It may seem premature with spring only just having made an appearance, but I’ve been thinking about summer fashion for the last few months. At Who What Wear UK it’s our job to stay at least one season ahead in order to bring you the freshest trend news possible, but the transition between last winter and this spring has been slow to say the least. The good news though, is that the weather is changing for the better, and this week as I swapped my shoes for sandals, I sat down look through the runways for what will be summer’s next big trending moment.

Slightly chilly winds and overcast skies aside, the shops are starting to fill up with summer dresses, linen and cotton basics instead of cozy knits; a sure sign that summer is just around the corner. And although you may feel like you couldn’t be further away from a high summer heatwave, it won’t be long until we’re all back in shorts and skirts and shivering through cold spells will be a distant memory.

Avid readers will know that we’ve already waxed lyrical about summer micro-trends, summer shoes and how to build the best possible summer-ready capsule, but out of all of the trends to hit the runways, which have true longevity?

From practical utility to the new florals, this summer boils down to five key aesthetics and the trends that fall within them. So whether you’re a sleek minimalist or an expressive maximalist, there really is something for everyone in the mix. Ready to see the looks about to be everywhere for the next few months and beyond? Keep scrolling to see five summer fashion trends set to dominate in 2026.

5 Major Summer Fashion Trends You Need to Know in 2026

1. The Well-Travelled Explorer

Style Notes: Calling all adventurous style-seekers, spring/summer 2026’s rugged mix of utility, cargo and khaki is all about fashion made functional—the grounded answer to last summer’s boho renaissance. Safari for summer may not be groundbreaking, but it is the perfect companion to the funnel neck jackets, balloon trousers and flannel shirts we’ve been wearing throughout spring. According to the runway, the high summer heroes are cargo shorts and lots of leather belts (just ask Isabel Marant), but don’t forget the power of layering basics like tank tops and sheer shirts that are the foundation for so many great utility looks.

Shop Cargo, Khaki and Utility:

2. The Retro Revivalist

Style Notes: If you were one of the people to snap up a technical jacket before the crowds, bravo. Not only are the bigger than ever this summer (and Saint Laurent’s designer nylon jackets are currently waiting list only), but they’ll be sticking around for the rest of the year too. Wondering what to wear with this throwback style? The runways are all about short shorts and stripes, but you also have the option to dress this look up with strappy sandals, or keep it casual with retro runners.

Shop Retro Athleisure:

3. The Uptown Girl

Style Notes: Preppy, prim, and polished to perfection, spring’s ladylike trend evolves into the uptown girl, an equally feminine and tailored take on warm weather dressing. Immaculately turned out and never one to fall for buzzy microtrends, this look leans into the brighter colours of summer and clutches her metaphorical pearls slightly less than spring’s buttoned up version. Expect knee skirts, blouses and slingbacks this summer (with plenty of smart jackets and top handle bags for evening too). Consider this the wardrobe of the Park Avenue princess both on and off duty.

Shop Ladylike Dressing:

4. The Power Dresser

Style Notes: Looking for something a little tougher than the uptown girl’s ultra-femme silhouette? The new power dressing is all about big pieces that mean big business and command power through boxy, oversized shapes that are unexpected for high summer. Takes cues from the Bottega Veneta and Calvin Klein runways, and pair loose, undone shirts with sharp jackets, and swap bohemian maxi dresses for wide-leg linen and maxi skirts that you can team with polished silk camis and sheer tops.