A model walks the runway at the Jil Sander show during Milan Fashion Week, on Sept. 24.Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images
Fall may be less than a month in but with one of the most exciting fashion months of recent years behind us, the pull to start shopping for spring is strong.
With the spring/summer 2026 shows, dubbed by the fashion press as “the great fashion reset,” more than a dozen creative directors made their debuts at some of the industry’s largest houses, including Chanel, Dior and Loewe. Each collection had its distinct moments: Matthieu Blazy’s loose silhouettes and statement accessories at Chanel, Jonathan Anderson’s surrealist take at Dior, and Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez’s sleek colour-blocked looks at Loewe.
The major takeaway: Next year is looking bright, bold and optimistic. Here are some of the season’s standout trends and how you can wear them this fall and winter.
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Show-stopping leather
A model walks the runway during the Khaite spring/summer 2026 show.Khaite/Supplied
A good leather piece can amp up any look and easily transition from fall to spring. On the runways we saw a shift from neutrals to something a little brighter. A deconstructed cherry-red leather blazer at Khaite felt simultaneously fresh and timeless, especially when worn with indigo denim. To recreate the look, pair Beaufille’s oxblood tote with your favourite pair of jeans.
Haider Ackermann at Tom Ford sent out the statement leather of the season: a trio of laser-cut patent skirt suits and jackets in burgundy, black and lime green. For an equally eye-catching look try Sid Neigum’s laminated convertible coat in magenta, or double up on patent leather with Gap Studio’s matching jacket and miniskirt.
Birds of a feather
Whether they were iridescent feathers made from recycled fibreglass (as shown at Bottega Veneta), fake feathers with a contrasting macramé peplum (at Diotima), or beaded fringe feathers on asymmetrical skirts (at Loewe), one thing is for sure: feathers (and variations of) will be a focus for spring.
While it may not sound like the most practical trend, infusing a little feathery fun into your fall and winter looks is easier than you may think. Pair a simple crewneck sweater with leather boots and this burgundy knit pencil skirt from Zankov for daytime, or add a pair of heels to a fringed skirt such as this one from Solotre for an evening out.
A model walks the runway during the Bottega Veneta show at Milan Fashion Week, on Sept. 27.STEFANO RELLANDINI/AFP/Getty Images
Tying the knot
A model walks the runway during the Celine show as part of Paris Fashion Week, on Oct. 5.Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images
Many of the spring collections spoke to the idea of versatility. One example was tying fabric in a multitude of ways, such as a sash knotted low around the hip of a suit jacket at Ferragamo, and shirt collars extended into bows large and small at Saint Laurent and Dior. At Celine, a larger-than-life silk scarf was transformed into a top, incorporated into a bag and wrapped around a jacket.
Recreate the look with Canadian designer Eliza Faulkner’s reversible, oversized Bowie blouse, best paired with an equally voluminous trouser or a slim-fit pencil skirt. Silk scarves are a great way to incorporate this trend, too. Tie one around a trench coat or wrap one around a bag. When the weather gets colder, opt for a cozy cashmere option.
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Big, bold stripes
A model walks the runway during the Loewe show as part of Paris Fashion Week, on Oct. 3.Lyvans Boolaky/Getty Images
Bold stripes were a recurring motif on the spring runways.
Multicolour lines showed up on a sheer maxidress at Loewe – a look that easily translates to a fall sweater dress such as Veronica Beard’s knit maxi.
Meryll Rogge’s eclectic offering featured multiple patterns, but it was a satin striped dress with bows and ruffles that had the biggest visual impact.
Consider Ganni’s grey stripe circle collar dress, which also pairs structured lines with romantic details for a similar look.
ROY G. BIV
A model presents a creation from the Prada spring/summer 2026 collection during Milan Fashion Week, on Sept. 25.Alessandro Garofalo/Reuters
Designers went back to the basics this season with a Crayola-inspired palette. Givenchy creative director Sarah Burton favoured the colour red, which popped up in show-stopping looks including a satin opera coat worn with an oversized crystal neckpiece. Meanwhile, Simone Bellotti’s debut at Jil Sander was a minimalist’s dream, with simple silhouettes grounding pops of purple, blue and red.
Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons are no strangers to bold colour mash-ups, and that’s exactly what they presented at Prada, pairing purple and lime-green pleated dresses with pastel leather gloves. Take a page out of Mrs. Prada’s book and add a pair of blue leather gloves to Greta Constantine’s purple satin shirt dress.