Trend-spotting: 2026

If 2025 saw the emergence of trends like old money aesthetic, cottagecore and mob wife among others, 2026 will see designers and creative directors using different forms of expressions to explore their own identities and emotions. This introspective approach is likely to result in innovative, boundary-pushing designs that question traditional norms. From exaggerated outerwear signifying an overall protectionist spirit to hemlines going helter skelter embodying freedom and rebellion. While quiet luxury and monochromatic dressing will continue to rule, there will be a new push on the uninhibited maximalist dressing which will dominate the red carpets - from the upcoming Met Gala to Cannes film festival. While the previous couple of fashion seasons were epitomised by a period of deep reflection, where global brands and designers explored fragmented memories and identity, through interweaving past and future experiences, the 2026 collections will see creative directors showcasing a disparity between our past and future selves. The separates will speak for themselves offering the wearer the freedom to play around with them and plan their look.

Experimental tailoring and colour blocking take centerstage and denim gets reimagined with unexpected details. Global brands and homegrown Indian luxury labels will continue delivering intellectually designed statement neo-luxury embodying a youthful and free spirit drawing inspiration from the current zeitgeist. All in all, a cultural cornucopia comprising a visual play of intersecting lines, sublime shapes, textures and tempting colours. Think playful layering, artisanal accessories, asymmetrical hemlines  and sandy hues. We rounded up some key Spring Summer 26 trends which are likely to dominate most of the year...

Asymmetric hemlines

Spring Summer 26 collections embrace theatrical, statement-making skirts with elan and one can picture them at every major red carpet event across the world. From Dior’s voluminous dresses crafted by Jonathan Anderson featuring fabric folds sewed into a weaving pattern to Chanel’s voluminous floor-sweeping numbers with maximalist texturing to Louis Vuitton’s tasselled ensembles. Back home, the likes of Anamika Khanna, Shantnu Nikhil and Vaishali S coudn’t resist the allure of a dramatic hemline. “Asymmetric hemline was necessary given the theme of the collection, Kintsugi, that is about broken shells and how they become even nicer in their asymmetry when mended. Also, it is about a couture collection, which is always a strong tridimensional exercise, with lines that follow the art flow rather than the fashion one,” says Vaishali.

Colour Blocking

2026 is all about letting your fashion freak fly high and indulge in an adventurous colour clash. From bold stripes seen at Aseem Kapoor to the ‘80s hue mashup at Versace - it’s all about warming up to bold colours and wearing them in one distinctive look. Our very own Dhruv Kapoor offset black with pink at Milan Fashion Week and Siddhartha Bansal’s color blocking was infused with a touch of joy and romanticism. “I see sunlit marigold melting into aqua mirage and emerald lagoon brushing past blush soufflé in 2026. The neo colour blocking is less about contrast and more about composition, an unexpected pairings of pastels and brights that sculpt the body like strokes on a living canvas,” says Bansal.

Muted monochromes

Sandy hues and muted beige rarely go out of style and always end up appearing on some old money aesthetic Pinterest board or Instagram reel. However, the much-loved safari-inspired colour palette will continue to inform the collections in 2026 too seen at Sahil Kochhar, AK OK Anamika Khanna, Chanel, Hermès and Louis Vuitton. “Monochrome has always brought a sense of calm to my eye. There's something grounding about those soft, neutral tones. They’ve always felt classic to me, the kind of colours you invest in because they age beautifully and stay relevant no matter the season.It makes complete sense that SS26 is moving in this direction, letting neutrals take the lead. Our handcrafted draped beige dress reflects that same timeless sensibility within the palette,” says Sahil.

Crafty details

Fashion in 2026 will have a collective craft-led approach to design crafting pieces rooted in heritage techniques and savoir-faire. Both global and India Proud labels have already embraced this approach with great gusto and it’s here to stay this year too. A case in point being Tod’s artisanal handbags to the richly embellished Rahul Mishra couture bag to Shruti Sancheti’s artisanal pieces. Moreover, the age-old crafts like Bandhini, tie-dye, Chikankari and aari work will be presented with a contemporary spin. “The recent geopolitical upheavals and growing environmental concerns have made everyone pause and reflect. There has been a noticeable shift from fast fashion to mindful fashion, along with a renewed appreciation for craft, handmade processes, and pride in indigenous fashion — in other words, Brand India. This craft-led approach will gain further momentum in 2026,” says designer Shruti Sancheti.

Exaggerated outerwear

While 2025 was about channelling main-character energy through a statement coat, this mood will spill into 2026 too seen across the buttery leather coats showcased at Bottega Veneta, Hermès and Louis Vuitton. Moreover, faux fur and teddy coats will continue to enjoy the spotlight seen across Gucci, Valentino and Emporio Armani.

Experimental denims

Denim tailoring is at its peak seen at Dhruv Kapoor, Kanika Goyal and Huemn. From enzyme washed cargo jeans in medium-weight denims to two-toned oversized denims to deconstructed pieces - this timeless classic textile will continue to stay popular this year. The recently unveiled Dior Men Pre-Fall 2026 by the newly appointed artistic director Jonathan Anderson prominently features denim - taking the shape of a pair of collegiate jeans to a tail coat suited for a high tea in Versailles.