Summer-to-Autumn Transition Trends We Spotted On the Runway for 2026

I’m not one to will away summer, but there’s something undeniably exciting about the first signs of autumn dressing. Just as summer’s barely-there silhouettes begin to lose their appeal (and honestly, I’m a little bit tired of the same maxi dress and sandal combo), a new season of richer textures, deeper hues and clever layering comes into focus. But, before I fully embrace chunky knits and winter coats, there’s the upcoming transitional period to navigate—and this year, it’s looking particularly stylish.

Keen to get ahead of the crowd, I’ve been thinking about the autumn runway trends that are already making their way into our wardrobes, but don’t require a complete seasonal overhaul. Instead, now is the perfect time to give your favourite summer pieces a fresh perspective—styling a strapless dress with sleek flats now, and swapping sandals for loafers later. Or, introducing a mini skirt to your rotation now, only to add a knee high boot in a few months time. With just a few key new-season trends, suddenly your existing wardrobe will feel entirely refreshed, and you’ll also be way ahead of the curve.

From the print poised to dominate the months ahead to the controversial trend you’l fashion insiders wearing outside of the shows, these are the summer-to-autumn transitional trends worth knowing about now.

Style Notes: What might feel at first glance feel to be a very obvious summer trend is actually about to be one of autumn’s most prevalent silhouettes—the strapless top and dress. Showing this much bare skin does feel more inline with heatwave temperatures, but designers like Calvin Klein, Jil Sander and Hèrmes make a compelling case for evening bandeaus that make your décolletage the star of the show. You may already own a strapless dress for summer, and now you can make it cold-weather appropriate by wearing it again in autumn with cardigans, and in winter with a boxy wool coat.

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