Colour-blocking to power shoulders: The biggest fashion trends for 2026

After quiet comes noise, it seems. In the wake of many seasons dominated by the expensive hush of quiet luxury, the push back has begun as we look to the optimism of a new year through bolder, louder alternatives. The fashion world is done, it seems, with muted restraint.

Newness was the buzz word across the spring/summer 2026 runways, as designers made their high-profile arrivals. Bold colour-blocking was made more wearable with neutral tones, 1980s-inspired power shoulders made a comeback, while other can't-miss-me shapes – think bubble skirts and roomy harem pants – made an unexpected appearance, too.

As runway creations trickled into the shops and on to the streets, here's what you be seeing more of in the year ahead.

Go for bold

A marigold-yellow parachute dress at Alexander McQueen. Photo: Alexander McQueen

Spring is about joy, and nothing inspires an upbeat mood quite like dazzling colour. Balenciaga offered looks in divine jewel tones such as scarlet, emerald and violet, while at Prada, show-stopping tones of canary yellow, turquoise blue and lime green were handled with ease. Dries Van Noten mixed pink, purple and orange to eye-popping effect, while Alaia colour-blocked fuchsia pink, teal and mustard with chocolate brown, black and white for easy wearability. Loewe offered legs clad in opaque yellow tights under an asymmetrical dress, as Gucci delivered great plumes of Klein Blue feathers. Even Saint Laurent embraced high saturation, through giant orange ruffles.

A jewel-coloured bubble skirt at Balenciaga spring/summer 2026. Photo: Balenciaga

Anyone keen to embrace this colour-blocking trend can fold in a neutral for ease, while those brave enough to go for head to toe can just sit back and soak up the attention.

Statement skirts

Thom Browne's statement giant puffball skirt in dove grey from spring/summer 2026. Photo: Thom Browne

Many designers made their debut on the runway this year, so naturally there were a lot of big ideas on show, with statement skirts one of the biggest. Feather-strewn, floor-length skirts were seen at Balenciaga and Chanel, dressed down with simple T-shirts, while Thom Browne opted for giant puffball skirts in great clouds of grey.

Dense fringing covers this Bottega Veneta skirt. Dressed down with a simple top, it becomes easy to wear. Photo: Bottega Veneta

Bottega Veneta offered dense, shimmery fringing for its head turning skirts, while Loewe mixed its skirt covered in swinging trails of beads with a bomber jacket. Prada went for sumptuous, knee-length puffball skirts in rich colours, while skirts worn low on the hips were seen at Tod’s, Tory Burch and Chanel.

With so many styles to choose from, it's a trend that's easy to get on board with. Just keep the top understated, and let the skirt do all the work.

Desert tones

A beautifully draped look in mahogany brown by Balmain for spring 2026. Photo: Balmain

Think rich coppers, burnt sand and intense browns for the trend that could have been invented