7 trends that will define summer 2026 style

Summer romance may only last a season, but summer dressing? It’s a commitment you should stick to for life as you wear apparel that has some of the charm of the season. It could be the color of a particular garment – ​​this year, jewel-tone shades with depth and clarity dominate – or a print, abundant and attention-grabbing (Carey Mulligan’s Met Gala gown is your sign that will especially make you stand out…).

And while fall, winter (and in some cases, spring) means bundling up, summer is all about letting go, whether that means putting a barely-there spin on the classic tuxedo or allowing that hemline to ride up your calf when you dip your toe into summer’s capri-pant trend. Throw in seasonal denim (hint: it’s sun-faded and suitably cool), beach-babe appreciation and a great book that can influence your wardrobe’s mood as well as your mind’s, and you’ll set yourself up to fall in love with summer dressing.

1. Summer Tuxedo

style notes:for her latest guest slot late night with seth meyers, Ayo Edebiri He appeared through a pair of sliding doors wearing a white shirt and sheer tights. A minimalist approach to black tie (and reportedly inspired by American Theater Hall of Fame veteran Elaine Stritch), it was a stroke of genius that proved the tuxedo could be a summer proposal. Wear an oversized shirt, add a belt-slash-cumberband and finish with pointy-toe pumps.

2. Books look like

Style Notes: The beach of your choice isn’t just about spending hours by the pool this summer. Instead, allow it to inspire your wardrobe too, whether you’re drawn to Lydia Pang’s Gothic typeface eat bitter“A Story About Guts and Food,” or Villain-Approved Neon-Covered Nail Art Hello, LimeranceA side look at Momo Yamaguchi’s summer crush.

3. La Beach Babe

Style Notes: Chloé à la Plage, the maison’s sun-drenched summer campaign starring Apple Martin, is “shaped by sunlit days along dazzling shores.” Speak less. At Chanel’s most recent cruise show, a sandal that wasn’t so much nude as a heel attached to one’s foot by fine strands of leather was just one accessory, bringing to mind the flotsam and jetsam of the beach (think seashell earrings, expensive straw bags, and fishing-net swimming caps). Channel beach mood from day to day with a mesh jelly shoe (whether traveling or navigating rock pools) and ombre swimwear.

4. capri pants

Style Notes: The capri has the legs for another summer, don’t you worry, with support from The Cannes Film Festival (Lila Bekhti in Versace’s stunning collection) and the streets of Harlem (Daisy Edgar-Jones complemented her capris with pleasingly boxy tailoring). A black pair with shirting is a great formula, but you can also introduce a print (polka dots, gingham or blurry floral).

5. Jewel Tone

Style Notes: A jewel tone may not have the punch of a primary shade, but precious stone shades (from peridot to amethyst) have made their presence felt on the A-list. Sophie Okonedo’s citrine separates were a breath of fresh air when she landed at Nice Airport. Meanwhile, Dua Lipa mixed two shades of tourmaline while out and about in Cannes. Adding just one aspect of interest to your look (say with an emerald satin pouch) will add a surprising amount of dazzle.