Four trends we spotted at Paris Fashion Week SS26

Paris Fashion Week never fails to set the tone for the seasons ahead—dictating what will dominate wardrobes, inspire stylists, and fill moodboards worldwide. The Spring/Summer 2026 shows were all that in contrasts, merging nostalgia with innovation, femininity with power, and elegance with edge. From delicate lace to exaggerated silhouettes and the romantic return of ballerina pink, Paris gave us a season that was equal parts dreamy and directional.

The rise of ballerina pink

If one colour defined the Paris runways this season, it was ballerina pink. Soft, powdery, and undeniably feminine, it made its mark across collections—offering a refreshing antidote to the metallics and monochromes seen earlier in Milan. At Dior, the hue took on a structured form in sleek tailoring, while Tom Ford embraced it through polished suiting. Louis Vuitton added whimsy but structured and embellished silk dresses, and Stella McCartney transformed the shade into oversized ruffled ensembles and sequinned minis. It felt playful and poised, capturing the essence of contemporary femininity.

Lace beyond Lingerie

No longer confined to boudoirs or bridalwear, lace emerged as one of Paris Fashion Week’s most captivating materials. Valentino, Isabel Marant, and Chloé each celebrated the fabric’s romantic yet rebellious side. Chloé’s muses floated down the runway in ethereal lace and ruffled details, accessorised with fur stoles and layered pendants—a nod to boho glamour with a modern twist. The message was clear: lace has officially shed its lingerie-only label. This season, it’s bold, wearable, and confidently see-through.

Skinny belts make a sharp return

Fashion loves a revival, and this season, it’s the skinny belt’s turn to shine again. Once a staple of early 2010s style, it’s back—refined and runway-approved. At Hermès, sleek leather belts cinched flowing silhouettes with quiet luxury, while Tom Ford’s Haider Ackermann played with layered versions in rich hues. Balenciaga and Courrèges showcased them over balloon skirts, structured pants, and body-hugging dresses, proving that this subtle accessory can instantly elevate and define an ensemble.

Exaggerated shoulders dominate the runway

Power dressing is taking a new shape—literally. Designers like Victoria Beckham, Chanel, and Balenciaga leaned into exaggerated shoulders this season, creating silhouettes that exude confidence and sophistication. Whether seen in layered blazers, structured jackets, or textured knits, the oversized shoulder trend injected an architectural edge into Paris’s romantic landscape. It’s bold, it’s statement-making, and it’s redefining modern femininity.

A season of strength and softness

Spring/Summer 2026 in Paris was a showcase in balance—strength meeting softness, tradition reimagined through a contemporary lens. Lace, pastel pinks, and polished accessories came together to celebrate individuality and creative freedom. In a season where style spoke louder than spectacle, Paris proved once again why it remains fashion’s heartbeat—ever-evolving, ever-elegant, and endlessly inspiring.

All images: Getty Images

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