What the girls are wearing this summer
Summer has always been sold as a fantasy. Blue skies, salty hair, glowing skin, endless Aperol spritzes. Reality, of course, is messier. There’s the sunburn creeping in before noon, and makeup surrendering to humidity by lunchtime. Summer can feel loud, bright, and oddly demanding—like the season itself expects you to have the time of your life.
But maybe that’s the season’s charm. Beneath the heat and chaos, it invites spontaneity—and a wardrobe so light and free, it’s ready for wherever we go to feel most alive.
Pop culture, naturally, loves naming its summers. In 2024, it was the chaotic neon energy of “Brat” dominating playlists and moods. Last year leaned into glossy Y2K pop, with artists like Zara Larsson soundtracking beach days and late nights.
Summer 2026, however, feels a little different. If previous summers were about maximal chaos or high-gloss party energy, this 2026 looks like it was sketched somewhere between a seaside holiday and a technicolor daydream.
Your 2026 summer wardrobe
So what kind of summer wardrobe is 2026 shaping up to be? Judging from spring/summer runway shows, street style, and social media trends, it’s less about chasing the “ideal summer body” and more about clothes that move effortlessly from city streets to the shoreline.
Here’s what the girls are wearing this summer.
Puff skirts and bloomers
Last year belonged to the jorts. The long denim shorts quietly took over wardrobes everywhere, striking that perfect balance between laid-back and slightly ironic. However, fashion rarely remains still for long.
Puff skirts and bloomers are stepping in as the new statement shape. From mini to midi length, these rounded hemlines and voluminous fabrics are now the ultimate summer must-have.
Fashion houses like Dior and Mithridate even put their own spin on puff skirts, showcasing pastel mini puffs in soft, airy fabrics.
While the exaggerated silhouette might seem intimidating at first, styling it is surprisingly straightforward. You can pair a puff skirt with something structured or textured—like a knit or lace top—to help balance the proportions.
Preppy sportswear
Sport has long been a reference point for fashion, but this time the influence doesn’t lean toward overtly athletic pieces or streetwear-heavy looks anymore. Striped rugby shirts and relaxed V-neck jumpers layered over crisp shirts are defining the trend. The mood draws inspiration from laissez-faire, preppy sportswear, but in a more modern way.
Beach-bound
Yes, the ocean is everywhere in the imagination, blurring the line between beachwear and everyday dressing.
For its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, Chloé layered swimsuits under draped leather skirts, while Rabanne designer Julien Dossena took inspiration from the seaside to create scuba-inspired fabrics and textures.
On the runway, models for Missoni carried beach towels tucked into oversized totes, like they were ready for a spontaneous swim at any moment. Loewe and Balmain took the idea even further, transforming towels themselves into strapless dresses.
Floral focus
Florals are always a summer staple, but this season, no more of classic busy or scattered floral prints, because it’s all about one single, striking flower.
At Marques Almeida’s 2026 runway show, a chiffon maxi dress was decorated with an oversized purple iris stretching dramatically across the torso. Meanwhile, Patrick McDowell placed a lone black flower against a crisp white shirt, reminiscent of a classic buttonhole.
2016 bralettes
Since everyone has been leaning into nostalgia lately, it makes sense that summer 2026 is bringing back summer 2016 vibes, and the bra top is the spotlight of the wardrobe.
At Dolce & Gabbana, delicate lace bralettes were styled with silk slip skirts and crisp cotton shirts. Simone Rocha elevated the idea with embellished bras paired with sweeping evening skirts.
Celebrities are loving the trend, too. Bella Hadid has been spotted rocking bra tops with tailored blazers, while Rosalía keeps it black and bold on her recent US Vogue cover.
Summer whites
Wearing white in summer is a no-brainer, and this season, bohemian-inspired white dresses are having a moment.
Brands like Dôen, Ulla Johnson, and Altuzarra are featuring puffed sleeves, delicate ribbons, and dainty eyelets, using fabrics like voile, chiffon, lace, crochet, and lightweight silk to create dresses that feel both romantic and fresh.
Whether you’re chasing summer light, hitting the city streets, or lounging by the beach, a white boho dress this season is all about easy sophistication.
Haute headscarves
Caps are out, and headscarves are officially taking over as the season’s must-have accessory. Whether tied under the chin, wrapped around the head, or worn loosely as a belt, they add an instant touch of charm and chic.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, they’re also practical, offering protection from the sun and humidity while elevating even the simplest outfit.
