THE SUMMER 2026 TREND REPORT

As the old adage goes, rules are made to be broken. The rigid guidelines that once framed seasonal trends went out the window when capri pants returned. And this summer it’s time to bask in unruly, unbridled joy when getting dressed. From embracing your inner child to rejecting conformity, keep scrolling for our 2026 summer trend report and the pieces we’re purchasing.

There was a time when sporty dressing meant throwing on leggings and a gym bra. But this season brings a whole new spin on activewear. It’s no longer about performance-based pieces. 2026 invites us to experiment with athletic-infused designs, taking inspiration from the 70s, 80s and 90s through vibrant tracksuits, shell jackets and obscure graphic tees. These looks straddle the sporty and stylish camps – meaning you could wear them to the gym or a casual dinner. Mix and match with elevated pieces like satin slips and heels or dive into low-profile trainers and socks for an all-out vintage ensemble.

GET THE LOOK:
01: ASOS DESIGN tailored funnel neck jacket in grey co ord, £65
02: ARKET suede trainer in light beige, £119

03: adidas Originals Firebird loose nylon track top in light khaki and brown, £70 (similar)
04: ASOS DESIGN ribbed baby tee with Puerto Rico athletics graphic in red, £18
05: Tommy Jeans low profile runner trainers in ivory, £100
06: Kaiia exclusive chunky tan lens aviator sunglasses in khaki, £12
07: adidas Originals crochet shorts in pink, £38
08: Superdry Athletic essentials waffle retro shorts in glacier grey marl, £29.99

While our sporty pieces veer from function to fun, other areas of the summer wardrobe are doubling down on durability. An affinity for nature is part and parcel of sunny season, but there’s been a collective yearning for the great outdoors lately. Perhaps it’s the windswept moors of Brontë’s recently revived Wuthering Heights, or a desire to slow down and connect with something bigger than ourselves. Either way, we’re heading outside and dressing accordingly. Standout trends include utility-inspired pieces built to last, hike-friendly trainers and cargo trousers with a pocket for every essential.

GET THE LOOK:
01: Topshop satin longline cargo short in ecru, £38
02: ARRANGE drawcord utility trouser in khaki, £75
03: Salomon XT-6 unisex trainers in vanilla ice, £165
04: New Balance 1000 trainers in black, £150
05: Topshop techy funnel neck track top in slate, £55

A side-effect of the trend cycle – which has grown more rapid and unpredictable thanks to social media – is that we eventually tire of it. Fashion has become more democratic than ever before thanks to dupe culture and the accessibility of influencers. But just as everyone started to dress the same, we’ve started searching for something… different. Unique, individual wardrobes are in right now, as we reach for clothes that feel lived-in, effortless and intentionally unpolished. Whether it’s quirky accessories to spice up your basics, or loose, carefree silhouettes that give off an ‘I just threw this on and didn’t think about it’ energy, summer 2026 is about looking perfectly imperfect.

 

GET THE LOOK: 

01: Miss Selfridge satin and lace trim shorts in black, £27.99
02: Bershka Knit beanie in ecru, £17.99
03: Nike Air Rift trainers in black and silver polka dot, £119.99
04: Levi's super baggy long denim jorts in light blue, £70
05: Pieces asymmetric lace trim satin cami top in chocolate brown, £32
06: 4th & Reckless satin square motif head scarf in cream and black, £15

The minimalists rejoiced when Pantone announced ‘Cloud Dancer’ as the colour of the year. A clean, crisp white, this subdued tone is set to shape summer wardrobes through billowing linen dresses, draped silhouettes and anything that screams Grecian goddess. Interpreted through sheer mesh, head-to-toe white, and dreamlike textures including satin and lace, dressing like a Botticelli muse is all the rage this season. Bonus that it looks great on any beachside excursions.

GET THE LOOK:
01: ARRANGE broderie ruffled v neck maxi dress in white, £150
02: ASOS DESIGN crochet knit cotton blend shift dress in ecru, £30
03: ASOS DESIGN draped batwing asymmetric one sleeve maxi dress in ivory, £55
04: Gina Tricot knitted crochet wrap skirt in off white, £40
05: Stradivarius Poplin layered skirt in white, £29.99

White may be en vogue this summer, but colour is still firmly on the menu. Primary colours, to be specific. Bold, vivacious colour-blocking is the favoured way to embrace the new season. We’re talking tomato red, cerulean and cabbage greens. This is fashion with real feeling – an excuse to embrace your inner child through voluminous skirts and lurid details. Really, anything with an air of Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel: fabulous texture, statement heels and va-va-voom.

GET THE LOOK:
01: Stradivarius Basic double fabric shirt in sky blue, £22.99
02: Bronx Myr-aa lace up trainers in baby blue suede, £130
03: Topshop rib scoop neck vest in green, £12
04: ASOS DESIGN cropped rubberised rain jacket with hood in bright red, £30
05: Stradivarius Tomato charm keyring in red, £15.99