laurent PVC trench coat caused amid a record-breaking heatwave.) Copenhagen-based jewellery brand Pandora, capitalised on the fact fashion’s eyes were on Paris by hosting the launch of their new Pandora Wonders collection.

Co-created with London-based stylist Harry Lambert, the new range reimagines freshwater pearls into childhood-invoking shapes, including ice cream cones and whimsical mushrooms. To celebrate the release of the limited-edition pieces, Pandora and Lambert threw a party at Le Gratin with the chicest guest list, including Dree Hemingway, Alexa Chung, Pat McGrath and Paloma Elsesser. To accompany the novelties, the Danish brand leaned into the French salon feeling with freshly shucked oysters, caviar bumps and free-flowing champagne. We just hope everyone made it to their shows the next morning…

Simon Porte Jacquemus knows how to put on a show—and dress its viewers in the chicest way possible. The designer from the South of France debuted his spring/summer 2027 collection this week at Phare de la Pietra on the French island of Corsica and invited some of the most stylish women from his home country and beyond to watch from the front row. As for what they wore for the occasion, the best dressed among them seemed keen on donning one dress color and one dress color only: aqua blue, the summer shade that's been quietly taking over, replacing the likes of regal purple and butter yellow in recent months. It was all over the show venue, setting the tone for a run of dominance throughout the remainder of 2026.

The most prominent wearer of aqua blue was Alexandra Leclerc (formerly Saint Mleux), whose looks at Jacquemus shows get better every season. This time around, Leclerc wore an aqua-blue poplin dress with a V-shaped neckline and a draped bodice that cinched beneath the knee before poofing out in a mermaid-esque fashion. (See Look 5 from the show.) She paired the dress with light-colored accessories, including an ivory box bag with feather embellishments and a pair of white classic pumps.

On Alexandra Leclerc: Jacquemus dress, shoes, and bag

Leclerc's dress was one of a handful of aqua blue pieces featured in the S/S 27 collection. There was also a strapless gown and matching headpiece in the shade, as well as a voluminous skirt and pair of ballet flats. Clearly it's making the rounds. She also wasn't the only attendee who wore the color, with others like Ro Brahmand and Quenlin Blackwell also picking dresses in a similarly vibrant and summer-ready shade.

On Ro Brahmand: Jacquemus The Pina Knit Dress ($950), Small Valérie Bag ($1690), and shoes

On Quenlin Blackwell: Jacquemus dress, Small Valérie Bag ($1690), and shoes

What stood out even more than aqua blue's presence at the show, though, was its versatility, particularly when it came to shoe styling. Often with bright color trends, there's really only one shoe color that looks best with it—notably black. However, with aqua blue, there's no reason why someone wearing the hue should avoid experimenting in the shoe-color department. For instance, while Blackwell and Brahmand chose black heels, Leclerc took another approach, opting for white heels. In the show, models donned coordinating aqua-blue footwear, as well as baby pink and yellow.

As a result, aqua blue becomes a no-brainer dress color for summer weddings. You can wear it to multiple ceremonies, easily changing up the look with different footwear. So what are you waiting for? Keep scrolling to shop the 2026 dress color trend that already has every chic woman in France's stamp of approval.

Shop Aqua Blue

We may be barely halfway through summer 2026, but Jacquemus is already shaping what next summer's style will look like. The designer famously stages his runway shows in striking locations, and this time was no different on the French island of Corsica. Titled Le Bonheur—French for happiness—the collection explored the simple pleasures of the seaside: the feeling of the breeze wafting through your clothes or the juiciness of ripe fruit.

The show brought out plenty of familiar faces including Kiernan Shipka, Sienna Spiro, and Alexandra Leclerc, the latter of whom arrived in a turquoise dress that also appeared on the runway just moment later, cementing that the It color will remain just as relevant this time next year, too. Actually, several key 2027 trends appeared throughout the collection, indicating where style will be heading next year, like the specific way everyone will be styling skirts—i.e., with a coordinating bra top to make an effortlessly elegant warm-weather outfit.

And that's just the start. Keep scrolling to uncover the key trends, colors, and styling ideas from the Jacquemus S/S 27 show.

Skirt Sets

The Jacquemus show just declared the number one way that the fashion crowd will be styling their skirts come next spring and summer: via matching sets that feature a midi skirt with a coordinating bra top. The collection featured several such looks with basque-waist balloon-style skirts and minimalist tops. They arrived in airy white and coastal-inspired striped iterations.

The It Colors to Know: Turquoise and Rust

Color has always been at the core of the brand's DNA, and we were delighted to see that a tight edit of bright, saturated color provided a pop against the largely ivory-toned collection. Turquoise and burnt orange were the specific hues that jumped out, and Alexandra Leclerc even made the case IRL wearing look 5's aqua-colored dress to attend the show.

Sheer Looks

Sheer dressing was another major theme on the runway, but instead of completely see-through fabrics, airy dresses were cut from an organza material that lent a slightly subtler translucent effect.

A Preview of Next Summer's Silhouette: Scoop Tanks

The collection highlighted the importance of one specific summer wardrobe basic: the scoop-neck tank. Effortless and elegant, several of these tanks featured on the runway were in relaxed silhouettes, styled with voluminous skirts and trousers. If there is only one thing you take away from this show, it should be to incorporate one of these sophisticated tanks into your wardrobe without wait.

Ballet Flats With, Well, Everything

Sorry, sandals, but according to this runway, ballet flats may be the only shoes you need to have for a strong vacation wardrobe. Pretty ruched flats accompanied every look that the designer sent out, from glam sequined dresses to sheer looks, cementing them as the shoe of the summer.

This summer, sunglasses aren't finishing the outfit—they're becoming the outfit.

Across the spring/summer 2026 runways, maisons in Paris and New York seemed to arrive at the same conclusion: If you're going to wear sunglasses, they may as well take up half your face. Shield sunnies are dramatically sweeping from temple to temple. Rounded bug-eye frames are swallowing statue-esque cheekbones. At times, oversize glasses designers relied on as accoutrements for their collections felt less like accessories and more like wearable attitude amplifiers.

The trend has been brewing for a few months, but it hit a tipping point this season. At Tory Burch, oversize frames added an air of polished anonymity. Saint Laurent leaned into exaggerated proportions that amplified the drama of its sharp tailoring and hearkened to founder Yves Saint Laurent's classic eyewear. Balenciaga treated sunglasses like futuristic armor, while Celine revived the bug-eye silhouette with a distinctly Jackie O energy. Collectively, the message was impossible to miss: Fashion wants its sunglasses to be loud again.

There's something undeniably appealing about eyewear that refuses to blend in. In an era dominated by personal style, statement dressing, and images designed to stop a scroll, freaky sunglasses offer instant impact. If the tiny sunglasses trend of the late 2010s was about having an air of nonchalance, today's bug-eyed supersize frames are about declaring presence. The bigger they are, the better they look—and fashion's coolest brands are betting heavily that we'll all want a pair by the time July 1 rolls around.

Below, shop the best designer bug-eyed sunglasses.

On the Runway

On the Style Set

On Our Editors

Shop the Best Designer Bug-Eye Sunglasses

Jalil Johnson is a Who What Wear editor in residence and New York–based writer, fashion authority, and media personality who began his career as a stylist and later spent three years at Saks Fifth Avenue refining his eye for trend reporting, emerging talent, and brand storytelling. He now brings his expertise to his newsletter, Consider Yourself Cultured, and has also been featured in The New York Times, Harper's Bazaar, The Wall Street Journal, and The Financial Times, and Vogue named him one of the "New Faces of Street Style."

Marimekko Day, which was started 34 years ago by the brand's former CEO and president Kirsti Paakkanen, is held at the same time each year almost as a marker of the beginning of summer. For over three decades, an open-air public fashion show has taken place in Esplanade Park, which sits adjacent to the flagship store and serves as an invitation from the brand for attendees to take part in the print-filled world of Marimekko.

Though this tradition has only been part of the brand's history for the past three decades, the ethos at the heart of the event seamlessly ties back to its origin story. In 1951, founder Armi Ratia staged a fashion show as a way to show post-war Finland the different ways her colorful, buoyant prints could be incorporated into everyday life. Fashion is, no doubt, a part of the brand, but it is not simply a fashion brand. In fact, one of Creative Director Rebekka Bay's favorite quotes from the founder is, "Marimekko could have been anything—modern jazz, an ice cream shop, a flower shop." That quirky and punchy quote represents to Bay the idea that Marimekko, beyond just fashion, is ultimately a lifestyle brand.

That lifestyle proposition has also extended beyond fashion shows into activations like last year's jazz bar in Tokyo, or with their long-term collaboration with Finnair. Not only did the brand design the servicewear for the business-class section, but there are also two planes within the airline's rotation outfitted in Marimekko prints. There's also the brand's continued presence during Milan Design Week. This year's activation marked the introduction of a floral print, the newest addition to Marimekko's wide array of floral offerings. While touring the headquarters in the industrial part of Helsinki, I had the chance to visit the print mill attached to the building, where I watched the screen-printing process for that latest floral addition, Kukasta Kukkaan.

Something that was highlighted as we watched a roll of fabric make its way down a conveyor belt, periodically meeting a series of screens, was that there is still an immense need for human touch, even though machines aid in the printing process. Intermittently, as the fabric moved along, workers would toss buckets of paint onto the screens before pulling the paint across in an even layer. Human intervention is also essential in the event that a flaw occurs during production. After watching the prints come alive before our eyes, we made our way upstairs to a small room that housed an archive of prints and color swatches created in the color lab. Those swatches are continuously referenced, even as new colors are developed.

In a time where there is so much conversation about the artificial, it was refreshing to see a brand where not only human contribution is prized, but community itself is also viewed as essential to the brand's identity. In the words of Bay, "As a brand, we really only come to life when we invite our community into the brand and invite our community to experience the brand."

That sentiment spoke to the splendor of the Marimekko runway show, which showcased the S/S 26 collection first presented during Copenhagen Fashion Week. There were playful stripes in lemon yellow and mauve pink; sportier offerings, like a horizontally striped polo dress; and, of course, ideal summer dresses outfitted in the Kukasta Kukkaan print. Alongside the show was a live performance by Finnish band Ruusut, and while the show commenced and the band played, the park was filled to the brim with people spanning varying age groups and demographics. No matter who they were, almost everyone seemed to sport some element of the brand, whether it was something as subtle as a printed scarf or striped shirt (made famous by Jackie Kennedy Onassis) or something as dynamic as an entire ensemble made up of one of the brand's most recognizable prints, Unikko.

Rain may have been an unwelcome guest, but within the event's 34-year history, this was only the second time Marimekko Day had been met with rain. But the weather did not seem to subtract from the festivities. If anything, it offered a fitting foil to the spirit of happy coincidences that seems deeply embedded not only within the brand but also within Finland itself—the happy coincidence that a country that spends nearly half the year in darkness has, for the ninth consecutive year, been ranked the happiest in the world; the happy coincidence of getting the last vegetarian meal on my Finnair flight; and the happy coincidence that this lifestyle brand first made its mark through a fashion show and, more than 70 years later, is still sharing its world through public fashion shows open to anyone willing to stand in the rain.

'60s Mod Dresses

Sixties influences have been trickling in for the past few seasons, and a mod-inspired minidress is a perfect addition to a summer wardrobe. This style of dress has long been a Marimekko signature, and a similar silhouette, a sleeveless version, was famously worn by Kennedy Onassis on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Sporty Elements

Most of the looks on the runway were paired with slimline sneakers, which brought a welcome sporty element to the collection. The oversize proportions also contributed to that feeling, giving even the dresses and polished pieces a sense of ease and movement.

Pink

There is never a shortage of color or print when it comes to Marimekko, but the shade that stood out most was undoubtedly pink, which appeared across striped shirting and dresses alike. Its use never felt overly saccharine. Instead, there was a maturity to the color that still allowed it to retain a sense of whimsy.

The Hermès fall/winter 2026 story continues. Yesterday evening, the French fashion house unveiled the second chapter of its F/W 26 women's collection in Los Angeles. Set against the backdrop of Bel Air and under the creative direction of Nadège Vanhee, the collection explored the dialogue between movement and craftsmanship, drawing inspiration from performance, dance, and the artistry of dressmaking.

At the heart of the collection were dresses designed to move with the body rather than simply adorn it. Airy silhouettes and intricate detailing reflected the brand's emphasis on rhythm and gesture. As the brand described in its press release, "dressmaking meets dance," with garments serving as the medium of expression.

Interestingly, as a continuation of the first part of Hermès's F/W 26 collection, presented in March during Paris Fashion Week, the second installment felt anything but the same. While the Paris show was enigmatic and restrained, the second part embraced ease and softness. The fabrics floated and shimmered, and the color palette evoked the glow of golden hour.

Ahead, read everything to know about Hermès's new collection, including the defining moments, trends, and looks of the night.

The Bel Air Estate

As dusk settled over the rolling hills of Bel Air, guests were shuttled by golf cart to a secluded pavilion nestled in the landscape. Upon arrival, they were greeted by a sculptural structure that said, "Silhouettes on the Horizon." Inside, the space was awash in a soft butter-yellow palette, hinting at what the night would bring, while an impressive guest list, including Miley Cyrus, Kerry Washington, and Morgan Stewart, mingled before the show. In true Hermès fashion, iconic handbags were everywhere. Guests carried their Birkin and Kelly bags, showcasing the house's enduring style as the anticipation of the runway collection built.

Golden Hour to Midnight

Consistent with the theme of transformation and movement reflected in the collection's fabrics and silhouettes, the color story evolved as well. It closely tracked the shift from golden hour or sunset to midnight. The first part of the collection featured garments and full ensembles in butter yellow, which the brand referred to in its press release as "jaune fauve." This was followed by "rouge tango," a vivid red echoing the sky when the sun reaches its closest point to the horizon. The collection closed with "vert imperial," comprising deep greens and blacks that symbolize the day's end and the conclusion of the final chapter.

Stable Style

It wouldn't be a new Hermès runway collection without some tie-in to its equestrian roots—one of the most important parts of the brand's identity. Beyond the saddle-making techniques that influence the brand's leather craftsmanship, a few looks incorporated breeches and tight riding pants, while many outfits included calf-hugging knee-high boots.

Ballet Codes

One major theme throughout the collection was ballet and dance. Vanhee focused closely on reinterpreting a dancer's wardrobe—from rehearsal to everyday wear—with luxurious Hermès craftsmanship. Many items, such as wrap outerwear, satin fabrics, and elongated silhouettes, were directly inspired by dancewear. Others, like leather biker jackets and layered coats worn over soft dresses, evoked the image of a dancer transitioning from rehearsal to city life.

Forever Bags

At the heart of Hermès are its bags, so we obviously have to talk about them. While the classic Birkins and Kellys brought by front-row celebrity guests could have been a show in themselves, on the runway, the brand presented a myriad of new bags. And there was a range of silhouettes. Some included structured east-west styles, oversize totes with tapered triangular silhouettes, and relaxed Hobo shoulder bags.

Whilst the UK can’t quite decide whether it’s summer or not, I’ve just returned from Menorca, where holiday mode is very much in full swing. Blue skies, warm-ish sea, slushy lemon gins (a Menorcan classic, IYKYK), plus a pantheon of no-holds-barred summer dressing: think beaded bags, prints-on-prints-on-prints and kaleidoscopic colour.

It’s in no small part thanks to Alémais, the buzzy Australian brand that transported a host of influencers, editors and tastemakers to Menorca’s Illa de Rie, home to Hauser and Wirth’s Spanish outpost, for the brand’s most recent Resort show. Founded by Zimmermann alumnus Lesleigh Jermanus, Alémais just gets holiday dressing right, and its fan-girls, including Dree Hemingway, Kesewa Aboah, Leandra Medine andTiffany Hsu, agree.

Maximalist prints, easy silhouettes, and statement accessories with just the right amount of quirk have become the brand’s calling card since its launch in 2020. (It now has over 600 stockists, including Net-a-Porter and MyTheresa). Jermanus is inspired by wanderlust, print, colour and art and for Resort, she teamed up with the Mallorca-based artist Sophie Wahlquist, whose work in ceramics came to life via exaggerated proportions and curved silhouettes. As per a sculpture’s hand, the fabric was twisted and folded, while pieces appeared sun-bleached.

If you’re looking to upgrade your holiday wardrobe, or bring a sense of escapism to your everyday, I’d start with a printed co-ord, an Alémais signature. From printed silk satin shorts to oversized bowler shirts, each piece can be styled down (think denim, white tees and loafers) or styled for holidays, depending on your summer agenda. The accessories are worth a second look, too.

Shop the Best of Alémais

I'm back from Paraiso Miami Swim Week 2026, and I'm already nostalgic for my days of witnessing trends take shape firsthand. Returning for its 22nd year, Paraiso Miami Swim Week hosted brands that define resort and cruise 2027. Best friends Natasha Oakley and Devin Brugman taught a master class on accessorizing during Monday Swimwear's presentation. I'm talking about silk headscarves, floppy hats, capacious totes, woven clutches, straw hats, double collars… Stop me because I can and will go on.

Look beyond the glitz and glamour of Fae, Oséree, and Oceanus, and you'll find silhouettes and motifs fashion people will be wearing nonstop. Melissa Odabash's and Shan's pieces in Pantone's Color of the Year will be the stars of your summer outfit rotation.

Love Thy Nader's very own Grace Ann Nader walked twice for Australian swimwear label Fae, and Jenn Tran from The Bachelorette season 21 walked for Kulani Kinis, presented by Sojos Eyewear. For my Dance Moms fans, former cast member Kendall Vertes went all out for Miami-based brand Luli Fama. Oh, and the Megan Thee Stallion closed out her line, Hot Girl Summer—a look I'm still thinking about days later.

8 It-Girl Trends From Paraiso Miami Swim Week

Scroll on for a download on the cool-girl trends I saw in real time at Paraiso Miami Swim Week 2026—plus celebrity sightings that left me speechless, editor-approved brands that deserve your attention, and tips for getting the trending looks ASAP.

Spoiler: Animal print and sheer silhouettes have my seal of approval, but that's all I'm going to say for now. Ahead, see eight It-girl swimwear trends you should know about this summer.

Untamed Prints

The jury's still out on jelly sandals. Balloon pants have their pros and cons. But one thing that's not up for debate is animal print. One in particular stole the spotlight: zebra print. Yes, the expected black-and-white prints walked the runway, but colorful counterparts in fuchsia and lime did as well.

Oséree put on a show with a sequin-embroidered set, and the miniskirt and triangle bikini top set me on a mission to note each animal-inspired design. It took me no time to notice that Fae sent Nader down the runway in a coral-colored zebra bikini set and a gold-tone waist chain.

Below, see the zebra-print swimwear I'm eyeing this summer, plus a few standout leopard and snakeskin finds.

Sheer Inspiration

There is something about a sheer set over a bikini after a day spent poolside. Its nonchalant nature and aura-affirming ability make this my favorite trend to come out of Paraiso Miami Swim Week 2026. Not only is it a breeze to pack, but it's also a fabulous way to optimize your wardrobe. With a swim piece under, it's a cover-up. On its own, it's a naked dress ready to walk the red carpet.

Fae mastered the semisheer look with ombré trousers this season, Melissa Odabash served sophistication with a knit halter, and Shan had the audience in applause with a sheer lace dress. The fashion person in me says to embrace the gossamer garments and experiment with interesting base garments, like an unexpected animal print or a two-tone bikini.

Two-Tone 'Kinis

I prefer a subtle bikini trend. Yes, shimmers and glitters were a common sight on this year's runways, but this elegant trend floated under the radar. That's right. I'm talking about two-tone bikinis. This minimalist color palette allows more attention to be on you. It is also a great base for accessories. As seen on the runway, fringe tote, aviator sunglasses, headbands, and folded clutches make for great additions.

Two-tone details can appear multiple ways, such as color blocking, trimming, and a double bikini, which was Oséree's way. It's subtle, rich looking, and easy to replicate. Inspired by the Vogue México y Latinoamérica designer showcase, I went on a deep dive to find my favorite version of this trend.

White Sands

While some of us might not be over butter yellow, Pantone's 2026 Color of the Year, Cloud Dancer, is slowly gaining favor among the fashion set. Its presence at this year's swim week was undeniable. Oversize linens, semisheer crochet sets, halterneck dresses, and embellished bikinis walked the runway. Monday Swimwear, Melissa Odabash, Shan, and more showcased the elegance and ease of a monochrome ensemble.

If you choose to participate, the appropriate vacation destinations for any of these looks would be those with white-sand beaches—Malta, Croatia, and Sicily, of course. The chic but cool styling allows for less outfit planning and more sightseeing.

Seashell Styling

I'm a simple person. If Megan Thee Stallion wears seashell earrings, I wear seashell earrings. Walking for her Hot Girl Summer line, Megan closed out the show in a spiral one-piece with organic-shaped bangles and seashell-inspired earrings. The rapper wasn't the only one strutting the runway in maritime motifs. It-girl brands Oceanus, Kulani Kinis, and Oséree presented models in shell-themed bikinis, accessories, and embroidery.

If your summer 2026 mood board looks anything like mine, then cool-girl accessories are number one on your wish list, and nautical pieces fit right in. The quintessential vacation additions—such as an oversize scallop necklace, an abalone belt (like the one I saw at the Sigal presentation and can't stop thinking about), or Aquamarine-inspired earrings—are on theme, whimsical, and mermaid chic.

Racy O-Rings

Subtle embellishments made our 2026 swim report, and after attending Paraiso Miami Swim Week, I would have to agree. Though, subtle might be an understatement. Fresh off my first show, Monday Swimwear, I noticed oversize O-rings were a central theme. Then Oséree, Oh Polly, and Luli Fama followed suit. Used to loop bikini tops and low-rise bottoms together, these racy rings can be found on sarongs, one-pieces, dresses, trousers—you name it. Coming in metallic, wood, and even acrylic, these textural embellishments were my focus on the runway.

There's a certain '70s flair attributed to the linking chains, or it could be '90s minimalism, depending on how you look at it. All I know is that it was rare to see a show not feature these outrageous rings. Scroll on to see how a shopping editor would shop the trend.

Slick-Back Bandanas

This highly specific It-girl accessory just walked Miami Swim Week. If you said "headscarf," you'd take home gold. Silk, printed, or paisley, this square scarf is recognized as a major summer 2026 accessories trend, and it takes less than 30 seconds to elevate your 'fit. Simply tie it around your head, and you'll instantly see the cool and unbothered effect.

I'm loving how Monday Swimwear and Sigal styled their bandanas—either in a monochrome look, all out in an isometric illusion, or doubled down on an eclectic print. If you're feeling so inspired, I recommend following these styling rules with any of the scarves below.

Below the Bust

As this plunging scoop neck walked the Oh Polly runway for the second time (the first was at Monday Swimwear), I turned to my fashion friend sitting next to me and asked, "What would you call that?" A peekaboo cover-up? A low-U neckline? Nothing felt quite right. It wasn't until the silhouette walked the runway for a third time that we knew this trend would hit home with the cool girls. The only problem? The name.

After some major workshopping and asking Who What Wear fashion editor and swimsuit connoisseur Sierra Mayhew to weigh in, I landed on "below the bust."

Charming and cheeky—or, in this case, busty—the neckline is designed to show off swimwear. Maybe it's an eyelet-lace balconette top or a strappy one-piece, but specifics aside, your swimwear will never come in second place with this cover-up. If you're not feeling the revealing silhouette, it's all in the styling. Simply turn it around, and you've got yourself a low-back dress.

Why Trust Us?

At Who What Wear, fashion is our speciality. Our editors have years of industry experience, from reporting on seasonal fashion trends seen at international fashion weeks to working with some of the most recognizable names in fashion. Every item we recommend is carefully selected based on current trends, quality, and real-world wearability.

We regularly try pieces ourselves, including everything from best-selling jeans to designer shoes; speak to external experts and fashion insiders; and stay closely connected to what our readers are searching for. Our advice is grounded in expertise and has to pass our exceptional taste levels, so you can feel confident in every recommendation.

Brie Welch is a Who What Wear editor in residence. In addition to being Katie Holmes's longtime stylist, Welch is a costume designer and eBay's resident stylist. This role includes curating eBay Watchlist, a quarterly trend report powered by shopper data. She resides in New York City.

Recently, I wore a Yohji Yamamoto asymmetrical, backless blazer for an evening out dancing with my close friend, who wore an asymmetric minidress that had cascading tulle from one side to the other. It wasn't until later, looking at the photos we took together, that I noticed the similarity between our two outfits and realized just how subtly a trend can reveal itself. I'd seen how asymmetry could work on the runway but hadn't yet consciously connected it to real-life dressing, yet here it was, playing out in reality with ease.

It made me think of Lii, a New York–based brand known for its color-blocked, sporty designs that often feature seam extensions that create elongated flaps, folds, and tucks. Jonathan Anderson is likewise known for designing off-kilter shapes that trick the eye with his drapery at both Dior, where he's the creative director, and JW Anderson, the ready-to-wear brand he founded in 2008. And of course, there's Colleen Allen, whose wispy blouses and dresses err on a more gentle asymmetry. Her fall/winter 2026 collection is a master class in wrapping and creating shapes.

Celine spring/summer 2026

Colleen Allen spring/summer 2026

Dior pre-fall 2026

Embracing clothing that feels shifted, interrupted, or imperfect is trending on the resale market just as much, with searches for "asymmetry" up 34% by global eBay users, according to the most recent eBay Watchlist Trend Report, which is informed by current trends and based on global eBay search, sales, and listing data. I've also ever-so-subtly inserted the trend into my work with clients. Case in point: the Lanvin dress Katie Holmes just wore to the Carnegie Hall Concert of the Century in May, which included an asymmetric velvet bodice, a single bow at the shoulder, and a skirt made up of skinny strips of leather dotted with tiny jewels.

But how does one actually wear a trend that may feel too avant-garde in an everyday, natural way? That's what I dove into below.

My Tips for Styling the Asymmetric-Outfit Trend

Tip 1: Start Small

Start with one item of clothing that plays with asymmetry, like a skirt, and pair it with your favorite tee for a simple intro to disruption. Investing in a statement skirt will do the heavy lifting all summer long.

Tip 2: Lean Into Accessories

Try playing around with scarves and pareos! In a crunch, I've often tied a silk or cotton pareo as a top, creating instant drapery that you can tuck for asymmetrical flair. Searches for "scarf halter tops" are up 97% on eBay!

Tip 3: Blazers Are Key

Take inspiration from me (and global eBay shoppers) with an asymmetrical blazer, which has grown by 18% on eBay year over year from March 2025 to March 2026. This feels like a good iteration to dip your toe in. The blazer is a closet staple, so finding one that eases into the trend, where the hemline is slightly askew, will make an outfit with jeans way more interesting!

Whilst there are plenty of top-level trends to get excited about from the autumn/winter 2026 runways, you may have glossed over the subtle style shift that's happening with handbags this season, one that designers across all four fashion capitals agree on. Clutches—once a narrow handbag category designed exclusively for weddings, red carpets, and black-tie galas—have been slowly evolving into silhouettes and sizes that go far beyond eveningwear. In fact, the chicest clutches of the moment are intended to look just as good with a gown and heels as they do with jeans and flats.

In the collections, that looked like an elongated eel-print clutch that Proenza Schouler styled with a polished skirt suit, a series of east-west frame clutches that Coach immediately sold out in its post-show "see now, buy now" release, and upsized silhouettes that Celine models carried in the crook of their arms. All in all, clutches are becoming the new handbag style of choice to signal elegant style both day and night, and several It styles are already earning buzz this year, including The Row's Peggy Clutch and the Bottega Veneta Lauren 1979.

Bottega, Celine, Khaite—according to the autumn/winter 2026 collections, we're entering the era of the everyday clutch bag. Keep scrolling to shop the best designer clutch bags for summer 2026, and beyond.

Everyday Clutches: The Elegant Handbag Trend to Know for 2026

Shop Everyday Clutches

Runway Styling Inspiration

The first Monday in May always marks the Met Gala—one of the biggest events in the fashion industry. Aside from the runways, it's a key places editors keep an eye out for inspiration and trends, from the red carpet to the after-parties.

Hunter Schafer wore one of our team's favorite red carpet looks of the night, which was a custom Prada gown inspired by Gustav Klimt's "Mäda Primavesi." Then, for the Saint Laurent after-party at People's Bar in New York City, she changed into a custom dress by emerging British designer Steve O Smith and carried one particular accessory: Prada's Wish Pouch.

That made me think back to the Italian luxury house's S/S 26 runway show, where the bag appeared multiple times throughout the collection, taking an essentials-only approach to dressing: phone, keys, wallet. The silhouette comes in three materials—silk, Re-Nylon, and leather—and in a range of shades including black, gray, orange, blue, brown, and a now-sold-out pink.

Pouches also appeared at Loewe's, Miu Miu's, and Valentino's spring/summer 2026 shows and even at Celine's F/W 26 presentation—a nostalgic eveningwear aesthetic reminiscent of the dainty styles dating back to the late 18th century.

Below, shop Prada's It bag for summer 2026 along with more designer pouches from Bottega Veneta, Chloé, Saint Laurent, The Row, and more.

On Prada's S/S 26 Runway

On Hunter Schafer

Shop Prada's Wish Pouch

Shop More Designer Pouches

It's no secret that Coach's laissez-faire layering and playful nostalgia are resonating with its Gen Z fan base. Coach Creative Director Stuart Vevers is attuned to the younger audience, including our experimental styling, covert signaling, and hyperindividualism. This generational appreciation was on full display during the Coach x Brain Dead surprise flash runway.

My generation is known for showing up for unexpected designer collaborations that feel authentic and harmonious for both parties—Stella McCartney x H&M, Anna Sui x Old Navy, and Burberry x Hunza G, just to name a few. "What I love about this collection is that it celebrates individuality—the way people personalize things, collect things, and become emotionally attached to them over time. That spirit of optimism and self-expression runs through the entire collection," said Vevers in the collection's press release.

Held at the collection's theme park–inspired launch party in NYC's Meatpacking District, the show debuted the ready-to-wear and leather goods in a surprise 80-second runway, shocking attendees, including Troye Sivan, Sunisa Lee, Ella Emhoff, and Lourdes Leon.

Brain Dead cofounder Kyle Ng expressed his gratitude to Vevers and Coach in the press release: "The customization that they've allowed us to collaborate on really speaks to the nature of our brand as well as Coach. Brain Dead has always been a brand about self-expression—culturally as well as style—with the culture side being first, ahead of fashion."

Throughout the capsule collection, you'll see mentions of a fictional theme park, from merchandise to mascots named Kachi, Xerx, and Zilly to souvenirs. The Xerx-inspired Empire bag feels like a true one-of-a-kind item. It's furry, it's pink, and it's unique. The ready-to-wear has ties to Tokyo street style, the crocheted charms and branded pins have Gen Z written all over them, and the Coach Tabby bag makes an appearance dressed up with charms and patches.

The collaboration launched May 29. Scroll on to shop our favorite pieces from the spontaneous runway and the accessories that Gen Z fashion people are likely to sell out of.

Coach x Brain Dead 2026

Shop Coach x Brain Dead 2026

Late on Saturday night, Gucci staged its cruise 2027 show in New York. While many iconic venues and landmarks could have set the stage for the occasion, Gucci chose Times Square as its venue, where the house took over an entire swath of Broadway between 46th and 48th. The setting served as foreshadowing for Creative Director Demna's first cruise collection: a mix of the glam and the gritty in true New Yorker fashion.

The show cemented Gucci's role in the zeitgeist with a lineup of stars both on and off the runway, including names such as Cindy Crawford, Paris Hilton, and Tom Brady, who walked in the show, and Lindsay Lohan, Laura Harrier, Mariah Carey, and many more, who were in attendance. After the designer's fall/winter 2026 runway debut, we were teeming with curiosity, waiting to see how Demna would translate his new aesthetic vision for the house into a cruise collection, and it's clear that vision is one of high glamour, sex appeal, and loads of '90s references. Ahead, read everything to know about Gucci's cruise 2027 show in New York.

A Times Square Takeover

Marrying high-brow and low-brow taste in a way that only designer Demna could, Gucci descended on none other than Times Square in the heart of midtown Manhattan for its cruise 2027 show. Every screen—normally displaying advertisements of all sorts—was turned into a livestream of the event where models walked the street just below. In place of the usual throng of tourists who crowd Broadway, stylish showgoers were seated clad in their best Gucci attire.

The Gucci Famiglia

Tom Brady! Paris Hilton! Cindy Crawford! One noteworthy celebrity walking the runway would have garnered headlines, but Gucci tends to set the bar high, and even this show outdid itself. The casting call included a host of very familiar faces from across the pop culture spectrum, from the NFL to our Netflix queues.

Star-Studded Arrivals

As if the runway weren't star-studded enough, the front row and arrivals were equally as impressive. Carey, Kim Kardashian, and Lohan were just a few of the A-list names in attendance, wearing their best Gucci ensembles. Harrier was a vision in a white turtleneck minidress and black pumps that recalled Carrie Bradshaw's famous traffic-stopping LBD.

And Now, the Clothes

Now, let's discuss what actually went down on the runway. There were a lot of glam gowns, including the architectural feathered look worn by Crawford, a sheer cape dress on Alex Consani, and Mariacarla Boscono in a one-shouldered feathery concoction. By contrast, many looks closely resembled what you might see the everyday New Yorker wearing just an avenue or two over on 5th: dark denim, slick trench coats, and slim suiting.

In place of traditional show notes, a movie script sat on each seat at the Dior cruise 2027 show in Los Angeles. The brand's new creative director, Jonathan Anderson, dreamed up a cinematic version of the press release in which designers typically explain their inspirations and credit collaborators. As it turns out, it was a precursor of what was to come down the runway: fun, inventive twists on the familiar.

The show perfectly melded the past, present, and future of Hollywood: The moody Hitchcockian lighting and film noir references captured a bygone era, while the just-opened gallery setting and a front row filled with the next generation of Hollywood icons, including Miley Cyrus and Maude Apatow, evoked the industry's current landscape and next chapter. "Christian Dior understood how important the idea of 'the dream' was for people after the war, as a form of escapism," Anderson wrote in the script. "He explored this in couture; his surrealist friends were obsessed with dreams and, of course, Hollywood is 'The Dream Factory.' It was all part of the same cross-cultural shift." Scroll down for my full breakdown of everything you need to know from Dior cruise 2027.

Breaking Down the Dior Cruise 2027 Show

Setting the Stage

Los Angeles has no shortage of landmarks that could have hosted Dior. Still, the house smartly set up shop at the city's newest, buzziest attraction: The David Geffen Galleries at The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), which just opened less than a month ago. With its brutalist architecture designed by Peter Zumthor, the atmospheric setting was the perfect backdrop for the show. Dior even wheeled in vintage American cars, echoing the collection's bags inspired by retro Cadillac leather seats.

Screen Sirens

In the show notes, formatted as a movie script, Jonathan Anderson explained that the 1950 film Stage Fright was one of the main starting points for this collection because Christian Dior designed the costumes. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Marlene Dietrich, the twisty thriller follows an aspiring actress who gets tied up in a murder investigation. Anderson injected this Old Hollywood vibe throughout the collection. "A Dior gray wool flannel coat appears striped with the geometric shadows of Venetian blinds—an echo of film noir," the show notes read.

Fresh Perspectives

This season, Anderson reinvented some of Dior's most memorable motifs, including John Galliano's newspaper print, which now lives on a slouchy leather chain-strap bag. The Dior Saddle bag was also given new life with car-paint finishes and motor-key charms.

Star Power

There's no doubt that Dior's show was the place to be last night. Sabrina Carpenter, Miley Cyrus, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jisoo, Tracee Ellis Ross, Miranda Kerr, Taylor Russell, Jeff Goldblum, Ziwe, Leslie Mann, Ejae, and Who What Wear's May cover star Maude Apatow were among the front-row guests. Carpenter had the privilege of wearing the collection's opening look before it even hit the runway. Now that's some serious pop-star pull.

Trend Forecast

Drop-waist dresses, fringed jackets, shredded jeans, feathery rosettes, California poppies, and long scarves were among my favorite trends from Dior cruise 2027. Baby pink and powder blue lived alongside royal purple and canary yellow, while gray flannels and brown plaids grounded the color palette this season.

Under the canopy of street lamps and surrounded by slick concrete, Jonathan Anderson brought Dior back to Hollywood to debut his first Cruise collection for the French maison. At the Los Angeles County Museum of Contemporary Art, the Northern Irish creative director saturated the sleek, cement venue with his interpretation of noir glamour; a Lynchian blue glow illuminating from a convertible lowrider, the thumping bass line of Bot’Ox’s “Crashed Cadillac”, elongated bar jackets with ripped hemlines and equally distressed jeans.

Despite the moody undertones of the new season showcase and vivid evocation of a gritty thriller—they don’t call it the Boulevard of broken dreams for nothing—it didn’t stop the show’s guests from turning out in true sun-kissed fashion. Though the panoply took on a surrealism seen in films like Cronenberg’s Maps to the Stars, those who lined the front row dressed more in line with the scintillating beaches of Malibu in balmy colour palettes and high-octane hues. The most notable aspect of this scheme, however, was the dreamy butter yellow seen on Sabrina Carpenter.

The pop star has developed quite a close working relationship with the brand, especially with Dior dressing her for her Coachella headlining performances, which also subverted cinematic tropes. (She is a theatre kid at heart, after all.) Dressed in a drop-waist, halterneck gown made of wispy chiffon, the look was made ultra notable given the silhouette itself opened the show.

Perhaps method dressing in the vein of silver screen starlets like Sharon Tate, the songstress tied her hair half-up with a lacy bow and accessories with Dior’s Cigale bag, satin bow heels and a giant rosette. Elsewhere The Studio breakout actress and former Who What Wear cover star, Chase Sui Wonders, could also be seen in the shade. Her look was from Dior’s recent autumn/winter 2026 collection and featured a dramatically tiered scallop hem that is reminiscent of the bulbs on Bluebell flowers. Monsieur Dior always did have a bit of a green thumb.

Though Hailey Bieber might’ve declared butter yellow “over” last summer when she was promoting Rhode Beauty’s lemon-flavoured Peptide Lip Treatment—an announcement that also helped revive vintage Pucci as the thing to wear along the Riviera—this high-fashion endorsement makes it apparent that butter yellow is going nowhere. Dreamy, delicate and Dior-approved, shop the summer shade below.

Shop the Butter Yellow Fashion Trend:

While we've already made some predictions about the biggest trends that will influence shopping, editorials, and the red carpet next season, we have further insights into how the fall/winter 2026 runway collections will impact style in the second half of the year. Brigitte Chartrand, chief buying and merchandising officer at Net-a-Porter, shared her insights on the top trends to know in fashion and how they are impacting its buys as a retailer.

There are plenty of directional fashion looks that make it onto magazine covers and into runway reporting, but those items don't always translate to what shoppers want in their carts and what hits the market. This is where we get a closer look at the exact trends and pieces that will land in store and on the online shelves. Chartrand distilled exactly which trends the retailer is betting big on for the upcoming season, which will back up the upcoming buy. Ahead are the seven fall 2026 trends that will shape fashion next season, according to Net-a-Porter.

Statement Colors

"Across the fall 2026 runways, statement color played a key role, with chartreuse and purple appearing consistently throughout fashion month. These shades were styled in new ways through tonal clashes, bold color blocking, and richly saturated hues." — Chartrand

Elevated Minimalism

"Full-black looks reemerged as a strong power statement, dominating the Milan runways in particular." — Chartrand

Mixed Textures

"More than ever, this season, we saw designers focus on layering and mixing textures and patterns to create depth and richness. We saw velvet paired with leather and charmeuse, while jacquards and plaids were mixed with florals, satin, and lace, which resulted in a true explosion of prints and textures." — Chartrand

Refined Silhouettes

"This season saw a strong return to structured tailoring and slim, '90s-inspired silhouettes. Key styles included strong-shouldered, shrunken blazers; slim-cut trousers; and oversize coats—all of which stand out as timeless investment pieces. It was a welcome return to tailoring." — Chartrand

The New Eveningwear

"Occasionwear is designed to feel special, and for autumn/winter 2026 we saw this come through in bouclé and beaded dresses, embroidered gowns, and intricate embellishments." — Chartrand

Over-the-Top Accessories

"This season, extremely high thigh-high boots were a standout across the runways alongside faux-fur stoles, shearling gloves, and oversize collars. Pointed-toe pumps also featured prominently, with proportion playing a key role overall, as seen in elongated silhouettes across both boots and gloves." — Chartrand

Playful Tights

"For this season, tights were no longer an afterthought, and they were used as a styling tool that added personality and layering to the looks, adding elements of patterns and pops of color." — Chartrand

While there are plenty of top-level trends to get excited about from the fall/winter 2026 runways, you may have glossed over the subtle style shift that's happening with handbags this season, one that designers across the all four fashion capitals agree on. Clutches—once a narrow handbag category designed exclusively for weddings, red carpets, and black-tie galas—have been slowly evolving into silhouettes and sizes that go far beyond eveningwear. In fact, the chicest clutches of the moment are intended to look just as good with a gown and heels as they do with denim and flats.

In the collections, that looked like an elongated eel-print clutch that Proenza Schouler styled with a polished skirt suit, a series of east-west frame clutches that Coach immediately sold out in its post-show "see now, buy now" release, and upsized silhouettes that Celine models carried in the crook of their arms. All in all, clutches are becoming the new handbag style of choice to signal elegant style both day and night, and several It styles are already earning buzz this year, including The Row's Peggy Clutch and the Bottega Veneta Lauren 1979.

Bottega, Celine, Khaite—according to the fall/winter 2026 collections, we're entering the era of the everyday clutch bag. See where it appeared on the runways and shop the key styles here.

Runway Styling Inspiration

Shop Everyday Clutches

In the wake of the fall/winter 2026 runway season, I spent hours looking at practically every single look that walked, zooming in on things like scarves tied in every way possible, dramatic jewelry, big belts, and—most of all—shoes. The latter is arguably the most purchased category that debuts on the runway each season, but you have to pay special attention if you want to spot the good ones early, as apparel draws the most attention. If you know me, though, you know that I'll always look closer when it comes to shoes, and on the runway this season, one specific shoe color took over. Forget neutrals. Come fall 2026, you'll be wanting something blue in your footwear collection, be it from Chanel, Prada, or Alaïa, three brands that will shape the blue-shoe trend later on this year.

From satin ballet flats at Carven to knee-high, hand-stitched feather boots at Prada, there was no shortage of blue footwear on the runways this season, adding a shoe-investment option that's less classic and more exciting. Blue shoes are capable of creating standout outfits every single time you slip on whatever pair makes it into your wardrobe. At Chanel, Matthieu Blazy's run of viral footwear continued with fervor, and his blue-and-white two-tone mules in patent leather are sure to be among the styles that get run out of stock in boutiques everywhere when his fall/winter 2026 collection for the French house hits stores. Chemena Kamali went all in with thigh-high boots at Chloé, testing them in a variety of colors. The most interesting style was the royal-blue leather pair lined with shearling. And we can't talk about the blue shoes on the runway this season without mentioning the sexy and sophisticated pumps at Pieter Mulier's farewell to Alaïa.

Blue Shoes on the Runway

Chanel

Prada

Alaïa

Carven

Chloé

Missoni

Suffice to say, designers proved one thing to be true this season: "something blue" shouldn't be boxed into the wedding category. At least when it comes to footwear, a hint of the color can be added to just about any outfit for any occasion, styled with matching leather pants (Chloé), a tweed skirt suit (Chanel), or a slim-fitting tailored coat (Prada). Sure, blue shoes might not be as "easy" to style as a black or brown pair, but what's the fun in that? For a cooler, more interesting alt, shop the blue shoes below, with elegant options from Manolo Blahnik, as well as sportier alts from Prada, all making it into the mix.

Shop Blue Shoes

We've been deep in discussions about where fashion is headed in 2026 at the Who What Wear offices, whether that's researching the most impactful looks on the fall/winter 2026 runways or charting the rise of early trends on the fashion set. Well into the year, we have already seen some clear shifts in the direction that style is taking.

Personality-driven fashion is bigger than ever, intricate prints and embellishments are adding dimension to designs, and romantic pieces are coming back in full force. We're also seeing some clear trends that early adopters are already integrating into their wardrobes. Among them are royal purple hues and tuxedo dressing. Below, see the fall 2026 trends we expect to be huge in six months that ahead-of-the-curve dressers will start wearing now.

Layers of Organza

Royal Purple

Intricate Car Coats

Scarf-Print Tops

Skirt Suits

Tank Dresses

Tapestry Embroidery

Tuxedo Dressing

Ruffles

Now that we've had time to digest the fall/winter 2026 collections, there's so much to discuss. This season marks an evolution in several overarching themes that I've been seeing play out in fashion so far this year. The era of elegance isn't coming to an end anytime soon but is shifting into even more opulent and couture-inspired territory. As for timeless 1990s silhouettes, designers played into ultra-minimalist shapes with dresses that put simplicity back at the forefront. The result is a new batch of dress trends that are set to define the season ahead.

The exact styles, silhouettes, and textures that will have the biggest impact this season? Per Alaïa and Chanel, romantic basque waists will still be going strong, but organza and sheer dresses are now set to define the modern romance movement for the rest of 2026 too. What's more, all manner of delicate embellishments and appliqués are making seasonal returns thanks to cosigns from Dior and Miu Miu. All in all, consider this list your North Star for all things dress silhouettes and continue to get your fill of the major trends to know for fall 2026.

The Top 7 Dress Trends of Fall 2026

Basque Waists

There was one breakout trend I couldn't stop seeing—and talking about and shopping—from this past Paris Fashion Week, and it was none other than basque-waist dresses. The romantic drop-waist silhouette has been heating up for the past several seasons, especially in the wedding space, but with the backing of several ready-to-wear collections, it's no longer just for brides.

Shop Basque-Waist Dresses

'90s Minimalism

Call it the CBK effect, but designers this season were called to revisit the pared-back silhouettes that ruled the late '90s. Elegant boatnecks, structured sheath dresses, and body-aware silhouettes arrived in muted tones of charcoal gray and black that were simple but far from boring.

Shop '90s Minimalist Dresses

Cape Town

There are few things that ooze more elegance than a cape dress, and the style is set to surge to new levels this year.

Shop Cape Dresses

So Detailed

If 2026 has thus far been defined by romantic fashion, then the latter half of the year will dial up the saccharine quality. For fall, designers reimagined romantic dressing with details like sequin and paillette embellishments and large floral appliqués.

Shop Detailed Dresses

Festive Fringe

On the whole, the fall collections were all about texture, but when it comes to how we'll actually wear it, my prediction is fringed dresses. But forget allover fringe that can easily intimidate. Instead, pops of fringe and decisive fringe trimming are the details defining the key dresses of the season.

Shop Fringe Dresses

Layer Cake

Naked dressing is nothing new but usually peaks in the summer months and winds down by fall. This season, though, airy, gauzy layers of organza are remaining on top throughout the colder months too. The fall runways were replete with washes of dresses made from delicate sheer fabric, from the military-inspired embroidery at Khaite to Prada's window dressing.

Shop Layered Dresses

Print-Maxxing

Prints were anything but traditional this season, and designers such as Proenza Schouler and Altuzarra manipulated theirs into abstract, nearly psychedelic versions that arrived on silky, draped fabrics to signal they're easy to wear for even the most print-averse.

Shop Print-Maxxing Dresses

I don’t know if it’s the post-minimalism fatigue or just a collective craving for clothes that actually say something, but this season’s runways felt especially dialed in. Not loud for the sake of it, but intentional—every drape, every layer, every slightly “off” proportion felt like it had a point of view. This was a season that had me stopping in the middle of working on a trend report to find a way to “shop the look.” Spoiler alert: Most of these shows happened in September and are just now available to wear out on the town.

Each show had a look that felt like “me,” so as they walked down the runways, my memory took a little photograph, and now that I’m scrolling through new arrivals on my favorite luxury retailer, I’m starting to see some familiar items. Below, find the looks that I’m most excited to shop first from September’s runways.

This was probably the first look I bookmarked during fashion week. It appeared in New York in September and to me, this show was just a dream. This look plays with structure in a really satisfying way—cinched leather up top, volume through the trousers. The contrast between the fitted jacket and the billowy pants creates a silhouette that feels directional but still wearable. It’s one of those outfits that do the styling for you.

Capes have already been everywhere this year, and Balenciaga has a fun twist on them: leather. This version feels elevated. The slightly oversize fit and rich color have me swooning.

I’d book a vacation just to wear this look. This bright red ensemble is all about shape. The high neckline and exaggerated, asymmetrical hemline create a sculptural effect that feels almost architectural. It’s bold, yes, but also incredibly clean—no extra styling needed.

A Versace show that will go down in history as the brand’s search for a creative director involved a detour. Yet this look is memorable because shortly after, I noticed other brands like Miu Miu producing similar tanks. The boldest styling trick is just trusting an unusual color combo to complete the outfit.

An oversize red sweater paired with what looks like barely there bottoms shouldn’t work this well—but it does. The slouchy proportions feel intentional rather than lazy, especially styled with sleek accessories. It’s giving model-off-duty but with just enough structure to make it chic.

This structured, double-breasted leather trench coat worn as a dress is pure confidence. I recently tried this outfit idea myself and found it was the easiest look to put together when you feel like you have nothing to wear. Just add a slip dress underneath. It feels almost cinematic.

You can’t walk into a fashion office without hearing buzz about Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel. A tweed jacket and pencil skirt could easily skew boring, but Blazy’s update on the Chanel classic feels exceptionally modern. It’s polished but not predictable—which is exactly what people love about the collection.

Bottega Veneta this season was all about looks that felt like I could get a million wears out of every single piece, especially this cashmere sweater that would look good around my waist right now. Call it a new take on office dressing. The silhouette is intentionally undone, and that’s why it works.

This chocolate brown look is a master class in fluid dressing that still feels grounded. If you do make this purchase, don’t forget the tonal accessories that keep it polished instead of bohemian. It’s the kind of outfit that you’ll want to wear every weekend this summer.

The runways have spoken, and skirt suits have officially been crowned as the all-around chicest way to wear skirts in 2026. Despite the co-ords' stuffy, unexciting reputation in the fashion world, it's managed to come back hugely, this time around with a new, sophisticated look. This shift started back in September, when Dario Vitale's debut show for Versace featured textured skirt suits chic enough to wash away any stale energy the pairing still possessed. In the months since, vintage Tom Ford Gucci began to really take over the sartorial zeitgeist—the designer's love of fitted pencil skirts and matching blazers coming with it. Finally, at the fall/winter 2026 shows this February and early March, the duo hit peak popularity, appearing at Tom Ford, The Row, Gucci, Celine, Schiaparelli, and more.

What made this outfit formula so enticing, particularly at the F/W 26 shows, was that there was no one singular silhouette that stood out, but instead, a plethora of interesting skirt combinations, from a mustard-colored suede co-ord at Hermès to a button-detail miniskirt set at Ferragamo. At The Row and Stella McCartney, fur accents added a luxe factor to this formerly sterile style, and N.21 added feminine touches like a square neckline, a peplum ruffle, and subtly puffed sleeves that I and Who What Wear Associate Director of Special Projects Kristen Nichols fell hard for during our research on the top trends of the season. Brands like Gucci, Celine, and Tom Ford went classic (think fitted pencil skirts and tailored blazers), but in a way that felt 2026 instead of dated or expected in any way.

Essentially, the latest runway season was a masterclass in skirt suits done right. Scroll down to nail the skirt trend once and for all.

How to Wear a Skirt Suit in 2026

Runway Styling Inspiration

The Row Winter 2026 Collection

Tom Ford F/W 26 Collection

Versace S/S 26 Collection

Schiaparelli F/W 26 Collection

Gucci F/W 26 Collection

Shop Skirt Suits

This spring, I want to look rich—not "I have two houses and a solid financial plan to retire at 40" rich but "Oh, this outfit? I just threw on my favorite full runway look to go get a smoothie" rich. I may have runway-level taste, but I certainly don't have a runway-level budget, and after browsing the best spring 2026 runway trends last week, I felt compelled to make a guide for the fashion people who want to look like a million bucks without actually spending that kind of money. Ready-to-wear in this economy?

After scrolling for countless hours online and asking our editors to share their favorite spring 2026 runway looks, I put together 10 outfits that dominated the conversation last season along with ways to get them at a fraction of the cost. Ready to re-create the best runway looks from the likes of Bottega Veneta, Celine, and Versace without going into credit card debt? I've got you covered.

Shop the Best Spring 2026 Runway Looks for Under $400

Just as the burgundy and espresso color trends are reaching infinitely higher peaks, designers are already conspiring on their successor. Don't get me wrong. I don't see these specific hues going anywhere anytime soon and have begun reclassifying them as staple tones rather than passing trends, but this past fashion month, designers posed a united front on a new It color that is set to take on the role that burgundy and espresso have become known for—to signal a rich outfit vibe.

Meet royal purple, a deep and rich shade of purple that, as the name suggests, is imbued with a sense of royalty, wealth, and status. The history of the color dates all the way back to 1600 BCE when it was worth more than gold because producing it was so expensive. In 2026, however, the people wearing royal purple the most are fashion insiders who are among the first to style the runway trend. The shade popped up all over the recent spring/summer 2026 and even fall/winter 2026 collections at Prada, Celine, Valentino, and Miu Miu, where it was central to many runway looks. Of course, purple is a notoriously tricky color to style, so I've put together a guide to styling it like a true fashion person. Here, discover how to wear royal purple in 2026 with six fail-safe ideas.

Go for a Pop of Purple

With a color this saturated, a singular pop of purple truly does go a long way to make an outfit look forward. Carry a purple bag instead of a black one, or opt for a purple version of a classic shoe style—like these epic Dries Van Noten sneakers—to make the color feel much more approachable.

On the runway:

On a fashion person:

Pair It With Dark Denim

If, like many of us, your everyday uniform consists of jeans with an easy top, then take note of how this Kallmeyer model from the spring/summer 2026 runway paired a purple knit top with dark-wash jeans. The colored top will make all your denim outfits look so "now."

On the runway:

Marry Purple With Red

If you're ahead of the curve, then I know you're not just test-driving royal purple but instead are styling it with something cherry red. This leather Miu Miu look was where the color combo originated, and ever since, fashion people with the most trendsetting style have been tapping into the look and marrying the two bold tones together. There's something about it that seems like it shouldn't work, but somehow, it just does.

On the runway:

On a fashion person:

Embrace a Statement Coat

Figuring out how to style a bright color can often feel like it takes all your brainpower, but when you wear a statement piece like a coat or dress that essentially is the outfit, it does all the styling work for you. Just add accessories and call it a day.

On the runway:

Make One Piece the Focal Point

One trick I love for wearing any kind of out-there color is to pick a colored item and make it the focal point of the look. This works especially well with skirts and tops since you can take the item and wear it with classic staples in all black or all-neutral tones to really let the colored piece grab attention.

On the runway:

On a fashion person:

Try an Unexpected Styling Piece

The runways weren't just replete with royal purple. They were specifically filled with funkier styling pieces—bloomers at Prada, leather opera gloves at Balenciaga—showcasing a number of experimental ways to wear the color. Try a pair of purple tights or a purple bra underneath a sheer top that will flex your expert styling skills without breaking your budget.

On the runway:

On a fashion person:

After reporting on some of the major fall/winter 2026 trends to unfold on the runways, ranging from everyday couture to tuxedo style, it's time to get more granular. Specifically, we're taking a look at the key accessory trends to know for fall 2026, including those endorsed by the biggest and most influential creative directors in fashion.

Designers presented a range of styles, such as dramatic, ornamental earrings and embellished heels, both of which put a focus on high-impact designs. We also saw fresh silhouettes emerge for bags and sunglasses, which are guaranteed to be in the wardrobes of the fashion set. Ahead, see the five biggest accessory trends for fall 2026, and shop our list of the editor-approved styles to add to your wardrobe now.

Round Wire-Frame Sunglasses

We've been seeing a big shift in sunglass shapes lately. The style that will be picking up even more traction throughout 2026? Glasses with round lenses and wire frames.

Clutch Bags

Sleek, understated clutches are the bag trend to know for 2026. Take cues from the runway and tuck one under your arm or grasp it in your hand.

Embellished Heels

Maximalism is reigning in the footwear department. At brands including Prada and Dior, we saw heavily-embellished heels finished with everything from sequins to beads to three-dimensional flowers.

Ornamental Earrings

Minimalist jewelry is making way for more dramatic, high-impact styles. Specifically, earrings are the ornamental outfit-finishing piece that will take over.

Leather Gloves

We've seen the rise of leather gloves for several years now, but they will be an outfit essential come fall 2026. The style to collect: sleek, wrist-length leather gloves in a versatile neutral such as cream.

The fall/winter 2026 collections recently wrapped up, providing a look ahead at the direction style will take in the coming months. A movement toward romance is adding a sense of softness. Silhouettes are shifting to classic lines with modern twists. Textiles and details are intentional and design-forward. Each of these shifts points to an attitude of building a long-term investment-worthy wardrobe, which fashion people everywhere are adopting.

These themes extend across fashion as a whole as we look to fall. One way we're seeing that take shape? The fall coat trends that'll be everywhere for the remainder of 2026. Intricate brocades and prints are ushering in a new wave of textures. Sheer organza styles are a key buy. Royal purple is already setting the tone for the next big color trend. But the list doesn't end there. Ahead, find out more on the top coat trends to know for fall 2026 and the key pieces to add to your closet.

Brocade Coats

Many of the coats on the fall/winter 2026 runways were finished in beautiful brocades. The rich fabrics lend a collectable, heirloom quality to the pieces, which feel like they could be passed down for generations.

Printed Car Coats

Car coats have been on the rise for back-to-back seasons. For fall, we'll see the silhouette reimagined with patterns ranging from florals to exotic animal prints.

Sheer Coats

The ultimate transitional piece? A sheer organza coat. While the styles don't provide much warmth, they add a sophisticated styling element that is as much about the coat as what is layered underneath.

Royal Purple Coats

The color of 2026 is undoubtedly royal purple. It's already hitting the fashion set's wardrobe, but we only expect that it will grow throughout the year.

Shearling Coats

Plush shearling coats were prevalent on the runways at brands such as Ralph Lauren and Toteme. We especially anticipate the shearling-lined styles to be big for fall 2026.

Fall/winter 2026 was the season we saw creative directors settle into their respective fashion houses. With the major shake-ups across the industry last year, we tracked the many debut collections that presented a mix of reinvented house codes and shocking new ideas. Now that designers have a season (or more) under their belts, their visions have crystallized, and we have a clearer idea of where they are taking the brands in the near and distant future. The strongest collections had a world-building point of view that coupled thoughtful, compelling design with originality.

In the current fashion climate, brands are challenged with retaining existing VICs while attracting a new generation of shoppers—a tall order that requires a delicate balance of new and old, innovative and familiar. We saw this unfold with couture-like items styled for the everyday, investment-worthy modern heirlooms, and timeless silhouettes crafted with precision, and these themes unfolded among the biggest trends at fashion month. The very best shows are garnering excitement for collectors across every generation, giving people a reason to become emotionally invested in brands and, perhaps, get ready to be first in line to shop when the pieces drop in stores. Ahead, read more on the 10 fall/winter 2026 trends that are dominating fashion.

Fashion Week Trends Fall/Winter 2026

Modern Heirlooms

As designers grapple with how to create investment-worthy pieces in a fashion environment where prices have risen so high, many are turning to designs that have an heirloom quality. On the runways at brands including Dior, Valentino, and Conner Ives, we observed rich brocade and jacquard fabric, intricate embroidery, and beaded details that lend a high-quality, handcrafted feel to the garments. These are pieces that instantly feel like special collector's items meant to be passed down from generation to generation. That might mean an embellished coat or a sophisticated gown from Kallmeyer, The Row, or Dries Van Noten. It could translate to unique estate jewelry or a modern equivalent from designers such as Jessica McCormack and LaPietra. Regardless of the item, each piece feels exclusive, significant, and worthy of holding on to.

Window Dressing

"Within each look, we discover multitudes." This is a line taken from Prada's F/W 26 show notes, which describe the Italian brand's intentions behind its idea to only have 15 models walk, each taking to the runway a total of four times in slightly tweaked ensembles from the ones they wore before. A piece was removed every round, unveiling a fresh outfit underneath. For Prada, layering was the backbone of the collection, but Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons weren't the only creatives this season to focus on the styling method. At Tom Ford, The Row, and Victoria Beckham, stacked garments also played pivotal roles. What made their work particularly special in 2026, though, wasn't just the layering. It was the fabrics they used, with translucent materials—from clear PVC to structured mesh—offering a window into the outfit hiding beneath it. Finally, we have a new take on sheer, naked dressing designed for those with modesty in mind. It's a way to explore transparency in a safe-for-work way.

A Simple Plan

Whereas some designers took a loud approach to dressing for the fall, others—like Pieter Mulier, who showed his final collection for Alaïa in Paris—and Veronica Leoni at Calvin Klein, opted to take a simpler route, sticking with pared-back, unadorned materials and timeless, no-frills silhouettes. "Minimal, pure, essential," Mulier wrote in the show notes, a farewell to the house. "Stripped back, reduced to the very essence of Alaïa." For the designer, this strategy was all about avoiding distraction. "Purity, simplicity," Miu Miu's show notes also stated, with Prada leaning on materials like cotton poplin, linen, and washed double cashmere for fall 2026 and using them to craft classic shirts and skirts that felt true to the human experience. The designs were real and wearable yet intimate. Similarly stark ensembles debuted at Prada, Jil Sander, Gucci, and The Row, proving once and for all that, sometimes, less is more.

Unbridled Frivolity

Quiet luxury was, if nothing else, a commercial win. Our collective lean into minimalist silhouettes and neutral tones made it possible for brands that perhaps can't mass-produce intricate fashion items to get into the latest trends with, for lack of a better word, basic trousers, coats, and dresses suddenly aligning with the runway cycle. Alas, this probably also led to the death of quiet luxury. Those who invest in fashion want their pieces to feel romantic and one-of-a-kind and, therefore, worth spending thousands of dollars on. That's where this fall/winter 2026 trend comes in. A handful of designers turned away from hushed tones and practical fits in favor of pieces that felt borderline frivolous and grandiose à la Marie Antoinette. These aren't pieces you're going to wear from one place to another or purchase for their versatile nature. They're shamelessly focused on a very elite level of dressing that calls for ruffles, lace, bows, and draping that requires hours and the very best hands in fashion to perfect. Gone are the days of luxury clothes that can hide in the shadows. For fall, the craft and handiwork behind Valentino's, Chanel's, Givenchy's, and Dior's latest curations will be put on public display.

Into the Wild

In today's world, there's only so much we can handle before needing an escape, and the fall runways provided just that—a portal into another world where our normal standards for what can be considered beautiful doesn't exist and a having a wildness and even animalistic quality about what we wear isn't shunned. It's accepted as the new norm. Patchwork shearling gave an untamed, almost feral feel to coats and dresses at Calvin Klein and Diotima. At Schiaparelli, Daniel Roseberry combined printed bottoms made to look like fur with actual fur coats and added a pair of pony-hair pumps with hand-sculpted cat heads in lieu of rounded or pointed toes. "No pets were harmed in the making of these; they're rendered from resin and felt," the brand explains in the show notes. Perhaps we've been reading too many fantasy novels, but this season's collections had that same impact. It's a way to turn off our current reality and enter a realm where our problems don't exist, at least for a limited time.

Le Smoking

Tuxedo dressing has been rising in fashion. Off the runways, we've been seeing the return of cummerbunds and dress shirts, but any question about its future prevalence was confirmed on the fall/winter 2026 runways. Anthony Vaccarello paid homage to Yves Saint Laurent's iconic Le Smoking tuxedo suit, which originally debuted in 1966. Vaccarello's version incorporated a tuxedo jacket finished with satin lapels that was worn without a shirt beneath and styled with cocktail earrings and a sultry smoky eye. The Le Smoking theme rippled across other shows as well beyond just the tuxedo jacket. At The Row, a dress shirt was worn with a collar clip and silk trousers. At Khaite and McQueen, bow ties were tied at the neck. At Michael Kors and Altuzarra, we saw eveningwear versions, including satin skirts topped with cummerbunds and gowns with tuxedo details.

Shrink Wrap

Proportion play on the runways can practically feel like whiplash—upsized and relaxed one season, then skinny and shrunken the next, then back again. Over the past few years, the shifts in tailoring have been a swinging pendulum, but for fall/winter 2026, there is no question that we'll be returning to very fitted looks. Michael Rider's skinny flared pants were the talk of Paris Fashion Week, and they will undoubtedly land on the must-buy list next season. At Marc Jacobs and Tod's, button-down shirts and column skirts recalled the body-skimming silhouettes of the early 2000s. At Gucci, Demna showcased updated versions of the Tom Ford for Gucci suiting that remains iconic today. At Prada and Jil Sander, coats were so fitted they almost looked a size too small. We're about to see oversize proportions shrink away as precisely fitted styles take over yet again.

Everyday Couture

These days, it feels like everything is expensive—to the point that even people who once wore couture and couture-adjacent pieces from head to toe now need to supplement. The runways this season just provided them with plenty of inspiration to do so without sacrificing style or impact. The key is to pair your most intricate, artful items with a simple basic, adding a sense of wearability and versatility to your investments. At Chanel, delicately beaded skirt suits were seen styled with white tees, and at Celine, a red sequin-covered dress got paired down with a timeless trench coat. Jeans got paired with a hand-embroidered silk top at Erdem and a ruffled Bar Jacket at Dior. Meanwhile, at The Row and Givenchy, no-nonsense black trousers were made special by elaborate partners, from a ruffled blazer to a top crafted only out of golf ball–sized gemstones.

Purple Reign

Each season typically sees a color make its way to the top of fashion's proverbial food chain, dominating all others across the entirety of the month. For fall/winter 2026, the grumblings of a coming regal-purple reign that started on the spring runways spiraled into an ever-present roar, with practically every show featuring the vibrant shade in some way, shape, or form. At Celine, Rider accented a purple leather trench coat with red accessories, a color combination that's already become beloved by daring dressers this year. Meanwhile, most designers leaned all the way in, debuting monochromatic ensembles in the hue. At Mugler, even a model's bag was purple—a perfect finishing touch for her matching gabardine skirt suit. Chloé, Ferragamo, Loewe, and Tory Burch rounded out our list of favorite purple looks from the season.

Well Suited

Skirt suits made a major return last season on the spring/summer 2026 runways, but designers are doubling down on them for fall/winter 2026. There wasn't one standout silhouette but rather a range of coordinating skirt sets. Tom Ford paired a collarless jacket designed with utility pockets alongside a sleek pencil skirt cinched with a leather belt at the waist. The Row showcased a skirt suit designed from checked wool with fur trim. N21 debuted a version consisting of a peplum jacket with a portrait collar and ballooning sleeves. At Gucci and Celine, body-skimming shapes tapped into the shrunken proportions we saw across fashion month. At Hermès, a canary-yellow colorway offered an eye-catching take on the skirt suit. Whether you lean into a pared-back style or a maximalist version, this may be one of the most versatile and wearable trends on the runway.

Now that another fashion month has come and gone, I've had a chance to do a deep dive into the collections that graced the runways in New York, London, Milan, and Paris. I've already begun outlining all the top-level insights and key trends you need to know about, from the major shoe trends to the biggest handbag trends. But if you like being ahead of the curve, I'd venture to guess you're not just reading this to put a pin in it and come back when September arrives. No, you're here to shop, well, now.

Say no more. I've analyzed which trends are the most worthy to buy into from the fall/winter 2026 collections, and because I'm me, I've gone ahead and sourced how to shop each of them without a designer budget. I put a cap of $300 on my shopping cart and kind of went wild. The result? A comprehensive guide to fall 2026 runway trends, where everything is affordable and available now. Shop today—thank me later.

7 Fall 2026 Trends to Shop for $300 or Less

Chocolate-Brown Jeans

Chocolate-brown jeans are undeniably the biggest denim trend among the fall collections, with designers such as Altuzarra and emerging label Ossou agreeing on the rich denim wash. Just because the trend was seen on the fall runways hasn't stopped fashion people from styling it already, though, and I've sourced a number of brown-toned jeans to get in on the look too.

Victorian Era

Call it the Wuthering Heights effect, but fashion is heading in a much more romantic direction. For fall, that means embracing Victorian-coded details like billowing ruffles, lace, and modern peplum hems.

Handbags With Slouch

All over the fall runways, handbags were undone, slouchy, and altogether unfussy. Many models held bags that were halfway zipped or otherwise designed to intentionally hang open, like the Loewe Amazona 180 Bag. There's something undeniably cool about it, and the same energy can be found without spending a fortune.

Royal Purple

If you want to be the first of your friends to wear 2026's It color, you'd be wise to start shopping for something royal purple stat. The rich, bold color absolutely dominated the collections, from Celine to Chanel to Loewe, and insiders are already incorporating the color in their outfits via a singular punch of purple. My pick? J.Crew's V-neck sweater in the perfect shade.

Beautiful Brooches

Forget '80s earrings and pendant necklaces. This fall, the best way to make your outfits pop will be by adding a pretty pin or brooch to the outside of a jacket, sweater, or scarf.

Oxford Flats

Ballet flats, watch out. The fall 2026 runways were flooded with a new flat-shoe trend: derby shoes. Featuring soft, glove-like shapes and lace-up details, these fit squarely between ballerina flats and loafers and are poised to be the next It flats.

Corduroy

As the preppy-style trend continues to develop, expect corduroy pants to have a splashy moment this fall as a fresher alternative to denim and trousers. I can already tell that fashion people will be emulating this Tory Burch vibe by styling their cords with academic pieces like sweaters and collared shirts.

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.

Have you been waiting with bated breath for spring? We have too. After a particularly brutal winter, it's fitting that we'd find solace in the prospect of warmer temperatures—even if said change isn't reflected in our shopping carts. With the start of a new season comes a renewed sense of motivation to step back outside, both literally and figuratively, with sartorial choices, too. Frankly, we can't think of a better way to "step out" of one's comfort zone, at least when it comes to fashion, than by embracing some of the season's biggest print trends. Sure, there are many different ways to revamp your wardrobe for the new season, but we'd argue that buying a printed piece (or two) is the perfect way to make your "boring" basics in the back of your closet feel a bit bolder for spring.

After all, what is more visually synonymous with spring than floral prints? Sorry, not sorry! Like it or not, fashion people have always utilized print trends to visually indicate the transition from winter to spring without having to say too much or spend too much. But for those who might find some patterns a little too loud for their taste, or simply become overwhelmed by the sheer number of print trends, that's where we come in handy. We've spent hours scrolling through recent runway collections, our past trend reports, and social media posts to find the best print trends for minimalists and maximalists alike. Ahead, we're breaking down the eight biggest spring 2026 print trends based on their prevalence on the runway (and in real life, too). Newfound inspiration lies ahead.

One print trend that will bloom this spring? Florals. Yes, we heard that audible sigh through the screen! While floral motifs might not be a groundbreaking trend, creative directors proved that you shouldn't sleep on them this season through their adaptation of what we're calling "bedtime florals." Distinct from previous versions of this trend, bedtime florals draw subtle visual cues from the Regency era by embracing delicate florets in soft shades—e.g., a model at Dior's spring 2026 runway show wore an eggshell bow-tie blouse adorned with a dainty pastel floral print. Similarly, at Shushu/Tong and Altuzarra, models wore light pastel floral-print pieces with "frilly" details that evoked the iconography of wallpaper or sheets you'd imagine in a royal bedroom (or maybe just the Bridgerton household). Bedtime florals might be passé, but designers proved they don't have to be a snooze fest.