Another (particularly eventful) season has come and gone. To help you categorise the chaos, we break down the emerging trends we spotted at Paris Fashion Week spring/summer '26
We did it. With a dizzying number of shows, an outrageous amount of anticipated designer debuts (many of which miraculously met or exceeded high expectations) and countless gag-worthy celeb fashion moments in the rearview, we have survived the spring/summer '26 season. And what a poetic end, with Matthieu Blazy taking his triumphant bow under the full Chanel moon at his first show for the storied Parisian house. Oh mon dieu.
And now the daunting task of parsing ‘what just happened’, particularly in Paris, where time and space seemed to abide by alternate rules (can you believe the Louis Vuitton show was just one week ago?). Fear not, we’ve got you covered. While the endless parade of looks offered a wide range of aesthetic ideas, a few trends emerged in Paris. Spring/summer 2026, it seems, was either about stepping out in the most look-at-me manner possible or staying in entirely, safe from the horrors of these uncertain times.
So without further adieu – er… rather, ado – we break down the trends we spotted on the Paris spring/summer 2026 runways. Until next season.
Nightie Night
Maison Margiela.
Louis Vuitton.
Chanel.
Junya Watanabe.
Established by Louis Vuitton’s home-themed spring/summer 2026 collection, nightgowns and delicate slips swanned the Parisian runways this season. Sheer or silky, with delicate lace details, these ethereal around-the-house looks emphasised the aesthetically pleasing joys of missing out.
Bone to Pick
Hodakova.
Magda Butrym.
Dior.
Acne Studios.
Exposed boning gave unexpected shape and, occasionally, a bit of edge to otherwise classically feminine expressions. At Magda Burtrym, barely exposed corsets peeking out beneath elegant blouses showed the trend’s subtler side whilst over at Hodakova, umbrella bones gave way to a cage-like frame that served as a sort of armour. No bones about it, this season the frame steals the spotlight.
Buckle Up
Coperni.
Hodakova.
Hermès.
Cecilie Bahnsen.
Leather harnesses, belts and nylon straps merged the sensual and the technical for spring/summer 2026. Buckled over feminine frocks or to-the-point tailoring, the season’s straps give any look an instant edge.
Real Housewives
Andreas Kronthaler for Vivienne Westwood.
August Barron.
Miu Miu.
Chloé.
The real housewives have invaded the spring/summer 2026 shows and we’re not talking about Lisa Rinna. Aprons, cardigans and retro florals give way to a sort of deranged homemaker whose pies are perhaps better left cooling in the window. Just add a tagline.
Cosy Cocoons
Alaïa.
Comme des Garçons.
Dior.
Sacai.
For those looking for a warm embrace in a confounding era: cocoons. The use of one’s arms is overrated anyway.
Nearly Naked
Chanel.
Givenchy.
Valentino.
Jean Paul Gaultier.
The naked dress is back and leaving less to the imagination than ever. Top-to-toe sheer looks, occasionally adorned with delicate embellishments deliver show-shopping NSFW (or Instagram) moments.
Good Hoods
Courrèges .
Balmain.
Gabriela Hearst.
Uma Wang.
Draped and cowled or covering the entire face, the season’s best “don’t talk to me” moments were delivered by way of countless hoods. Simply throw on and go.