3 min readThe looks went down the runways what seems like ages ago, and now as we head into April, the time has come to turn our focus to our spring wardrobes. There were accessory and shoe trends a plenty—you can read about them here—but in terms of fashion, there were six key trends that emerged, all of which have their own, textural variety and place in the zeitgeist.
If fall was about movement and texture with structure, think about the current spring season as the quickening pace of said movement and the expressive feeling to match. The waistlines got lower, the shoulders got bolder, and the lace and ruffles got more frothy, all of which succinctly sum up the trends au courant. Here, the six key trends to explore adding to your wardrobe for spring 2026:
Poetic Whimsy
Fall always seems to bring about the resurgence of academia-infused wardrobe staples and a wink to modern prep—it is back-to-school season after all—but the spring season to follow this year abounds with ruffled and feminine touches to the literary look. Think: lantern and balloon sleeves and ruffles á la Valentino, oversized lace collars as done by Altuzarra, or the romantic and whimsical floral tapestry printed blouses with bowtie collars at Dior by Jonathan Anderson.
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Dior
Secret Garden Blouse
Altuzarra
Toro Sweater Bone Melange
Classic Stripe Popeline Shirt
The New Animal Prints
While we’d argue that a good animal print functions as a neutral and therefore never really goes out of style, the spring season has seen a whole host of prints and textures take hold that are a departure from snakeskin and leopard. There’s the ever popular zebra print which was featured at Khaite, cow print, and the feminine deer fawn print that is oh-so au courant thanks to Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel ready-to-wear debut.
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Chanel
Lambskin & Patent Calfskin Black, White & Dark Red Pumps
St. Agni
Fawn Pencil Skirt – Almond
Khaite Simona Shoulder Bag
Scarves
Celine
Celine
Perhaps no spring show encapsulated the importance of a silk scarf to a well-rounded wardrobe than Celine. Creative Director Michael Rider infused the sleek sportswear and classic right bank Parisian house’s signature aesthetic with the colorful and slinky draping of scarves employed a variety of ways. From there, street style stars took to styling scarves as belts, around their necks, in their hair, and even as skirts. Think of it as the easiest way to update your wardrobe with an accessory, no matter what the season is.
By Malene Birger
Poulas Silk Scarf
Dries Van Noten
Scarfy printed silk-satin pareo
Sensuous Sartorial Sensibility
In past seasons, movement and volume have given way to wave like expressive gestures in clothing, whether it is through the bouncing feather plumes on a voluminous Chanel skirt, or the cascading tiered ruffles on a bohemian romper at Chloe. How a piece moves with you has superseded the imposition structure and rigid lines. In other words: The romance is in the billowing layers and tactile fabrications. And yes, that does mean that balloon pants are here to stay.
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Chloé Off-the-shoulder mini jumpsuit in washed silk satin & lace
Sea, New York Ethel Bloomer Pants
Akris Wool Double-Face Feathered Pencil Skirt
Sport Mode
Don’t let yourself be fooled. In 2026, sporty does not necessarily have athleisure connotations. Instead, bold colors and technical fabrics were employed at Loewe and Saint Laurent for pieces that are fully functional for your recreational habits. Windbreakers counterbalance frilly tap shorts, the low-profile sneaker got a dance shoe remix at Dries Van Noten, and there were even bike helmets at Celine.
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Loewe
Jacket in Technical Fabric
Dries Van Noten
Leather ballerina sneaker
Saint Lauren
pleated lingerie shorts in silk crepe muslin
Proportional Play
Sophistication this spring comes by way of proportional play. Waistlines got lower nearly everywhere, crops traveled well above the naval, and shoulders got much boxier. The task: Create harmonious counter-balance to those shifts. Low slung skirts and trousers and the pervasive drop waist are sticking around come fall 2026, where the jazz age silhouette will come into full focus.
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Tory Burch
Waxed Canvas Skirt
TIBI Compact Eco Poplin Pinched Pleat Dress
Balenciaga Women’s Hourglass Jacket in Black
Roxanne Adamiyatt is the Digital Style Director at Town & Country spearheading online coverage across fashion, accessories, jewelry, beauty, wellness. In her role, Roxanne regularly contributes pieces for the print magazine, often with a focus on the intersection of social media and luxury. Previously, she held the role of deputy digital lifestyle director from 2022-2024, and senior digital editor from 2018-2022 at T&C. Prior to her tenure at Town& Country Roxanne held roles at Us Weekly and InStyle. A life-long New Yorker, Roxanne received degrees Barnard College and Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. When she’s not attending market appointments and writing about trends, you can find her scouring the internet (and thrift shops) for the very best vintage fashion & furniture to add to her collection.