Spring / Summer 2026 Fashion Trends:How to wear them without feeling over-styled

Sunshine, bold prints, playful shapes, and runway vibes you can absolutely wear, plus Capri blue everything.

Alright fashion crew — SS26 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting seasons we’ve seen in a while. Designers are mixing old & new, nostalgia & modernity, with plenty of opportunity to add your own personality (music to my ears). From fun prints to structural silhouettes, plus did I mention Capri blue everything — here’s all you need to know before you hits the shops.

Spring / Summer 2026 feels like a turning point. Not because fashion is suddenly louder or more extreme, but because it has finally become more considered. This is a season about clothes you will actually wear, not just admire on the catwalk or save endlessly on Instagram (just how many screen shots is too many, asking for a friend?)

Designers have clearly shifted their focus towards ease, movement & confidence. The overall message is reassuring: you don’t need to follow every trend to look current, something I encourage my clients to take on board with each seasonal shift. In fact, the most stylish women this season will be the ones who take a lighter touch; a nod to a trend is more than enough!

The Quiet Thread Running Through SS26: The Drape

If there is one trend quietly underpinning almost everything this season, it is that of the drape.

SS26 moves away from hard structure & rigid tailoring, replacing it with softness & fluidity. Fabrics that skim the body rather than cling, fold naturally and move with ease. The result is clothing that looks intentional but never forced.

For me, and women in their 40s & beyond, this is one of the most flattering and wearable shifts we’ve seen in years. Drape creates shape without restriction. A softly cut blouse with tailored trousers, a fluid midi skirt paired with a fine knit, or a relaxed blazer worn open all feel modern and polished without being stiff.

The goal here is not to look styled, but calm and confidently put together.

Cloud Dancer: The Soft White of the Season

Cloud Dancer, a soft, wearable white, plays a central role throughout SS26. Unlike stark or clinical whites, this soft shade feels warm, airy and forgiving, making it far easier to wear, especially for those of us with warm skin tones.

It looks particularly beautiful in soft tailoring. Fluid blazers, relaxed trousers and lightly structured jackets feel elegant and modern in this colour. Dresses lend themselves particularly well to Cloud Dancer; sophisticated & beautiful, especially when paired with draping and movement, creating looks that feel refined rather than bridal.

Worn head-to-toe, Cloud Dancer works best when layered through texture and fabric variation. This keeps the look intentional and elevated rather than flat.

Blue Takes Centre Stage: Navy, Capri and Glacier Blue

Blue is unquestionably the colour story of SS26.

Navy steps forward as the new black, which will be welcome news for anyone who finds black too harsh (or if you are a Summer, Spring or Autumn colour season where black doesn’t really compliment your skin colouring). Styled in a monochromatic way, navy feels fresher, calmer & quietly luxurious, while still offering the grounding effect we rely on.

Alongside navy comes two new shades of blue: Capri blue and Glacier blue. Capri blue brings vibrancy and optimism, while Glacier blue acts as a palette cleanser after seasons of deep burgundies and heavy browns (with the exception of the leather bombers still appearing everywhere). These softer blues feel fresh and calming, and are easy to integrate into existing wardrobes.

A simple way to wear these shades is to keep the rest of the outfit neutral, letting the blue do the talking.

An outfit I am particularly drawn to is a full navy monochrome outfit: tailored navy trousers with a soft navy knit and loafers. A quiet and refined alternative to black.

To easily incorporate Capri blue, I’d suggest a soft fabric blouse with a neutral trousers or skirt. Let the colour pop without competing on prints, or shape.

Parisian Style: Effortless as Ever

Parisian style returns once again, though in truth does it ever really goes away? That effortless, understated aesthetic many of us admire feels particularly relevant for SS26, which I am always thrilled about as it means I can top up my wardrobe with a few pieces.

Yellow paired with denim blue is an easy, spring-ready way to reference this look. It feels fresh and optimistic without tipping into anything overly trendy. The key here is simplicity: relaxed silhouettes, minimal styling and an overall sense of ease.

This trend is less about copying an outfit and more about embracing an attitude.

If you want to dip your toe into this trend you could simply wear a soft yellow blouse with relaxed denim blue jeans and simple flats. Minimal jewellery and a structured tote complete the look.

An obvious, but simple nod to the trend would be a Breton stripe tucked into high-rise denim with a light trench. Classic foundation pieces tied into a fresh palette. I would then add a tied neck scarf to feel chic for 2026.

Prints: Romantic, Free-Spirited and Softened

Prints return this season in a refined and wearable way.

Free-spirit florals take centre stage, with oversized blooms that feel romantic rather than graphic. Floaty silhouettes and soft fabrics keep florals grounded and modern, avoiding anything too busy or overpowering.

There is also a soft Art Deco influence running through SS26, expressed through fringing, tassels, gentle frills and details that move as you walk. Think Great Gatsby without the drama. These elements work best as subtle accents rather than full looks, ensuring they feel elegant rather than theatrical.

The simplest way to embrace the trend: An oversized floral dress in soft hues with sandals and a straw bag. The natural fabrics keep it feeling authentic.

The Polished Wild Side

Animal print evolves again for SS26, becoming more refined and controlled.

Leopard steps back slightly (does it ever really fully step back ladies?), making room for the likes of snake, deer and softer animal textures. The key to wearing this trend well is restraint. One animal-print piece paired with simple, neutral surroundings keeps the look polished and modern, rather than loud.

This feels like a grown-up evolution of animal print and a natural progression from previous seasons.

For workwear how about a snake-print blouse with black or navy trousers and clean flats. Let the print be the focal point; keep the rest minimal, although a pair of gold earrings could tick the quiet luxury accessories trend too without feeling too much.

Another workwear suggestion could be an animal-print midi skirt paired with a white shirt and neutral blazer. One statement print, everything else calm.

A Subtle Nod to the 80s

Yes, the 80s are back (my favourite, the power shoulders decade), but in a much quieter, more wearable way, so that we can all enjoy it!

This season’s interpretation is about proportion & attitude rather than full nostalgia. Softened power shoulders, grey tailoring, wider silhouettes and off-the-shoulder shapes all reference the era without becoming costume-like.

The golden rule here for wearability is simple: only one nod to the 80s per outfit. When done in an understated way, these details feel incredibly chic & current.

A soft power-shoulder blazer with tapered trousers & a simple tee would be a very simple way to nod this 80’s trend. One nostalgic proportion — the shoulder — keeps it modern & wearable.

For a more casuals look you could try an off-the-shoulder knitted top with wide-leg linen trousers and heels or sliders. Choose neutral tones to keep the look calm and elegant.

Softened Workwear & Preppy Ease

Workwear takes on a softer, more relaxed feel for SS26.

Knitted polos replace crisp shirts, pencil skirts are reimagined in fluid fabrics, and A-line skirts return as an easy, flattering option. Jackets are often worn casually over the shoulders rather than structured & buttoned.

This look works particularly well for women who want to feel modern without feeling overdone. It’s polished, relaxed and quietly confident.

The knitted polo is everywhere already. Wear one tucked into a soft pencil skirt, adding a belt and loafers. Layer a blazer casually over the shoulders for an effortless finish.

Marching Orders: Military with Attitude

The military trend reappears with a new energy. This time, it’s about attitude rather than uniform, no longer Cheryl Cole fighting for this love (although still a great look & tune).

Think clean but never polished. Confident, nonchalant and quietly rebellious. Pairing something traditionally formal with something relaxed or slightly indie keeps the look modern and wearable, preventing it from feeling rigid or dated.

For tradition, an olive or khaki military jacket worn over a striped Breton top and dark denim. Keep the rest simple so the jacket feels intentional, not uniform.

For me, I love the idea of a structured military-inspired over-shirt with wide-leg trousers, classic boots & a simple ecru tee. I would additionally add a silk scarf or triangle bandana for a softer contrast.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

At the softer end of the spectrum sits a romantic, whimsical trend inspired by Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Romantic bohemian silhouettes dominate here: floaty dresses, frills, long lengths and natural movement. The look feels dreamy but modern, whether worn barefoot on the beach, to a festival or on a summer holiday.

The emphasis is on ease, femininity & lightness.

For me this trend calls to my festival side, a soft frilled midi dress with a relaxed linen jacket & a pair of ankle boots or leather sliders. Perfect for a spring holiday, festival or weekend brunch. Natural fabrics keep it relaxed.

Quiet Luxury Accessories

Accessories follow this same restrained philosophy this season.

Structured handbags, sculptural belts, clean leather flats and minimal jewellery dominate. The key is choosing one strong, structured piece and pairing it back with a simple, neutral outfit.

This creates impact without clutter, keeping the overall look clean & architectural.

A soft cream blouse with tailored navy trousers, structured neutral handbag and simple leather flats. Minimal jewellery for refined subtlety.

Or what about a stone-coloured linen dress with a sculptural belt at the waist, clean flats and a streamlined tote. Keep accessories singular and impactful.

Spring / Summer 2026 is not about chasing trends. It is about understanding them & choosing what works for you, a mantra I always encourage all my clients to follow.

The most stylish approach this season is restraint. A simple nod to a trend, whether through colour, silhouette or texture, is more than enough. The aim is to look calm, confident & effortlessly put together, not over-styled.

So the question is: which elements will you borrow? A softer silhouette, a shift from black to navy, a romantic floral or a structured accessory? SS26 invites you to choose what feels aligned with your life, your body & your personal style, how exciting!