Big Fashion Trends for Spring 2026: The Runway-to-Reality Guide You Need

Spring 2026 will be defined by cerulean blue dominance, billowing balloon pants, and unexpected color pairings that challenge traditional styling rules—marking a bold departure from minimalism towards joyful, confident dressing. As someone who's spent years styling women through fashion's ever-changing landscape, I can confidently say this upcoming season is all about embracing volume, colour, and a refreshing sense of playfulness that we've been craving.

The Spring/Summer 2026 runways from New York to London have spoken, and the message is clear: it's time to have fun with fashion again. After seasons of pared-back aesthetics, designers are serving up collections that feel like a celebration—from Tory Burch's sophisticated uptown girl vibes to Rachel Scott's Caribbean Carnival-inspired debut at Diotima. Let me walk you through the trends that'll be everywhere come spring, plus exactly where to shop them now.

Cerulean Blue: The Colour That Changes Everything

If you thought cerulean was just Miranda Priestly's fashion lecture fodder, think again. This brilliant teal-blue hybrid has become the unofficial colour of Spring 2026, appearing across virtually every major runway. I'm talking about a shade that's simultaneously calming and electric—it's the blue that makes you stop and stare.

The beauty of cerulean lies in its versatility. Pair it with crisp whites for a nautical feel, or go bold with unexpected combinations like cerulean and citron yellow (trust me on this one—Prabal Gurung made it look effortless). For a more sophisticated approach, try cerulean with warm browns, as seen at Tory Burch.

Where to Shop Cerulean:

Zara always nails trending colours quickly, and their cerulean pieces offer that perfect runway-inspired look at accessible prices. COS takes a more architectural approach to colour, so expect beautifully cut cerulean pieces with clean lines. For premium options, Whistles consistently delivers sophisticated takes on trend colours in quality fabrics.

Balloon Pants: The Volume Revolution

Call them balloon pants, harem pants, or genie pants—whatever name you prefer, these billowing beauties are having their moment. Influenced by Pieter Mulier's beloved Alaïa designs from Spring 2025, everyone from Michael Kors to Altuzarra has embraced the voluminous trouser trend.

The key to wearing balloon pants is balance. Since the bottom half is doing all the drama, keep your top streamlined. Think fitted bodysuits, tucked-in tees, or cropped blazers. The cinched waist and tapered ankle create an unexpectedly flattering silhouette that works on virtually every body type.

Shop the Balloon Pant Trend:

Mango offers excellent wide-leg styles that give you the balloon effect without going full harem. H&M typically stocks trend-led pieces at great prices, perfect for testing this bold silhouette. For a more luxurious take, Massimo Dutti provides beautifully tailored wide-leg trousers in premium fabrics.

Unexpected Colour Combinations

Spring 2026 is all about colour-blocking with attitude. We're seeing combinations that shouldn't work but absolutely do—like crimson with periwinkle at Diotima, or baby blue with vibrant yellow at Prabal Gurung. The trick is choosing one bold colour as your statement and using the second as an accent.

Start small if this feels intimidating. Try a periwinkle scarf with a crimson coat, or test the waters with accessories in unexpected pairings. The confidence these combinations inspire is genuinely transformative.

Colour-Block Shopping Guide:

Zara and ASOS excel at trend-forward pieces that let you experiment with bold colour combinations affordably. Ted Baker offers more refined takes on colour-blocking for those who prefer a premium approach.

The Return of Functional Fashion: Necklace Bags

Forget purely decorative jewellery—Spring 2026 pendants come with purpose. From Coach's mini necklace bags to Tory Burch's tiny containers and TWP's reading glass holders, accessories are becoming genuinely useful whilst remaining utterly chic.

This trend speaks to our desire for hands-free functionality without sacrificing style. It's perfect for festivals, travel, or any situation where you need essentials close but don't want to carry a bag.

Functional Accessory Shopping:

Anthropologie always excels at unique accessories with personality. Oliver Bonas offers quirky, functional pieces that feel fresh and contemporary. For investment options, look to premium brands like LK Bennett for sophisticated takes on the trend.

Texture Play: Crinkled Silk and Tulle

Fabric texture is having a major moment. Crinkled silk adds movement and dimension to everything from day dresses to evening skirts, whilst tulle has escaped formal occasions to appear in unexpected places—think punk-inspired ripped tights and gauzy day pieces.

These textures add visual interest without requiring bold prints or colours. A simple crinkled silk blouse in neutral tones instantly feels current and sophisticated.

Texture-Rich Shopping:

Me&Em specialises in luxurious textures and quality fabrics. Reiss offers contemporary pieces with interesting textile details. For budget-friendly options, Monsoon consistently delivers textural interest at accessible prices.

Independent Brand Spotlight

Beyond the high street, two brands deserve your attention. Glassworks London, the East London independent label that's becoming cult favourite, offers weekly drops that feel perfectly of-the-moment. Their approach to contemporary design with an edge makes them perfect for Spring 2026's playful spirit.

Susmies, the Barcelona-based brand, embodies the joyful, feminine energy that defines this season. Their bold prints and playful accessories capture the carnival-inspired joy we're seeing across the runways.

Never Worry About Sizing Again with Tellar.co.uk

Shopping these trends should be exciting, not stressful. That's where Tellar.co.uk becomes your secret weapon. As the UK's leading sizing tool, Tellar matches your body exactly to over 1,500 brands instantly—meaning you'll never need to decipher another size guide again.

How Tellar Works:

Measure once using your bust, waist, hip measurements, or simply input your existing brand size
Use the Store Size Lookup tool at https://tellar.co.uk/store-size-lookup/ to get your precise size in any brand—whether you're shopping COS, Reiss, or any of the 1,500+ brands in the system
Always free, no downloads needed—it works seamlessly in your browser

Tellar Fashion Hub Resources:

The Tellar Fashion Hub offers a treasure trove of styling advice from top stylists. Here are some essential reads:

The Bottom Line

Spring 2026 is about embracing joy through fashion. Whether you're drawn to the electric energy of cerulean blue, the comfortable confidence of balloon pants, or the playful sophistication of unexpected colour combinations, this season gives you permission to have fun with your wardrobe again.

Remember, trends work best when they align with your lifestyle and personality. Start with one element that excites you—perhaps a cerulean scarf or a pair of wide-leg trousers—and build from there. Fashion should enhance your confidence, not challenge it.

The runway has given us the blueprint, but how you interpret these trends for your own style story is entirely up to you. And with tools like Tellar ensuring perfect fit every time, there's never been a better moment to experiment with confidence.

Happy styling!