The seven fashion trends we'll all be wearing during spring/summer 2026 - according to industry experts

It’s never too early to be thinking about sunny season, especially not when it comes to fashion.

NationalWorld has spoken to both personal stylist Abbey Booth, who runs online fashion forum Stories with Clothes, and personal stylist and colour analyst Lindsay Edwards to find out all you need to knowa about what’s going to be hot during S/S 2026 so you can prepare your wardrobe early.

There’s more that one returning trends you may well recognise, but they’ve been given a fresh update for 2026.

Brooches

Brooches are one of the standout accessories for 2026, as agreed by both Abbey and Lindsay. Lindsay said they’re being worn in far more creative ways than before this year. To have fun with this trend, she suggests that rather than a single brooch on a jumper, think modern styling: wear multiple brooches together on the lapel of a blazer, or add one to the cuff of a shirt for a fresh, directional look.

Abbey agrees that they’re no longer polite finishing touches. Instead, she says they’re expressive, layered and often slightly unexpected. They can be worn on knits, blazers, scarves and even bags. Both have suggested visiting older relatives to see if they have any in their jewellery box already.

Bright, bold colours

Bright primary colours are going to be all over the high street, according to Lindsay and Abbey. Strong blues, vibrant reds, popping yellows and electric neons will be dominant, says Lindsay, in fact the brighter, bolder, and stronger, the better.

She suggests that if bold colour feels a little daunting, it’s best to introduce pops of brightness and ground them with classic neutrals like navy, tan, or cloud dancer - Pantone’s Colour of the Year. This soft off-white is set to appear everywhere and makes the perfect base for experimenting with colour.

For those who are more confident, Abbey says colours can be worn head-to-toe or in deliberate contrast, creating great energy, impact and optimism. Consider interesting and unexpected colour combinations, she said, and experiment with how it makes you feel. It’s called dopamine dressing for a reason.

Denim

If you didn’t throw away your skinny jeans when we were told they were “out” a few years ago - well done. Your patience has paid off because skinny jeans are making a return for 2026, according to Lindsay.

But, this isn’t about replacing one silhouette with another - and it doesn’t mean you have to stop wearing all your otherjeans. All styles of jeans are officially in. Wide-leg trousers are still going strong, slim flares remain popular, but now the skinny silhouette is back on the shop floor too.

Florals

Florals always return in spring - in the sarcastic words of The Devil Wears Prada icon Miranda Priestly “Florals for spring? Groundbreaking.” But for 2026 they’re anything but predictable, said Lindsay. This year, expect bolder prints, dramatic silhouettes, embellishments, and plenty of frills and flounces. It’ll be romantic, yes — but with real impact. If full floral feels too much, introduce it through a blouse, skirt, or statement sleeve rather than a head-to-toe look, Lindsay suggests.

Feathers, fringing, tassels and more

Fringing, tassels, and suede fabrics will be everywhere, adding movement and texture to outfits, stated Lindsay. It’ll be an easy trend to dip into with accessories, bags, or footwear if you don’t want to go all in. What started on the catwalk has been an easy trend to translate to the high street, said Abbey, as tassels or fringing can be added to a simple jumper, handbag or trouser to differentiate it. Boohoo is back too.

Gummy

The playfulness of gummy and jelly accessories will moves from novelty to design this year, said Abbey. Think jellied textures, bendy phone cases, 3D jewellery, squishy accessories, glossy finishes and childlike colour. An accessory such as a jelly bag or purse or a pop of colour will keep this trend wearable rather than costume, added Abbey.

Literary Chic

Polished, thoughtful and quietly intellectual, this look will classic silhouettes with a slightly preppy feel, according to Abbey. It’ll show up in midi skirts, knitwear and layered shirts paired with gloves, belts and practical bags. She suggested layering with what you already own to replicate this trend and make it your own. Think of cropped cardigans or knitted vests worn over contrasting shirts and a textured pencil skirt - and consider adding unexpected pops of colour to add a more contemporary feel to the look.