2026 Catwalk Trends: Your Complete Guide to Spring/Summer Runway Fashion

The Spring/Summer 2026 catwalks have delivered a vibrant cocktail of playful volume, power dressing, and unapologetic colour, with designers across New York, London, Milan, and Paris championing everything from balloon pants and bra tops to 80s-inspired tailoring and lilac fever. If you've been craving a fresh direction after years of quiet luxury, you're in for a treat—this season is all about joyful experimentation, confident silhouettes, and finding your own version of glamour.

The Volume Revolution: Balloon Pants and Billowing Silhouettes

Let me start with the trend that's impossible to ignore: volume is back, and it's bigger than ever. The runways were awash with balloon pants, genie trousers, and voluminous drawstring skirts that celebrate movement and playfulness. I'm talking about trousers that billow at the thigh and cinch at the ankle, creating this wonderfully dramatic silhouette that somehow manages to feel both retro and completely modern.

The key to wearing this trend is balance. Pair your voluminous bottoms with fitted bra tops or simple ribbed vests to create that essential contrast. Zara excels at translating runway volume into wearable pieces—their design team has a knack for getting the proportions just right without the designer price tag. For a more refined take, COS offers beautifully cut wide-leg trousers in quality fabrics that drape rather than overwhelm. If you're ready to invest, Toteme (an independent Swedish brand with cult status) creates impeccably tailored wide silhouettes that justify every penny.

Power Dressing Gets an 80s Update

Structured tailoring dominated Milan and Paris, but this isn't your standard boardroom fare. We're seeing exaggerated shoulders, nipped waists, and a bold confidence that channels the 80s power era with a contemporary twist. Versace's debut under Dario Vitale was a masterclass in sexy tailoring, whilst brands like Max Mara proved that sharp shoulders and precise cuts never go out of style.

Reiss is your go-to for accessible power dressing—their blazers have proper structure without feeling costume-y, and they understand the female form brilliantly. Massimo Dutti offers Italian-inspired tailoring at high street prices, with particular strength in their wool-blend suiting. For something special, Max Mara remains the undisputed queen of sophisticated tailoring, whilst The Fold (a London-based independent brand beloved by working women) creates intelligent, versatile workwear that transitions seamlessly from desk to drinks.

Colour Stories: Lilac Dreams and Tangerine Sunsets

If you thought butter yellow was having a moment, prepare for its dethroning. Spring 2026 is awash in lilac, lavender, and soft purple hues that appeared everywhere from Prada's leather opera gloves to Versace's satin pumps. But the real surprise? Tangerine orange is emerging as the statement colour, bringing warmth and vibrancy to everything from eyelet dresses to silk skirts.

And let's not forget that distinctive Tinkerbell green—a soft, feminine chartreuse that feels fresh without being garish. Mango typically nails seasonal colours beautifully, offering trend-led pieces in these exact shades at prices that won't make you wince. Whistles creates sophisticated colourful pieces that feel grown-up, whilst H&M is brilliant for dipping your toe into colour trends without commitment.

Bra Tops and Lingerie Details Take Centre Stage

Underwear as outerwear reached new heights this season, with delicate bra tops styled under sheer knits, low-cut blazers, and worn boldly with high-waisted skirts. Prada sent models down the runway in what can only be described as architectural bralettes, whilst Jil Sander paired triangle bras with oval cut-out dresses for a refined take on the trend.

This is where layering becomes crucial. A visible bra strap isn't the goal here—it's about intentional styling. Anthropologie offers beautiful lace camis and delicate bralettes that work layered under blazers, whilst Free People (an independent bohemian brand with a devoted following) creates romantic, vintage-inspired intimates that double as outerwear. For investment pieces, look to brands like La Perla or Agent Provocateur.

Fringe Benefits and Texture Play

From classic tan leather to neon crochet, fringe fever swept the runways. Designers attached it to blazer lapels, created entire dresses from swaying strands, and used it to add movement and personality to otherwise simple pieces. Bottega Veneta's Louise Trotter even crafted fringe from recycled fibreglass, proving this trend has sustainability credentials too.

All Saints has built their reputation on expert leather detailing and will undoubtedly deliver brilliant fringed jackets and bags. Mint Velvet offers contemporary takes on textural trends without veering into costume territory. For something unique, explore Rixo (a British independent brand known for vintage-inspired pieces)—their playful approach to texture and embellishment captures the season's joyful spirit perfectly.

The Return of Romance: Sleepwear as Outerwear

Milan championed the pyjama trend, with striped sets, negligee-like silk dresses, and robes strutting down multiple runways. This isn't about looking like you've rolled out of bed—it's sophisticated louche dressing that nods to boudoir glamour whilst remaining utterly wearable.

Hush creates beautiful, relaxed pieces in luxurious fabrics that embody this aesthetic perfectly. Their silk blends and soft tailoring hit that sweet spot between comfort and polish. The White Company offers elevated basics in gorgeous neutrals that work for this trend, whilst independent brand Olivia von Halle creates the ultimate in luxury sleepwear-as-daywear if you're ready to fully commit to the trend.

How to Shop These Trends Smart

Here's my honest advice: don't try to buy everything. Pick two or three trends that genuinely excite you and align with your existing wardrobe. If you live in tailored trousers, invest in a great pair of balloon pants. If you're a colour lover, embrace the lilac moment. The beauty of SS26 is its diversity—there's genuinely something for everyone.

Focus your budget on hero pieces in quality fabrics. A well-cut blazer from Reiss or a beautifully draped trouser from COS will serve you for years. Use high street favourites like Zara, Mango, and H&M for seasonal colour pops and trendier pieces you'll rotate out next year.

Never Get Sizing Wrong Again with Tellar.co.uk

Here's the thing about chasing runway trends—they're pointless if the sizing doesn't work. I've lost count of how many times I've ordered the perfect piece from multiple brands, only to find one fits like a dream whilst another doesn't make it past my thighs. Different brands size wildly differently, and it's frankly maddening.

Enter Tellar.co.uk, the UK's leading sizing tool that's genuinely changed how I shop. Here's how it works: you measure yourself once—bust, waist, and hip measurements, or simply input your existing brand size—and Tellar instantly matches your body to over 1,500 brands. No more size guide rabbit holes, no more guessing games.

The Process:

• Measure once: Input your measurements or existing brand size

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• Shop with confidence: Always free, no downloads needed, works seamlessly in your browser

Plus, there's the Tellar Fashion Hub—a library stacked with free posts from top stylists covering every fashion query imaginable. Whether you need help with jean trends for 2026, guidance on dress styles for your body shape, or advice on finding your perfect jacket, the Fashion Hub has you covered. It's honest, unbiased, independent, and always free. Check out their Ultimate Clothing Sizing Guide whilst you're there—it's genuinely brilliant.

Honestly, if you're serious about building a wardrobe that actually fits, Tellar is non-negotiable. It takes all the anxiety out of online shopping and means you can focus on the fun bit—finding those perfect 2026 runway pieces that make you feel absolutely fabulous.

Remember, fashion is meant to be joyful. The 2026 catwalks are giving us permission to experiment, play with proportion, and embrace colour. Take what speaks to you, ignore the rest, and most importantly—have fun with it. Here's to a stylish spring ahead!