Fashion trends come and go, but trying new looks to help you discover your personal style can last forever! And for many people, discovering their personal style starts by having a little fun with some of the year's best fashion trends. At Teen Vogue, we're all about creating outfits that feel comfortable, stylish, expressive, and yes, a little trendy!
To get you started on your journey and bring you only the best of the best fashion trends, we prowled through all sorts of expert trend research, like Pinterest Predicts and The Real Real’s resale report. Of course, we also referred to some of our favorite runway shows, always a key indicator of what you’ll find on the racks in your favorite stores in the new year, and scrolled through street style shots to see how celebs and fashion fans are wearing their fave trends. And we couldn't forget TikTok, which is a major driver of aesthetics and trends. After all that research, we rounded up some of the biggest fashion trends of summer 2026.
Remember, though: Trends should be taken as inspiration, not rules! Don't feel like you need to participate in all of them; just draw from those that feel true to your personal style. If something sparks your interest, pursue it, and if it doesn't feel like you, don't force it. And these trends can easily be recreated using things you already have in your closet in fun and fresh different ways.
Ahead, check out the best fashion trends to play around with as you discover and develop your personal style. There’s a trend for everyone, and we can’t wait to see how you make them your own.
1. Tied sweaters
Tied sweaters are one of the simplest ways to add a chic flair to an outfit, and this tried-and-true styling hack is here to stay for summer. If anything, it becomes even more practical during the summer months, when it's scorching during the day but it gets a little chilly at night. Wondering how to tie a sweater the right way? There's no right or wrong; simply wrap it around your hips, waist, or shoulders depending on the silhouette of your main outfit, and let it drape over your back or side. You can play around with an extra twist to shape it to complement what you are wearing, or keep it simple. This trend works with virtually anything—jorts, skirts, dresses, capris, track pants, jeans—and has been given the cosign by the likes of Kendall Jenner, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, and more.
Bandanas are a timeless staple, but we are definitely seeing them more and more on the it-girls, especially during the summer months. Zoë Kravitz, Euphoria's Alexa Demie, and many more have all given bandanas their stamp of approval as a summery headpiece, and we are fully on board. Not only can they add an extra visual element to a simple outfit, but they are also rather useful to keep sweat at bay during the warmer months. Plus, they work for every hair length, no matter if you have long hair, short hair, or even a buzzcut. If you want to make it extra summery, make sure to also chuck on a pair of sunglasses.
3. All Purple Everything
One of the biggest, trendiest shades on the runways at NYFW was purple—eggplant, royal, lavender, you name it. The shade has also been spotted on red carpets, thanks to the likes of Emma Stone and Jenna Ortega. If you also want to partake in the trend this summer, have a little fun with the purple palette by pairing it with interesting fabrics and textures, like a textured summer dresses. All shades of purple are fair game; try light or bright shades for summer and add luxurious richness with burgundy and moody eggplant as the year goes on.
4. Polka Dots
Polka dots are one of fashion's always timeless and chic patterns, but they made a big comeback in 2025—and the momentum will continue into 2026. As we ease into warmer weather, polka dots can be the perfect addition to your summer wardrobe rotation, whether in slip dresses, skirts, or capri pants à la Hailey Bieber. The classic pattern was seen on Altuzarra's fall and Jacquemus's spring-summer shows, and Jisoo even gave us a high-fashion, textured take at the Dior 2027 cruise collection fashion show in LA. If it still gets breezy at night, or you are going to lots of places with AC, take a cue from Olivia Dean and pair your polka dots with a light knit sweater.
5. Checkered Prints
Checkered skirts, a simple way to add dimension to any outfit, have been trending for some time, and they are not going away in 2026. They have proven to be a versatile focal point that can be dressed up or down depending on personal preferences. And, you can carry it from season to season with different styling techniques. You can also expect them to come back into style one way or another over the years—think grunge going mainstream again or dark academia trending— so, if you want an investment piece, consider Chopova Lowena or Burberry.
6. Layered Outfits
Layering is one of the key trends coming in hot for 2026, and it's perfect for the spring-to-summer transitional period. Whether it's wearing multiple T-shirts à la ’00s, wearing a skirt under a dress, or layering extra elements for a more visually compelling look, the key is more is more.
7. Brooches
According to Pinterest Predicts, the next big trend in accessories will be brooches, worn on everything from shirts and jackets to ties and socks. The trend was already spotted at Paris Fashion Week, courtesy of Lacoste, and definitely ties into the grandmacore vibes we've seen building in past years, but with a more elevated twist. You can go classic with silver or gold, or go the charm-adjacent route with something ceramic or enamel. Before you buy a brand-new one, it might be worth asking your family for hand-me-downs or checking thrift stores for rare or fun finds.
8. Preppy-Go-Lucky
Need another way to style your checkered skirt? Preppy styling rose in popularity throughout 2025, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down for summer 2026. As Depop notes, celeb-approved preppy dressing “brings a polished edge, blending classic tailoring, crisp layers, and collegiate influences for a timeless yet youthful vibe.” Seen on the runway courtesy of Miu Miu, Burberry, Kent & Curwen, Simone Rocha, and many more, preppy is officially in. And if you want to partake, the best place to start is a good pair of loafers.
9. Wedge Sneakers
Wedge sneakers are a fan favorite among Gen Alpha and Gen Z, with everyone from Blue Ivy and North West to Romy Mars and Tyla sporting the look, so we can expect this trend to continue in summer 2026. There are a lot of styles available in the market, but Isabel Marant options seem to be the favorite 2010s-approved pick; according to TheRealReal, there was a 54% uptick in searches for the brand. The trend is so popular that even brands like Puma are also putting out their own designs to rival Marant's.
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10. Not So Neutrals
Neutrals are a mainstay in wardrobes year-round, but this summer, you might notice a pink tinge on those versatile pieces. It's the perfect way to maintain a cohesive wardrobe while incorporating some color, and it's gotten the cosign of Olivia Rodrigo, Chase Infiniti, and more.
11. Low-Rise Pants
Low-rise jeans are back, but not in the classic ’00s way. Denim is a cornerstone of most wardrobes, and summer 2026 will be a fun season to experiment with lower-rise silhouettes, which are also baggier now, after years of high- and mid-waist styles reigning supreme. Wide-leg pants continue to dominate! While they're often worn with shorter tops, you can also opt to wear a longer one, untucked and falling just over the waistband. It can give the look an edgier feel.
12. Tracksuit Pants
Sportswear on its own is in, but the combination of sporty and smart is becoming a major trend—and there's a clear standout piece to nail this trend: Adidas tracksuit pants, featuring the brand's classic three stripes. If you want the comfort of leggings with a trendy, fashion-forward feel, these are it. Adding a pair of these tracksuit pants to one of your 'fits will immediately give your look an edge while still being comfortable. They come in an array of colors, are great for layering, and ideal for travel. But remember, the key is to juxtapose them with other more “elevated” pieces for a look that can go from leisure to Fashion Week street style.
13. Silk Scarves
Scarves are still among the most versatile accessories these days, with street-style elites finding multiple ways to add them to looks for an extra dose of color and texture. Lola Tung gave this trend her stamp of approval last year, rocking a Coach scarf as an outer layer, similar to a skirt, while promoting The Summer I Turned Pretty. You can style your scarf similarly, on top of or under outerwear; tie it to a bag, your neck, or even weave it through a French plait or braided updo for an unexpected element.
14. Cuteness
From coquette sneakers to Labubus, you might have noticed an uptick in cutesy additions to outfits in 2025, and we are carrying that into 2026, with a twist. Give your cutesy collection an update with a trendy Monchhichi or Jellycat. But if you're reducing your spending this year, you could also use spare ribbon to tie bows on your favorite items, like button-up tops, purses, shoes, jewelry, or headphones.
15. Y3K
The year 2026? More like 3026! We’ll be looking to the future with the Y3K aesthetic, which began in mid-2024 and continues to have momentum. Just like the Jonas Brothers sang back in the day, travel to the year 3000 with a mashup of forward-thinking looks. The easiest way to incorporate the Y3K aesthetic into your wardrobe is with shiny silver and metallic touches, whether that’s a sleek metal bag or shimmery pants. But the trend also encompasses a more dystopian vibe, with unexpected, deconstructed shapes and silhouettes that make it look like you survived the apocalypse. Mix utilitarian pieces like cargo pants with jackets and tops in cool, edgy shapes for a fun juxtaposition that feels straight out of the next century.
16. Boho Edge
ICYMI, Chloé is back—and so is its signature boho aesthetic. Under the wing of designer Chemena Kamali, the beloved fashion line made a big splash in 2024, prompting us to revisit the boho-chic era of the mid-2000s. The look is all about flowing dresses and tops in airy materials like chiffon, which convey an aura of enchantment and ease. Lace blouses are also a great way to incorporate a bit of boho into your day-to-day life. The more ruffles, the better! Stick to light colors like cream, white, yellow, and pale pink. Like Sienna Miller in the 2000s, you can tone down the flowiness with a touch of leather and suede, like a motorcycle jacket, tall boots, or a studded bag. And don't forget the jewelry and bag! Some chunky hardware can take your look to the next level.
17. '80s Maximalism
Maximalism has been on the rise for a while now, as elements of ‘80s style have been popping up on runways and IRL for a few years. But 2026 is the perfect time to take it to the next level. Channel the ’80s with floral-print dresses and jackets, bold earrings, embellished tops, and lots of rich, deep, bold colors and a faux-leather look. Go thrifting for oversized blazers (and don't be afraid of shoulder pads!) and brocade, then add white tights (another trend!) and heels for a ladylike vibe. And don’t forget the pearl earrings. Pinterest Predicts suggested an ’80s renaissance for 2026, while TheRealReal pinpoints maximalism as a key driver for the coming year, with sequins, animal prints, and '80s silhouettes as key elements. “Tailored suits with sculpted shoulders will grow three sizes. Funnel necks will be the base of every outfit. And jewelry? Well, that’ll get chunkier, bolder, and golder,” Pinterest forecasts.
18. '90s Minimalism
If maximalism isn't your thing, fret not! Fueled by the obsession with the '90s and Love Story, the Ryan Murphy-helmed series about the late John F. Kennedy, Jr. and his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, CBK-inspired looks have been hugely popular—especially on social media, where style-minded fans have been ditching their trinkets for sleek, minimal outfits in her preferred all-black palette. To channel Bessette Kennedy's eternal, forever fashionable vibe, don't overthink it! Scoop up a few poplin shirts, crepe pants, loafers, and slip dresses: easy, classic, effortlessly cool. (Plus, you can easily mix and match all of those items with things in your closet for even more great outfits, which is a total wardrobe win.) Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber have been big fans of these formulas for a while if you are in need of extra inspo.
19. Texturemaxxing
Everyone loved Mathieu Blazy's debut at Chanel and the fresh optimism it conveyed, and elements from his collections thus far have been hitting street style in a big way. If there's one thing we learned from 2026 Chanel, it's to experiment with textures. Skirts are a great way to start, whether you opt for a feathered find or a sparkly set. And, you can never go wrong with a vintage Chanel tweed skirt. If you want the texture but without the hassle for summer, adding it to your accessories, like your bag, is an easy way to tap into the trend. The key is to focus on distinct elements, each with a texture visible from miles away.
