Fashion shows often get a bad rap for featuring, let’s say, unwearable clothes—who remembers the blow-up balloon outfits? Or maybe McQueen’s white feathered ensemble? It’s all part of the creative allure, after all. Yet for the Spring/Summer 26 season, it seems a shift is afoot, as designers swapped extravagant talking points for, dare I say it, chic and simple outfits—serving as the perfect moodboard for minimalist fashion fans.
While every major fashion city saw splatterings of pared-back runway looks, the New York designers truly led the charge. Take Ralph Lauren, Toteme, Michael Kors, Tory Burch and Khaite as core examples that less really can be more. Colour palettes were kept classic: lots of black and white, hints of brown and baby blue (my new favourite colour combo), and bold pops of red styled with simplistic silhouettes.
Although minimalist certainly doesn’t mean boring, as evidenced by these particularly chic runways—Victoria Beckham’s included—which made a strong case for sleek simplicity over in Paris. Whether you save them for office outfit inspo or to guide future outfit ideas, below are the seven trends I’d encourage any lover of the minimalist aesthetic to take note of.
Spring/Summer 26 Trends to Note Now
1. Strapless Tops
Style Notes: Proving the importance of silhouette, a number of designers made strapless tops a core staple of their collections—Ralph Lauren, included. Whether worn with wide-leg trousers, jeans or a classic midi skirt, consider them a simplistic wardrobe staple that’s effortlessly elegant.
SHOP THE LOOK
PROENZA SCHOULER
Lena Strapless Gathered Cotton-Blend Poplin Top
