It felt like we were enduring the longest winter in history, until spring decided to make a tentative appearance a few months ago. Although it’s not exactly the “dust off the barbecues and open the pub gardens” weather we were hoping for, it is a little warmer and brighter for longer periods of time, a sure sign that summer is just around the corner. But then that begs the question, what should we actually be wearing in the interim?
Between sunny, sunny weather and cool, chilly breezes, dressing for the transition between spring and summer is more difficult than we care to admit. A summer dress and a warm jacket will suffice most days, but repeating the same outfit formula can feel good. Same. So, what do fashion insiders wear this spring that’s both fashionable and functional? The answer is summer trends.
(Image credit: LaunchMetrics/Prada)
No, this doesn’t mean it’s appropriate to wear flip flops or swap out your cozy cardigan for a linen shirt. extremely Still, there are some summer trends that are perfect for “the beach,” and they pair easily with the more practical elements of our spring wardrobes like fine knits, tailoring, and closed-toe shoes.
So, if you’re struggling with outfit inspiration for the next few months In fact Get warm, keep scrolling to see 7 summer 2026 trends that fashion insiders have already started wearing to get ahead of the crowd. You may be pleasantly surprised.
7 Summer 2026 Trends to Wear Right Now, According to a Fashion Editor
1. Tank Clothes
(Image credit: LaunchMetrics/Gabriella Hurst)
Style Notes: Dress trends come and go with every season, but this spring we’re going back to basics with an easy-to-wear style that’s as stylish as it is comfortable—the tank dress. Unless it’s warm enough to wear tank tops and linen trousers, tank dresses offer a little more coverage but still look just as good with blazers, suede, bombers and biker jackets as they do with their midriff-baring brethren. As soon as the temperature rises, remove outerwear and wear flats Sandals and pendant necklaces like Gabriela Hearst.
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2. Utility Chic
(Image credit: LaunchMetrics/Hermes)
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3. Technical Jacket
(Image credit: LaunchMetrics/Fendi)
Style Notes: Summer jackets are hard to get right, and when you want outerwear that you can wear over dresses and tops when it’s cooler in the evenings, lounging around all day might not be so important – enter the technical jacket. autumn 2025 was around Funnel neck nylon jackets, and after realizing how attractive this underrated “activewear” fabric can be, sports jackets continue into SS ’26, styled with heels and mini bags, albeit with smaller collars.
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4. Sheer skirt
(Image credit: LaunchMetrics/AJ)
Style Notes: Whether you love them or hate them, there’s no escaping the fact that 2026 is the year of the sheer skirt, according to the runways. This sheer bottom takes “barely-there dressing” to new heights, as they reveal enough skin to show off everything from the knees to the hips, but before you panic, take styling tips from AJ. Chanel, Acne, Dries Van Noten, and Prada, and either pair with longline tops that are longer than buttocks length, or wear Above A closed shirt for a directional approach. Perfect for sticky, summery weather, you’ll be grateful for the see-through skirt during the heat wave, but until then, pair a pointed court shoe with a casual knit for a modern take on “ladylike” dressing.
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5. scarf print
(Image credit: LaunchMetrics/Celine)
style notes: Think spring prints and gingham, florals and polka dots probably come to mind, but this season influencers and editors alike are a season ahead and shopping summer’s biggest print trend—scarf prints. Typically in paisley, abstract or equestrian contexts, this maximalist print borrows directly from heritage fashion houses such as vintage silk foulards. Hermès and Dior, and a great way to introduce color without wearing it head to toe.
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6. Attractive shorts
(Image credit: LaunchMetrics/Stella McCartney)
Style Notes: Who likes short shorts? Designers certainly do, but this time there were more great iterations of shorts than ever before. Denim cut-offs may have their place, but our focus is on leather, suede and silk shorts that you can wear from day-to-night and even from spring to summer. By simply changing one shoe, you have a new look in moments, making it a surprisingly versatile item. Could cute shorts be the new mini skirt? Stella McCartney, Hermes, Isabel Marant and Dior think so.
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7. Colorful Pop Bag
(Image credit: LaunchMetrics/Jil Sander)
style notes: Nothing says sunny weather like a bold accessory, and the runway focus on colorful pop bags has given us a vibrant, new alternative to chocolate suede for this season. Whether you’re a sophisticated minimalist or an expressive maximalist, these juicy shades will elevate your existing wardrobe just in time for the summer season; Now your only decision is whether to go for Mondrian Primrose, Fruity Citrus or Reaver Neon.
