Slouching Towards 2026
A recap of what's to come for Spring 2026. All the trends we will love, start saving for and use as inspiration
If there was one common theme throughout the past month of fashion shows, it was that clothes translating ease were the big winners. I don’t mean simple. A Chanel tweed suit with golden trim and a surprisingly constructed shell/skirt hybrid is by no means an afterthought. But concepts where the final product does not feel complicated prevailed. Ideas that leave the wearer feeling comfortable and confident - ideas not impossible to figure out when and how to wear once it hits your closet.
The same can be said for Celine’s sharp shapes that could all be thrown on with a fisherman sandal or jazz shoe without a second thought. A voluminous black top, over a white button down, tucked into black carrot shaped tuxedo pants and a big belt. It’s actually pretty simple when you break it down - just the right combination of special pieces, worn in a straightforward way.
Or how about The Row’s bouncy velvet, black tie pajamas (technically pre-fall but tomato tomaaaaato.) You can barely tell from the photos but this was a deliciously rich, shiny fabric with covered buttons along the shoulders. It walked like a billion bucks and could not be an easier idea, in theory of course. But just like in all creative endeavors (cooking, design, parenting!) simple is notoriously the hardest outcome to ace.
The common thread between these three extremely different collections is that they all present beautiful clothes that are interesting but not impossible to understand. I find that sometimes when I discuss fashion with non-industry professionals, their eyes tend to glaze over at runway images. This instinct seems even more fair than usual this season given that we saw mouths stitched open, housewife cosplay and even a model falling down stairs attempting a treacherous show set up. Vanessa Friedman at the New York Times was spot on with this recap.
But all three of these designer examples above project excitement, desire, urgency!, energy through the screen, without dumbing themselves down or compromising their vision for either shock value or “sales”.
There were of course more ideas than just these in a full month of fashion shows. Ease (and slouch) were noticeable in the new delicious Gucci Jackie bag. Evening wear as a category appears to have evolved from gowns to sets that can be worn multiple times and in multiple ways. Below, noticeable themes worth noting that speak to our future selves.
*** A note for those reading this for work, I know there are a lot of you, you told me! Consider this the right time to upgrade to paid. You can expense this trend forecast, and you should! And if you’re reading just for fun, know that this letter in particular takes a month to put together, travel, introspection, interviews, research, etc etc etc. Thank you for supporting the work!***