Trend Spotting from NYFW SS26
- Fashion Featured
Yashita Damani- 12 minutes read
If fashion is a language, New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026 was a full-blown opera (with occasional jazz hands). The city’s runways: always equal parts ambition and chaos, served up an intoxicating mix of nostalgia, futurism and “did someone spike the fashion punch?” moments.
Colours ran the gamut from soft pastels that remind you of macarons and childhood daydreams to neon punches that could blind you in the best possible way. Multi-coloured knits in tans and greys mirrored the weathered patina of urban architecture- worn, layered, distressed and effortlessly chic. Prints clashed with gleeful abandon- Kendall in polka dots elbowed florals, stripes tussled with geometrics; while accessories staged their own drama- some practical (wallet-necklaces, functional pendants) and some purely theatrical (chainmails, sculptural metalwork)- the kind of pieces that make minimalism feel like a dare.
Tip for readers: Mix textured leather skirts with pointed kitten heels and a hooded bra or crop top for an edgy, layered look that channels Wang’s nonchalant cool without trying too hard.
Beauty stole the show with pretty pastel eyes: lavender, baby blue, peach, sometimes all layered at once, paired with orange blush and metallic nails?hair waved, crimped as if it had RSVP’d independently to the runway. Yet amid all the chaos, whimsy, and spectacle, one thing was clear: NYFW SS26 celebrated confidence turned up to eleven, a wink at the past, and a nudge at the future making you question if if the models just time-travelled. This was a season for anyone willing to wear sheer dresses over lingerie, rock pastel eyelids before breakfast, and strut in balloon pants that could comfortably host a small picnic…(all while holding an ethically sourced oat latte).
Trends were bold, the beauty playful, and the city- clutched its cameras and squinted through the lights:
Naked Dressing & Sheer Layers
Transparent fabrics, sheer overlays, lingerie-as-outerwear, bralettes, etc. A big push toward exposing what’s beneath in a very curated, confident way.
Sheer fabrics whispering “I woke up like this” while also revealing “I own three penthouses..” SS26 proved that designers aren’t just selling clothes- they’re selling personalities, moods, and Instagrammable drama.
Bold Prints & Unexpected Colour Combos
Designers mixing colours that traditionally clash: citron + baby blue, bubblegum pink + army green, crimson + periwinkle… and pairing polka dots, stripes, florals in more adventurous combinations. Prints are playful, bright, maximalist.
Balloon/ Harem-Style Pants
Hillary Taymour’s SS26 collection juxtaposed whimsical optimism with striking duality: delicate, ruffled confections were mirrored by shadowy, black replicas trailing behind.
Voluminous trouser silhouettes- very billowy, parachute- or genie-inspired, often with fabric flow or gathered hems (PS-Clavin Klein is also catching onto this trend in stores). They create drama, comfort, and movement. Puff sleeves, glittering accessories, and towering teased hairstyles maintained the brand’s signature playfulness, while the mirrored silhouettes added conceptual depth, leaving the runway equal parts sartorial inspiration and emotional resonance.
Coastal Luxe/ Surf-Chic Revival
The Simkhai woman isn’t tied to one place or style. For spring, the collection drew from Southern California’s surf culture and coastal chic, transforming everyday staples-tank tops, jeans, sundresses: into elevated pieces through unbleached denim, distressed leather, and caviar lace. Eveningwear shimmered with pearlescent silks, beaded fringe, and ocean-inspired sheens, as if models had stepped straight out of the waves onto the runway. The overall effect: effortless, relaxed luxury with a playful seaside edge.
Artisanal Imperfection Meets American Sportswear (Tory Burch Spring/Summer 2026)
SS26 showcased a marriage of American sportswear and artisanal craftsmanship, where polos, trenches, and striped shirts met romantic drop-waist dresses, hip-slung trousers, and leather skirts. Fabrics combined worn-in textures like distressed silks, wrinkled lamé, and crushed viscose with refined wool and waxed canvas, while hand-stitched seed beads, pleating, smocking, and monogram embroidery added intricate detail. Accessories echoed this playful duality: distressed leather bags, chain-mesh totes, and vintage-inspired pearl-adorned shoes completed a collection that championed heritage, craft, and deliberate imperfection in effortless, wearable luxury.
Headscarves & Scarf Accessories
Silk scarves, headscarves, often used as hair accessories or neck wraps; also scarves used as belts or tied in unconventional ways. They add both nostalgia & boho flair.
Beauty Trends
Faux Lashes (coloured)
NYFW SS26 beauty embraced whimsy with cotton-candy pastel eyeshadows and colourful faux lashes that practically demanded a double-take. Lavender, peach, and baby blue lids met lashes in unexpected shades, turning every blink into a statement. It was playful, irreverent, and utterly Instagram-ready: proof that eye makeup can be as bold, quirky, and fun as the runway itself.
Orange Blush
On the beauty side, runway makeup is getting more experimental: copper and orange blush tones, metallic or chrome finishes in nails, futuristic but wearable smoky eyes, undone or textured hair.
Ruffled micro shorts
Collina Strada’s mischief in motion- ruffled micro shorts and cropped trench-inspired jackets strutted alongside thigh-high fisherman boots, proving chaos can absolutely look good. Oversized rabbit foot charms bounced on belts or swung from hands, while woven hats pulled low over eyes turned schoolyard superstition into rebellious runway chic. Boarding school uniforms? Rewritten with a wink, a twist, and a whole lot of attitude.
NYFW SS26 spoke in full sentences, exclamation marks, and the runways were a playful, maximalist opera. Designers balanced artisanal imperfection with American sportswear, whimsy with conceptual duality, and relaxed luxury with show-stopping glamour.
You may also read: Everything you need to know about the fashion at NYFW 2021
