Spring/Summer 2026: Key Fashion Trends from the Runways and Red Carpet

Spring/Summer 2026: Key Fashion Trends from the Runways and Red Carpet

Spring is in full swing as the temperatures dance between cool and warm. We are slowly but surely shedding the layers of winter fashion, and it is time to embrace the colorful fun of spring dressing. Four key fashion trends from the ready-to-wear Spring/Summer 2026 season caught our attention. Here are the trends to know now from the runways of New York, Paris, London, and Milan, as well as the recent red carpets in Hollywood. 

“I adore the vibrant feeling of renewal that Spring always brings with it,” says Giuseppe Picchiotti, lead designer and founder of PICCHIOTTI. “I especially love the colorful fashions that always seem to thrive in the warmer months of the year. At PICCHIOTTI, we are known worldwide for color, and now is the time to fully embrace colorful gemstones. We like to make even the most spectacular gems wearable. And this year our designs are more relevant than ever. Wear them in good health and let the blossoming season unfurl in your heart, as it does in your daily fashion ensembles.” 

Primary Colors

In recent years, fashion designers have embraced the beauty of pastels for Spring/Summer collections. A few lavenders and pale pinks were definitely seen fluttering on runways at Michael Kors, Chloé, and Tory Burch, but what excites us most this year is the prevalence of primary colors. Bold yellows, cobalt blues, and fire engine reds make for striking spring/summer options this year.   

Bright sunny yellow took many forms – near monochrome at Rabanne, Fendi, Michael Kors, Carolina Herrera, and Loewe (see image above). Blue hues also dominated, seen in monochrome at Victoria Beckham, Marc Jacobs, Area, and more. And red, especially bright cherry red, was near ubiquitous, seen at Fendi, Givenchy, Tory Burch, Alice & Olivia, Issey Miyake, Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Valentino, Balenciaga, and more.  In fact, red was so dominant for spring/summer ready-to-wear, that editors at Harpers Bazaar suggested that the best way to be on-trend this year is to add “a pop of bright fire-engine red to your outfit.” 

Pairing of primary colors also abounds for the season ahead. Yellow and blue pair perfectly at Celine (see feature image). Bright reds and cobalt blues share the spotlight at Jil Sander (see immediately above). 

For accessorizing, precious gemstones do the trick. Red rubies, blue sapphires, fancy yellow diamonds all partner well with primary colors. You can also add that spot of red to your outfit by wearing statement ruby ring or pair of earrings.

Hints of chartreuse are also on the rise, seen at Prada, Balenciaga, Valentino, and more. Look for more of this standout hue in the months to come. 

Sporty Chic 

The runways also featured an almost collegiate vibe that we are calling Sporty Chic. Short skirts are back en vogue. Tennis skirts and mini pleats were seen at Dior, Alice + Olivia, Rabanne, and more. Short shorts and pantless tops proved another fun way to put the focus on the leg, featured at Lacoste, Max Mara, and Givenchy. Bras are continuing to thrive at Prada, Fendi, Jason Wu, and more.  The academia vibe comes from collegiate sweaters, rugby stripes, vibrant blue, and polos – a very youthful or playful mood. 

Though the feel is quite causal, the overall look is still chic. Pair the lingerie-inspired bralettes with bright button earrings or huggie hoops and shorter drops. For the sporty blazer worn over shorts or miniskirts (seen at Ralph Lauren, Max Mara, and more), opt for a longer sleek drop earring. For the striped polos and schoolgirl looks, stack an armful of our Xpandbale bracelets, especially our new “striped” Signature Style bracelets with rubies, emeralds, sapphires, and yellow diamonds. Or keep the look super fun and flirty, with our new Xpandable polka dot bracelets in black onyx and turquoise. 

Footwear is a big part of this aesthetic. Most of the looks feature sneakers or sandals, letting the full length of the leg be admired, ankle and all. Thongs, clogs, and both colorful and ornamented sandals will prevail, once the temperatures rise. And sneakers are getting more fun every year. This year wear them with short socks to let the calves be seen.

The Volume Beneath 

Another widely spotted trend for spring is what we are calling the Volume Beneath. For last season (Fall/Winter 2025-26), we reported on bulky shoulders and high necks. But this year, the focus has shifted below, as designers featured an abundance of big sassy skirts, peplums, and dramatic statement skirts, mostly worn with a simple top.  According to W Magazine, “This season, designers are flipping the formula by calling for party skirts to take center stage while the predictable ‘going out’ top is left firmly at home.”  Wide flouncy skirts were seen at Balenicaga (see feature image), Chanel, Givenchy, Christian Siriano, and even dramatic flair skirts or trains at Carolina Herrera (see above). Peplums brought attention to the pelvis at Max Mara, Khaite, Stella McCartney, and more.  The width came in various forms – feathers, fringe, petticoats, and more, expertly drawing the eye below.  

With so much mass below the waist and simple tops above, the look calls for bold accessories. Wider drop earrings like PICCHIOTTI’s new Marquise Eclipse diamond earrings or the Essentially Color chandelier earrings help to balance the width below and add a sense of movement to match that of the flouncy skirt.  Bold chunky bracelets, preferably stacked (as seen at Michael Kors for example), make the perfect adornment, as well, to compete with the colorful swaying as you walk. PICCHIOTTI’s new Essentially Color bracelets work well. Wear them stacked with your favorite diamond tennis bracelet or thicker gold bangles.  Since the tops are simple, you can also offset the drama beneath with a statement necklace like PICCHIOTTI’s Fiocco Bow necklace (seen above). 

Old Hollywood Glamour

Another noteworthy trend we noticed for 2026 came from the award show red carpets. Old Hollywood Glamour is back. The look “dominated the Golden Globes” (Vogue) and continued to shine at the SAG AFTRA Actor Awards and the Oscars. Elegant floor-length gowns, opera gloves, and a vintage 1920s, 30s, or 40s feel create the aesthetic. Stars were brilliantly adorned by diamonds, drop or chandelier earrings, and singular statement necklaces. Pardon the pun, but one necklace after another ruled the Oscars red carpet. High jewelry is a big part of the look. As you prep for spring galas and charity balls, bring out the gloves (also trending on ready-to-wear runways, by the way), and the boldest jewels you can find. For a high collar short necklace with loads of sparkle, PICCHIOTTI’s new Hexagon necklace is a perfect fit. To fill more of the decolletage, opt for the new PICCHIOTTI Diamond Embrace or Diamond Waterfall necklace. Chandelier earrings are another classic style that brings radiance and sophistication to the face. PICCHIOTTI’s new Diamond Waterfall earrings evoke the perfect amount of glamour. For shorter necks or shorter hairlines, try the PICCHIOTTI Diamond Ribbon earrings. And the statement cocktail ring is not to be left at home. The new Desert Diamonds ring is a stunner, with a fancy yellow diamond haloed by cognac diamonds, sure to become a great conversation starter. The best thing about this trend is the pure joy of dressing up again. Indulge and enjoy! 

Overall, the vibe for Spring/Summer 2026 is one of mixing things up. Instead of pastels, opt for primary colors occasionally. Instead of sparkly tops, try a plain blouse with a flouncy colorful skirt. Instead of minimalism for black tie attire, choose Old Hollywood glam. And feel free to be sporty, as long as you stay chic. Enjoy the fun of it and be sure to let some leg show. 

  

Feature image at top – Clockwise from upper left – The Luminous Knot ring by PICCHIOTTI with ruby center, splash of red at Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet (S/S 2026 Spotlight Launchmetrics), PICCHIOTTI Fiocco statement necklace, Elle Fanning at the 2026 Oscars (Getty), PICCHIOTTI Masterpieces Emerald earrings, Balenciaga (S/S 2026 Spotlight Launchmetrics), Celine (S/S 2026 Spotlight Launchmetrics), PICCHIOTTI Xpandable Signature Style yellow diamond bracelet, PICCHIOTTI Masterpieces Floral Ruby drop earrings   

 

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