The 4 Most Important Trends for Summer 2026, According to WWW Editors
To get an early look at the key shopping buys we'll see this summer, I asked Who What Wear editors to share the trends they'll be adding to their wardrobes. The finds hit on some of the top trends for the season that we'll see everywhere, from the city to beachside vacations.
What is on their radar? Everything from the colorful accessories that will take over to the specific sandals that will be a mainstay in the wardrobes of the fashion set. Their shopping selects include everything you'll want to wear this summer, whether you're mapping out your vacation shopping or staying put at home. Ahead, see the four trends our editors can't stop thinking about for summer and the pieces that deserve a spot in stylish wardrobes, starting with my selects.
Pops of Color
Neutrals have been so dominant in recent seasons that it almost seems daunting to move beyond shades of camel, white, and black. This summer, however, we'll see color return, including soft shades of pink, azure blue, canary yellow, and cherry red. As the fashion set collectively eases back into color, expect to see it integrated primarily with thoughtful accessories and swimwear—a low-stakes way to move to a more vibrant palette.
Bermuda Shorts
"Whether you love them or not, Bermuda shorts are set to be one of the biggest summer 2026 trends. Unlike previous seasons, which favored traditional tailored designs with trouser-like waistlines, this year's designs are more pared-back and modern, with nearly every cool designer offering one or two styles. You can opt for a casual look with drawstring cotton shorts like The Anteros's Coen or choose elastic-waist lace-trim shorts like Faithfull's Filomena. For a more sophisticated look, consider Chan Luu's Techno Taffeta Shorts or Reformation's sleek Darcy Shorts. Whatever style you pick, pair it with leather or suede flip-flops and a simple camisole or lightweight knit for an It girl–approved summer ensemble."
Two-Tone Thongs
"I'm calling it now: The sandals of the summer will be two-tone thongs. The beach sandals are returning to their spot on the fashion set's shoe rack. I've already seen a red-and-black pair styled with a cable-knit sweater and tomato-red shorts—ahem, Aimee Song. On the lookout for new flip-flops? Reformation's Jessie Thong Sandals come in several cute colorways, and our editors are shopping pairs from the Tkees x J.Crew collab. The contrast between the rubber sole and the straps is a low-lift way to elevate your summer outfits. Wear the two-tone flip-flops with drawstring linen slacks, a high-V-neck tee, a woven tote bag, and a silk scarf tied around the bag or waist for a casual look that's beachside ready."
Romantic Blouses
"The understated trend I'm most excited to wear this summer? Romantic blouses. I'm gravitating toward billowy, bohemian tops that can carry an outfit on their own. While I'll always love my white tees, this is an easy swap that makes a simple look feel a step ahead—one I know I'll be reaching for for years to come. There are quite a few styles online right now that have already caught my eye, and my spring feed has been giving me plenty of outfit ideas."
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear where she oversees luxury, runway content, and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, and Tiffany & Co., and her style has been featured in publications including The New York Times, Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.