Remember me
Menswear during spring and summer has a rep for being easy. Lighter fabrics, fewer layers, less to think about. And that's nice and all, but the vibe this year feels slightly different. After a run of very clean, very sensible collections, things are starting to loosen up a bit – and get a little more interesting in the process.
Across shows in London, Milan, and Paris, designers weren't chasing one big idea so much as pushing lots of small ones. Proportions are shifting, accessories are doing more of the work, and yes, you can rock flip-flops with a full suit now. Everything's still wearable. Just less predictable.
So, while it might look relaxed on the surface, there's a bit more going on underneath. We've pulled together the spring/summer 2026 trends that actually matter – the ones worth knowing, trying, and making your own.
Power Shoulders
From left to right: Bottega Veneta; Saint Laurent; Salvatore Ferragamo; Todd Snyder
At Bottega Veneta and Saint Laurent, coats came with shoulders that pushed out past the natural frame, creating a broad, almost imposing outline. Todd Snyder and Salvatore Ferragamo kept things a little more wearable, but the idea was the same: exaggerate the top half and everything else falls into place. It's less about looking “powerful” in the corporate sense and more about switching up proportions. Put one of these on and suddenly your waist looks more snatched, your stance looks stronger, and your fit feels like it's doing more.
Snakey Shoes
From left to right: Emporio Armani; Burberry; Onitsuka Tiger; Valentino
At long last, footwear's finally beginning to have some fun. Across Burberry, Onitsuka Tiger, and beyond, snakeskin kept showing up in all sorts of ways – embossed, printed, full-on glossy. It doesn't take much either. Even a small hit of it can take a shoe from “normal” to something you actually notice. And that's the shift this season. Loafers, boots, and sneakers aren't trying to quietly blend in anymore. After years of clean, minimal everything, designers are clearly more interested in texture, personality, and a bit of risk.
Comments (0)