Spring-Summer
2026: 10 Fashion
Trends to Watch
Drawing on InVogue's SS26 forecast data, fashion analyst insights, and runway inspiration from SS26 Fashion Weeks, we identified 10 key trends poised to define what's next.
1. GIMAGUAS / 2. CARO EDITION / 3. EGONLAB
The 2026 Trends
- 1.Polka Dots
- 2.Raw Denim
- 3.Romantic Fabrics
- 4.Gingham & Checks
- 5.Moccasins
- 6.Alternative Animal Prints
- 7.Creamy Yellows
- 8.Ruffles & Bubble Hems
- 9.Shades of Purple
- 10.The New Raw
InVogue's Approach to Trends
At InVogue, our approach to trend forecasting combines cutting-edge AI and data analysis. We use advanced machine learning algorithms to analyse vast amounts of visual data from social media platforms. By identifying patterns and shifts in consumer behaviour, we can detect emerging trends in real time.
Our methodology merges the precision of data science with the expertise of fashion industry professionals, ensuring that our predictions are both accurate and actionable.
1. CARO EDITION / 2-6. INSTAGRAM
1. Polka Dots
Small dots, big dots, dots, dots, dots.
Polka dots strike the perfect balance between playful and polished, adding visual interest without overwhelming. Depending on size and colour, they can feel retro and whimsical or modern and minimal.
For SS26, large polka dots are expected to grow +55% in exposure in Europe compared to the same period last year, and +33% in the US. On European women, large dot dresses (+80%) and large dot skirts (+47%) are gaining traction, particularly in ladylike midi lengths that pair the playful print with elegant silhouettes.
At SS26 Fashion Weeks, designers ranging from Altuzarra, Khaite, and Nina Ricci, to Junya Watanabe and Jean Paul Gaultier featured dot prints in various colours and forms.
1. EGONLAB / 2. GIVENCHY
2. Raw Denim Authenticity
Raw, unwashed, and untreated denim, also known as dry or brut denim, is all about authenticity—no fading, no distressing, just stiff, natural cotton. This denim is often seen on relaxed jeans, jackets, and urban looks.
A trend on social media is to style raw denim jeans with a matching jacket for a complete head-to-toe raw denim look. On women, fitted denim jackets (+5% in Europe) are gaining traction, particularly when paired with flared jeans (+2% in Europe).
At SS26 runways, brands like Casablanca, Givenchy, Dior, and Zimmerman have incorporated denim into their collections. The fabric gained +200% in runway exposure compared to SS25 fashion weeks.
3. Romantic Fabrics
Lace maxi dresses, satin skirts with lace trims, flowing lace pants and lace socks—these will be highlight pieces in women's wardrobes in 2026. Forecasts show strong growth for lace skirts, with +20% expected in Europe and +13% in the US, reflecting growing consumer interest in romantic, feminine silhouettes.
Pair a midi lace skirt with a modern pastel-hued oversized pullover, or layered under a relaxed, basic oversized tee for balance between delicate textures and a laid-back vibe, creating a romantic yet effortless look.
4. Gingham & Checks
Gingham is often associated with autumn-winter, but seasonality in wardrobes is fading. In SS26, we can see exposure growth across the different gingham variations.
In Europe, gingham prints are expected to grow +17% on men and +31% on women. It appears on everything from swimwear, short-sleeve shirts, and boxer shorts. In the US, +22% on women and +4% on men.
Other check variations like Prince of Wales (+19% European women) and windowpane (+13%) are also gaining traction, often seen in layered looks, midi skirts, and fitted blazer pairings.
1. GIMAGUAS / 2. MORJAS / 3-4 MASSIMO DUTTI
5. Moccasins
The loafer, boat shoe, and moccasin have long been footwear staples, and over the past year, have entered the vanguard market. Miu Miu triggered desire on women for the boat-loafer silhouette while suede and bohemian-style moccasins have seen steady growth over the past year, driven by shows from Chloé's Kamali and Isabel Marant.
In Summer 2025, the silhouette grew +40% on women and is expected to remain stable in 2026. On European men, it is expected to grow +7% and is viewed as a stable upward trend.
1. Brandon Maxwell SS26 / 2. Diane Von Furstenberg SS26
6. Alternative Animal Prints
If leopard print made its mark in 2024-2025, 2026 will welcome a new wave of animal prints.
Zebra print is about to step into the spotlight, projected to grow +21% in Europe and +17% in the US in Spring 2026, particularly among 26-35-year-olds. Dresses are expected to be the key carriers, growing +25% in both regions.
In addition, snake and croc prints are expected to grow +22% in Europe over the same period. In the US, cow print will be the hot print on women, expected to grow +87% during SS26.
1. H&M / 2. ARAKII / 3-4. INVOGUE
7. Creamy Yellows
Colours like vanilla yellow and popcorn yellow are rising fast because they hit a sweet spot—not too much, not too little.
In Spring 2026, both shades are expected to grow +22% on women in Europe, and +8% and +10% respectively in the US. It is almost a new neutral that adapts perfectly to everything from bridesmaid dresses to athleisure.
Vanilla yellow dresses are expected to grow +23% during SS26. For men, these shades may be more muted, but still show steady growth: popcorn yellow +10% and vanilla yellow +7% in Europe. They're most often seen in preppy knitwear and short-sleeve shirts.
8. Ruffles & Bubble Hems
The tiered ruffle skirt is making a strong comeback among fashion consumers in Europe and the US for Spring, growing +20% in Europe and +17% in the US. In parallel, parachute skirts and bubble hems are becoming more popular—not only on skirts, but increasingly on balloon pants too.
These trends are most commonly seen in pure white skirts (expected +14%) and low-rise styles (expected +17%). Overall, the focus is on playful silhouettes, movement, and a light, airy aesthetic that feels very spring.
9. Shades of Purple
Purple is expected to influence 2026, ranging from a rich, almost-burgundy hue to soft, bright lilac.
Whether worn to stroll elegantly through New York's streets, grace the runways of Paris and Milan, or bring spiritual depth and vibrancy to cultural celebrations like Ramadan, purple brings a playful sense of sophistication to any look.
In SS26 womenswear, plum tones and dusty berry shades are expected to grow +10% in Europe. In the US, rosy purple (+2%) and sangria (+5%) lead the forecast. The rise of purple reflects broader trends in individuality, spirituality, and emotional expression.
1. YIGAL AZROUEL / 2. KENT & CURWEN / 3. AUGUST BARRON / 4. BOTTEGA VENETA
10. The New Raw
Utility meets urban style in this wardrobe designed for modern city living. Minimalism is elevated through smart outdoor pieces, timeless basics, and a curated colour palette of greens and yellows.
It's an aesthetic that embraces thoughtful layering, versatile outerwear, and the freedom to express individuality, allowing each piece to serve multiple purposes while maintaining a clean, refined look.
This is reflected in natural colour palettes, where greens in particular are emerging as a key colour for the season. Pea green (+13%), pickle green (+6%), and dusty green (+4%) are greens we expect to see more of in ready-to-wear and sportswear in 2026.
If you're interested in 2026 trends, InVogue's Trend Calendar is designed for you. It combines data-driven insight and fashion expertise to help you anticipate the key trends shaping the year ahead, providing a clear month-by-month timeline.
Stay Ahead of 2026 Fashion Trends with InVogue's AI Insights
As the fashion industry accelerates, brands and manufacturers face an increasingly complex challenge: anticipating what consumers will want. InVogue's AI-powered trend forecasting platform helps you make smarter decisions, reduce inventory waste, and improve product success rates.