If 2025 was fashion holding its breath — perfectly pressed, politely neutral, and impeccably quiet — then 2026 is the exhale. Long. Loud. Glorious. This is the year style steps out of the shadows of restraint and back into the spotlight with intention, movement and a healthy disregard for playing it safe. Quiet luxury has packed its sensible loafers and slipped out the back door. In its place comes a world of expressive silhouettes, saturated colour, tactile excess and clothes that do something when you move.
The defining mood of 2026 isn’t chaos for the sake of chaos. It’s confidence. Designers are no longer interested in disappearing acts — whether through hyper-casual dressing, invisible minimalism or blink-and-you’ll-miss-it micro-trends. Instead, the fashion landscape is embracing splendour, polish and personality. Think structure without stiffness. Drama without costume. Ease, but make it deliberate. And frankly, after years of tonal beige introspection, it feels earned.
Welcome to fashion in 2026. It’s expressive. It’s intentional. And it’s absolutely done pretending not to care.
UNAPOLOGETIC COLOUR PLAY
In 2026, colour on the runway and in wardrobes is anything but restrained. Designers are leaning into full-spectrum expression, favouring bold, emotionally charged hues over safe or symbolic choices. Electric blue emerges as a recurring presence, joined by bright orange, lime, sugar pink, sky blue and saturated reds and greens, often worn in deliberate clashes rather than polite coordination. Grey, in multiple nuanced tones, quietly establishes itself as the season’s most elegant neutral, while chartreuse makes selective appearances as a sharp, modern accent. Even winter palettes resist dullness, holding on to chocolate brown, deep purple and red with conviction.
That direction is already being signalled on the runways: Matthieu Blazy’s first official Paris Fashion Week collection for Chanel featured splashes of red across maximalist silhouettes, hinting at a more colour-forward future for the house, while Armani’s first posthumous collection in Milan was ruled by shades of blue, reinforcing the sense that in 2026, colour will function not as an accent but as an attitude.
This is also the first year where Pantone’s declared colour of the year — Cloud Dancer, a soft white — appears largely symbolic rather than influential. While white remains a constant, it does little to inspire experimentation or excitement; after all, how much can one truly push the boundaries of a shade of white? Instead of following an official colour directive, designers and wearers alike seem far more interested in chromatic freedom, embracing colour as personality, pleasure and provocation rather than prescription.
Statement Jewellery: When Hands Do the Talking
In 2026, jewellery is no longer the supporting act — it’s the headline. Big rings, in particular, are making a statement like never before. Chunky, sculptural and often layered, these oversized pieces turn hands into focal points, transforming even the most restrained outfit into something with bite.
This is not about dainty embellishment or subtle sparkle. These rings are bold, weighty and unapologetically present. They sit heavy on the fingers, demanding attention, elevating simple tailoring and pared-back dresses with a single gesture. One ring is rarely enough; the look thrives on accumulation. Texture, asymmetry and scale are the currency here. If 2025 was for stacked bangles, this year screams stacked rings and occasionally, chains and neckpieces.
It’s part of a broader rejection of minimal jewellery as shorthand for taste. In 2026, taste is defined by confidence, not discretion. Jewellery doesn’t whisper refinement — it announces it.
Dolce & Gabbana
Cutouts, Refined: Skin, but With a Plan
Cutouts aren’t new, but the 2026 approach is noticeably more thoughtful. Gone are the chaotic slashes and gratuitous peek-a-boo holes scattered across garments with little regard for proportion. In their place is something far more intentional.
Designers are favouring one or two deliberate openings that feel architectural rather than decorative. Think Tom Ford’s plunging neckline paired with a single, precisely placed side cutout — less “look at me” and more “notice this”. Elsewhere, the focus shifts towards layering. Strategic windows reveal embellished bras or textured underlayers, transforming exposure into composition. At Jil Sander, the cutout becomes part of the garment’s structure, not an afterthought.
This is skin shown with purpose. It acknowledges sensuality without leaning into spectacle. In a season defined by polish and control, even exposure is curated.
Fringe and Froth: Still Swaying
Despite rumours of its demise, fringe is not going anywhere. Nor is froth. In 2026, both continue to move — literally and stylistically — adding rhythm and softness to silhouettes that might otherwise feel severe.
Tassels sashay. Fringes flicker with every step. Fabric movement becomes an aesthetic in itself, drawing the eye not through colour alone but through motion. This sense of tactility feeds directly into the year’s broader obsession with clothes that respond to the body rather than restrict it. Plus, it is no more a spring and summer thing only, case in point: Burberry’s fall collection from the previous year.
Louis Vuitton’s final runway of 2025 featured fringes, tassels and fluid silhouettes — a notable shift for a house traditionally associated with structured forms. When a brand best known for architectural precision begins to embrace fringe and froth, it signals a broader change in direction rather than a passing flourish. On the red carpets too, fringe will be prominent in 2026.
Far from novelty, fringe and froth now feel established — less festival costume, more sophisticated flourish. When paired with clean lines or restrained tailoring, they add just enough drama to feel indulgent without tipping into excess. (Mostly.)
Lady of Leisure: Elegant Ease Takes the Helm
There is a distinct sense of elegant nonchalance shaping the silhouettes of 2026. Soft, draped tailoring and robe-like forms define a mood best described as “effortfully effortless”. These are clothes designed to move with you, not mould you.
Long scarves are key — wrapped around the neck, knotted at the waist, or left to trail with swishy tassels that catch the breeze. Fabrics like silk and satin dominate, chosen for their fluidity and natural movement.
The reference point is timeless ease — the kind of clothing you might imagine being worn while sailing along the Amalfi coast, unbothered, unhurried, impeccably dressed without looking like you tried too hard. It’s luxury without stiffness. Leisure, elevated.
Draped Dressing: Where Fabric Finds Its Freedom
There’s a growing obsession with movement on the runway — fabric that twists, gathers and drapes rather than holding a rigid shape. After seasons of buildup, these softer silhouettes are finally coming into their own, translating seamlessly from catwalk to real life.
A draped, gathered piece has emerged as the epitome of modern elegance. Seen at Chanel, Armani, Chloe, Louis Vuitton. Designs like Balmain’s sculptural draped dress prove that minimal styling lets the form speak for itself. Elsewhere, fluid tops balanced with sharp tailoring create contrast without conflict. Every sway and turn becomes part of the look — proof that fashion in 2026 is no longer static. It’s kinetic.
Loud Luxury: The End of Whispered Wealth
Quiet luxury, consider this your formal notice. The era of muted palettes, discreet branding and tonal restraint is officially waning. In its place comes loud luxury — bold, expressive, and gloriously visible.
Jolly Rancher–bright hues are flooding the runway: neon greens, electric blues, hot pinks and tangy oranges that feel almost edible.
Worn head-to-toe or introduced as sharp accents through accessories, these saturated colours turn even the simplest silhouettes into statements.
Maximalism is no longer a dirty word. Voluminous skirts, luxurious fabrics and chunky jewellery define the season’s aesthetic. Saint Laurent sends models down the runway in head-to-toe black leather. Missoni leans into signature chevrons paired with statement necklaces. Balenciaga and Chanel go feather-heavy, playing with texture and colour in equal measure. Stella McCartney proves year after year that fringe and maximalism can all be sustainable. This isn’t about excess for shock value. It’s about joy. Fashion remembering that it’s allowed to be fun.
Scarves, Reimagined: Around the Waist, Not the Neck
Scarves are stepping outside their usual role and into unexpected territory. On the Louis Vuitton runway, classic wool scarves were repurposed as belts — a simple styling trick that instantly transforms an outfit. Wrapped around the waist of a loose dress or tied over trousers, the scarf adds shape, texture and playfulness. The beauty of this trend lies in its accessibility. It doesn’t require new purchases or complicated styling — just a fresh way of looking at pieces you already own. Hermes, Gucci and Burberry have given perfect examples of how much difference a scarf can make on the runway in 2025.
Colour Clashing: When Harmony Is Overrated
In 2026, colour theory takes a back seat to confidence. Pairings that technically shouldn’t work together become deliberate statements. Lime meets rust. Lavender clashes with mustard. Fuchsia collides with electric blue.
These combinations aren’t mistakes — they’re decisions. The louder and more unexpected, the more personality they carry. This shift moves fashion away from safe palettes and predictable neutrals, encouraging bolder choices that feel expressive and unapologetically individual.
Colour is no longer an accent. It’s the main character.
Slouchy Boots and Colourful Tights
Highly structured boots are beginning to fade, making room for slouchy silhouettes that feel softer and more lived-in. Mid-calf to knee-high styles dominate, bringing an ease that instantly relaxes even the most considered outfit.
Colourful tights, which quietly re-emerged in 2025, are set to go further in 2026. Expect bolder shades, sharper contrasts and more deliberate styling. When paired with slouchy boots, they strike a balance between comfort and expression — proof that ease doesn’t mean indifference.
The direction is already visible through style icons like Bella Hadid, Rihanna and Sophie Turner, signalling a fashion moment defined by individuality, confidence and movement.
Beauty Gets Its Personality Back
The era of “clean girl” makeup is officially over. In 2026, beauty is about expression, play and personality.
Flushed cheeks, graphic liners and unexpected pops of colour replace minimalism. The emphasis shifts from polish to character — makeup that feels lived-in, expressive and unmistakably personal.
It’s less about perfection and more about presence. Beauty, like fashion, remembers it’s allowed to have a sense of humour.
Lace and Leather: Soft Meets Strong
Leather continues to dominate the runway, appearing more frequently than ever on the spring/summer 2026 shows at houses like Bottega Veneta and Jil Sander. Whether as jackets, tops or dresses, leather remains prized for its ability to look instantly polished while retaining a sense of cool. Paired with lace, it creates a compelling contrast — strength against delicacy, structure against softness. It’s a reminder that the most interesting looks often emerge from tension, not harmony.
While burgundy and chocolate brown defined recent seasons, 2026 signals a shift. Grey — in an array of hues — emerges as a key player, offering a more elegant alternative. Chartreuse makes appearances too, but it’s grey’s quiet authority that stands out.
Longline leather pieces in these shades feel modern, intentional and versatile, reinforcing the year’s focus on pieces that are built to last rather than cycle out with the next micro-trend.
Footwear Shift: Loafers Take Over
In: minimalist loafers. Out: sweet ballet flats.
While ballet flats dominated 2025 — often adorned with bows and mesh — the tide is turning. Loafers are emerging as the sneaker alternative to watch, offering a more elevated, sophisticated undertone.
They ground outfits with polish without sacrificing comfort, aligning perfectly with 2026’s broader move towards intentional dressing.
Block Colour Takes Centre Stage
Forget ditsy florals and calming pastels. Spring fashion in 2026 is all about bold block colour. The runways of Loewe, Dior and Fendi were awash with unapologetic brights — yellow, red and green — often mixed together for dramatic effect. Armani’s first posthumous collection also leaned into electric blue, reinforcing the season’s collective appetite for colour with impact.
Splendour and Volume: A Return to Magnificence
The biggest trend set to define 2026 is splendour. Long, voluminous skirts take centre stage, with volume concentrated at the bottom and minimalism preserved up top. The result is drama without chaos — expressiveness anchored by restraint.
Tailoring Returns: Sculpted, Not Stiff
There is a clear movement away from hyper-casual dressing. In its place comes sculpted suiting — sharp blazers, tailored separates shaped at the waist, architectural seams and a clean, modern finish.
Designers like Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen and The Row are already pushing in this direction. The appeal lies in balance: structure without rigidity, polish without discomfort. People are ready to feel put-together again. After years of oversized comfort, there’s a renewed desire for clothes that signal capability and confidence without sacrificing ease.
What’s Being Left Behind
Extremely oversized shapes, ultra-minimal “invisible” fashion and fleeting micro-trends are losing relevance. 2026 favours longevity, personality and intention. Fashion, it seems, has rediscovered its backbone.
The Final Word: Dressing Like You Mean It
Fashion in 2026 doesn’t ask for permission. It doesn’t apologise for colour, volume or expression. It simply shows up — draped, sculpted, slouchy, saturated and unapologetically alive.
This is not a season for disappearing into your clothes. It’s about wearing them with purpose, humour and confidence. Whether through a chunky ring, a clashing colour combo or a perfectly slouched boot, the message is clear: style is once again a form of self-expression, not self-erasure.
Quiet luxury had its moment. 2026 is ready to make some noise.
