SS26 street style: Little Red Riding Hood_ rugby players and charming trivialities
It will be a while before the trends from the current spring/summer 2026 Fashion Weeks truly take shape. This is no reason to look away from the fashion capitals. While designers in Paris_ Milan_ London and New York present their summer collections_ show guests are already providing exciting insights into how individual trends could be implemented in everyday life.
From the tie making a serious comeback to velvety caramel textures and sparkling daytime sequins_ the streets have become a stage for volume_ athleticism and playful details. SS26 proves once again that trends are not confined to the catwalk.
FashionUnited has summarised the street style trends for SS26.
Tie gets serious
What was once a symbol of authority_ bureaucracy and dull boardrooms is experiencing a revival for spring/summer 2026. This time_ however_ it is without the experimental escapades of past seasons. The tie is being taken seriously again.
While in recent years it has been repurposed as a headband_ belt or even a top substitute_ it is now back where it belongs: around the neck_ under a classic shirt collar_ neatly tied. This does not mean a return to a back-to-business mode. The look remains relaxed_ thanks to loose-fitting men's shirts_ slightly faded jeans_ oversized denim jackets or college-style suede jackets.
Caramel textures
In terms of colour_ caramel tones dominated the streets of Paris_ Milan_ New York and London. These warm brown and beige shades were often used in fur and suede looks_ proving to be the perfect answer to the season's changeable temperatures.
The palette ran through voluminous faux-fur coats_ butter-soft suede and structured oversized silhouettes_ which gave the trend a velvety warmth and a casual elegance.
Argyle club
The argyle check is also making a comeback. It is not a nostalgic golf club pattern_ but a stylish statement. For SS26_ the classic design was worn generously on the streets_ seen on shoulders_ skirts and co-ord sets.
The pattern was often interpreted unconventionally_ sometimes cut asymmetrically or styled with a deliberate clash. A chunky knit jumper with a deep V-neck brings the check to the streets in a modern way_ combined with a loosely falling skirt that lends the look lightness and movement. A finely knitted set where the pattern runs diagonally across the body is also particularly exciting.
Form over function
Alongside classic fabrics and patterns_ another_ almost sculptural_ trend emerged. Clothing that reshapes the body rather than draping it. The silhouette took centre stage instead of functionality. It was voluminous_ inflated and almost like a wearable work of art.
The looks were reminiscent of cloud formations_ piles of cushions or balloon sculptures. Ruched satin skirts piled up into voluminous bubbles. Dresses were given multi-layered padding and lavishly voluminous structures merged fashion and sculpture.
Charming trivialities
Street style is no longer just a stage for fashion. It is also a showcase for the small_ charming details of everyday life. There is the oversized “I heart Milano” mug_ which almost looks like a love letter to the city while adding a playful twist to the outfit. There is also the Moschino biscuit packaging that has been unceremoniously converted into a bag.
Of course_ the ubiquitous coffee-to-go cup is also a must-have. It is integrated so naturally into the looks that it has long been more than just a caffeine supplier.
Rugby polo reloaded
Hardly any garment embodies sportiness and preppy chic as much as the striped polo shirt. Yet for SS26_ it is getting an update that catapults it from the rugby pitch straight onto the streets of the fashion capitals.
Wide block stripes in black and white or navy dominated. They were classic but combined with new styling ideas. As a minidress with a tulle skirt; casually tucked into grey pleated shorts; or paired with elegant suit shorts and a blazer. The rugby polo is versatile and proves that it is much more than a sporty basic. Chunky lace-up boots or Mary-Janes with lace socks also add a surprisingly playful touch to the masculine striped pattern.
Ladies in red
Alongside caramel_ argyle and ties_ another unmissable trend emerged: the power of the colour red.
A sharply tailored suit in signal red looked almost sculptural. Another look was reminiscent of the fairytale of Little Red Riding Hood: a red hooded cape_ combined with patterned tights_ loafers and a four-legged friend as an accessory. The colour was interpreted in a sporty-elegant way in the form of a sleeveless top with wide-leg trousers_ accentuated by leather opera gloves and an oversized fringed bag.
Sequins for day
Glitter was also a must-have in SS26 street style. However_ it was not in its classic evening form_ but reimagined for the daytime. Sequins_ long confined to cocktail dresses or red-carpet looks_ were confidently integrated into the urban streetscape.
One look combined a brightly striped skirt with a shiny hem and a sporty Adidas jacket. Another featured a sequinned midi skirt under a utility jacket_ worn with flat sandals. A third style played with maximum contrast: a skirt made of sparkling pastel green sequins_ combined with an oversized checked wool jacket.