7 dress trends everyone will be wearing in the summer of 2026

The Spring/Summer 2026 collections signaled a dramatic shift across the industry. Impressive debuts at some of the most prestigious fashion houses (Chanel, Balenciaga, and Bottega Veneta, to name just a few) captured this new dynamic spirit, but it was most evident in the dresses. Movement was the key element this season, whether in the form of dynamic fabrics, explosive silhouettes, or flowing lines. What Vogue calls “the dress of personality” is becoming one of the biggest trends of the spring.

Take a look at Louise Trotter’s debut collection at Bottega Veneta, with its flowing, anemone-like dresses made from recycled fiberglass, which, according to Trotter, felt “like fur” but moved “smoothly like glass.” Meanwhile, Matthieu Blazy's debut collection at Chanel was dazzling with floor-length dresses adorned with feathers, flamenco-style ruffles, and soft fringes. Pierpaolo Piccioli's colorful collection for Balenciaga, celebrating the brand's core values, featured flowing, low-waist dresses embellished with feathers and metallic fringes.

Chanel Spring/Summer 2026 collection. Carlo Scarpato

Bottega Veneta Spring/Summer 2026 collection.

Vibrant skirt hems are a recurring theme across the trends. We've seen the waterfall skirt – a more refined version of the early 2000s handkerchief skirt – on the Alaïa runway, characterized by layered fabrics and high-low hems. The gravity-defying proportions and voluminous hems of the bubble skirt will also continue to be popular next season, with Prada inspiring with ruffled bubble skirts in bubblegum pink and lime green taffeta, paired with practical jackets and elegant pointed-toe heels.

Speaking of color, we're witnessing a surprising resurgence of the quintessential turquoise of the 2010s, thanks to the vibrant styles showcased on the catwalks of Dries Van Noten and Fendi. This style isn't the same as those polyester babydoll dresses you wore when you were younger (am I the only one?), but rather a striking color combination of individual garments that looks equally chic at both the beach bar and the office.

Scroll down to see and shop the hottest dress trends for summer 2026.

Drop-waist dress

Tory Burch Spring/Summer 2026 collection.

Toga SS26.

Boho dress for adults

Gabriela Hearst SS26.

Chanel Spring/Summer 2026.

The dress is cleverly made and has a pattern.

Bottega Veneta Spring/Summer 2026 collection.

Loewe Spring/Summer 2026.

The dress has an asymmetrical hemline.

Chanel Spring/Summer 2026.

Proenza Schouler Spring/Summer 2026.

The turquoise dress is striking.

Dries Van Noten's Spring/Summer 2026 collection.

Fendi Spring Summer 2026.

Truffle 2.0

Prada Spring/Summer 2026.

Balenciaga Spring/Summer 2026 Collection.

Waterfall dress

Chanel Spring/Summer 2026.

Alaïa Spring/Summer 2026.