Runway Recap
Three Big Trends from Spring 2026 Fashion Month
Hi CLOTHO fam! I’m so glad to be back to writing The Style Guide, especially this edition! Over the past few weeks, New York, London, Paris, and Milan have all hosted their respective Fashion Weeks, which is known collectively as Fashion Month. There are two Fashion Months each year, one in the Spring, where we see upcoming Fall/Winter collections, and one in the Fall, where, you guessed it, we see upcoming Spring/Summer collections for the following year. Why so early? Because of how the fashion industry works. The collections debuted at Fashion Month are known as “ready-to-wear” or “pret-a-porter.” These collections are shown with the intent of being manufactured on a more mass scale, and then sold at boutiques and high-end department stores. So, a runway is shown, buyers decide what they like, the brand makes it and ships it, and then it’s out in stores in time for the season its made for! Also in attendance for these runway shows are buyers and designers for other, more accessible retailers, so, inevitably, recurring trends that emerge during Fashion Month will also find their way to big box stores. Meaning, if it’s a trend across many designers and cities during Fashion Month, we’ll probably wind up seeing it on shelves everywhere over the next year as the cycle of fashion winds its way through the cultural zeitgeist.
If you want to be in-the-know, keep reading to see the three big trends that stuck out to me from Spring 2026 Fashion Month, why I think they’re resonating to hard right now, and of course, my picks for how to incorporate them into your unique style story.
Undeniably, the standout trend from Spring/Summer ‘26 Fashion Month was blue. All hues of blue were represented, but, I was most pleasantly surprised by the prevalence of bright, bold, cerulean and cyan blues. Though it may seem intimidating, bright blue is universally flattering for different skin tones, and adds an instant jolt of confidence to the wearer. In color symbolism, blue represents truth and trustworthiness, which is why you’ll see it featured so prominently in the medical and legal fields. I think, this recurrence of blue across so many different runways from so many different points-of-view, speaks to a greater cultural crying out for honesty and integrity, loudly, and proudly.
Another somewhat surprising trend from this Fashion Month was fringe. To be clear, fringe is never “out,” but is more typically seen in Fall/Winter shows. Its connection to the 1970s and that earthy color palette lends itself well to the colder seasons, while warmer months typically see movement coming from lighter, softer ruffles and floral appliques. It’s interesting to see fringe so prominently in Spring/Summer fashion, but my take on it is that it’s playing into the idea of dressing with lots of volume, and taking up space in a different, less traditionally “feminine” way. Leaning into the 70s attitudes of radical self-assertion, while maintaining a sense of playfulness.
I know this trend will be polarizing, but I want to go on record as stating…I love it. Toward the end of last year, Pinterest released its predictions for 2025 trends based on booming searches. One of the big ones was Rococo influence, which, until now, we haven’t seen a lot of. The lingerie-inspired trend takes a lot of those French court references, and brings them into one of the existing trends of the past two years, sheer everything, creating a unique, semi-period piece aesthetic.
Next up are my picks to get the looks for yourselves. I’ll include links for specific items featured, but I’ve also included search terms so that you can find your own favorites from your preferred retailers!
Sky blue moto jacket
Trumpet skirt, straight and plus sizes
Blue skirt set
Cerulean moto jacket, plus size
Fringe bib necklace
Fringe chandelier earrings
Fringe shawl
Tassel bracelet
Ivory corset, straight and plus sizes
Lace slip dress
Sheer chemise, straight and plus sizes
Bloomer shorts, straight and plus sizes
As always, thank you for supporting CLOTHO and reading The Style Guide! Going forward, there will be a new edition bi-weekly for everyone, plus a monthly Style by the Stars and monthly video for paid subscribers only. I’ll see you again in two weeks!