Analytical Data: Spring/Summer 26 Catwalk Trends

Each fashion season, like S/S 26, WGSN uses its AI image recognition tool, WGSN Fashion Vision, to analyse the runways of Paris, London, Milan and New York, offering data-driven insights on key colour and essential piece confirmations, as well as mapping annual changes in the main categories of women’s fashion.

For S/S 26, WGSN identified three macro-themes in 2024 that would guide the season. One of them, Playful Paradox, explores how, in a challenging and fragmented global scenario, the pursuit of pleasure drives a game of contrasts – between the serious and the fun, the retro and the modern, the childish and the adult. The theme encourages experimentation with voluminous silhouettes, maximalism, vibrant colours, historical references and a playful and sensorial approach – all reinterpreted through a contemporary and sustainable lens.

Based on WGSN’s forecasts, check out some of our confirmations for S/S 26, based on exclusive WGSN analytical data that will help you plan your next collection.

Prints confirmed for S/S 26

After seasons of #LowKeyLuxury, S/S 26 will be the ideal time to innovate in retail, as consumers seek new additions to their wardrobes. It’s not a return to maximalism, but rather a transition to more decorative designs (paisley, +1.9 percentage points (ppt)) that offer a differential.

Furthermore, after retail saturation, designers are swapping animal prints for other classic prints, such as #PolkaDots, which saw a growth of +1.99 ppt compared to the previous season. This print was seen in all cities, indicating the most significant print trend for S/S 26.

Tip: for key items, choose small-scale dots, while creative versions add micro-joys to more modern lines.

Key Trends S/S 26: ’80s revisited

After an era of minimalist trends, the ’80s aesthetic returns with gusto, bringing back maximalism, exaggerated tailoring, marked shoulders, glitter, vibrant colours and a bold glamour approach.

This reinterpretation appears in both partywear and officewear, reflecting consumers’ desire for self-expression, nostalgia and visual impact. The movement is driven by a context of seeking escapism, celebration and confidence, especially after years of minimalism and quiet luxury.

Key Item S/S 26: #SkirtSuit

Following the ’80s revisited trend for S/S 26 in women’s fashion, the key highlight item was the #SkirtSuit. Catwalk data shows impressive growth for this item, with a year-on-year increase of +22.6 ppt, surpassing other sets and consolidating itself as a central piece of the season.

The skirt suit stands out for its versatility, as it adapts to both celebratory occasions and everyday life.

Confirmed Colours S/S 26

As in the previous season, the rise of mid-tones in relation to vibrant ones indicates a market preference for soft and wearable colours that balance sophistication, versatility and longevity.

#BerryTones, which explores dark summer tones, maintaining a strong, timeless appeal, continues to grow, with a 13.5% increase compared to the previous season. Additionally, it resembles the key colour pointed out by WGSN and Coloro for A/W 25/26, Cherry Lacquer.

Furthermore, for S/S 26, vibrant blue – especially in the ‘Blue Aura’ sense – is one of the key colours confirmed on the runways. This shade stands out for its ability to update classics, convey freshness and versatility, and connect to both a nostalgic mood and a contemporary aesthetic. Despite a slight drop compared to the previous season, blue maintains the second position in the mix of vibrant tones. This season, we observe a more diverse range – from #PerformanceBlue to #AquaticTones.

Tip: use vibrant blue for a familiar, yet refreshed direction, testing WGSN’s colour of the Year 2027, #LuminousBlue.

WGSN Fashion Buying: the trend platform for buyers

WGSN Fashion Buying is a data-driven platform that helps buyers understand product trends and identify high-demand items.

The platform offers detailed reports and market intelligence data, organised by development cycles and category, to help buyers optimise their seasonal planning and make more informed decisions.

WGSN Fashion Buying, a leader in trend and consumption forecasting, in addition to providing forecasts and data, offers fundamental tools for decision-making and helps you create and refine your buying strategy with precision through actionable recommendations and clear buying guidelines.

To learn more about how our platform can optimise your brand’s seasonal planning and decision-making, request a free demo.

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