Since I've been sorting out my belongings ahead of a house move, I've realised I have a whole wardrobe dedicated to dresses, yet I rarely wear them—aside from for holidays and weddings. The thing is, I think I'm pretty bored with the styles I've relied on for so many years. I was a sucker for a throw-on midi dress; I used to often be seen in knitted versions and of course, I have a fair few black dresses in the archives. But with a batch of unwanted styles heading to Vinted very soon, I'm on the lookout for some fresh dresses that actually make me feel excited to wear them again. And where better to get inspiration than the spring/summer 2026 shows?
There are always so many dress trends springing up at this time of year, but for some reason, the 2026 styles just feel extra special. Maybe it's because there's a huge shift away from quiet luxury, so there's a lot more-is-more fun dress silhouettes, colours and cuts to try out. Dior cranked up volume and put full skirts down the runway in white and cool grey tones (a key colour to look out for), Loewe and Lanvin made an impact with primary colour block iterations and other designers went down the soft, delicate spring route with Victoria Beckham opting for pretty pastel slip dresses and Valentino loving sheer lace. And when it comes to shapes, the mini is leading the charge in the form of retro '50s housewife pinafores (as seen at Miu Miu) and florals at Chloé.
There's a lot to take in when it comes to dress trends this year, as they're made not to go unnoticed—and why should they when they're this damn good? These are the 6 spring dress trends I'll be embracing to liven up my love for the humble dress.
Spring 2026 Dress Trends to Note:
1. Pastel Slips
Styles Notes: I'll never not think of Kate Moss circa 1999 when it comes to slip dresses, but for 2026, Victoria Beckham has made the iconic style return in the form of soft, pastel iterations. Whether you go for a mini (as seen above), a midi or a maxi, anything goes as long as it's in an ice cream colour palette.
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The prettiest shade of blue.
You'll find some of the best styles in the nightwear sections.
If I owned this, I would never want to wear another dress ever again.
I would add a leather jacket and boots to this one.
2. XL Volume
Style Notes: Dior put structured works of art down the runway, Balenciaga bought back the '80s style puffball and Prada went A-line—no matter how you wear this dress style, just make sure the volume level is set to the max. The bigger the skirt, the better!
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If you've got a summer wedding, I've just found your guest dress.
A piece you'll love forever more.
This whimsical style is another strong contender as a guest dress.
Bubble hems are also key and they're an easy way to get that touch of volume.
3. Sheer Lace
Style Notes: There's no doubt about it, both sheer and lace trends are sticking around. The way to wear them for spring/summer 2026? Together. A sheer lace dress is about to be the one you reach for when it comes to upcoming holiday looks, nights out and even wedding guest looks (if this suits the vibe of the nuptials).
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This is also tapping into the dark Regency Wuthering Heights vibe.
Fringe details are a mini trend so this is ticking off two in one.
Slightly entering bridal territory, but I'm into it.
I can see Margot Robbie in this one.
4. Primary Shades
Style Notes: Primary school paint box shades are the colours du jour for the season ahead. Loewe and Lanvin made a case for bold yellow, cool cobalt and tomato red, and a block colour dress is the easiest way to try out the trend—although I also appreciated the multi coloured stripe maxi dress as seen at Loewe.
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Such a good in-between seasons dress.
I can see this wafting around Greece in the summer.
Another holiday buy courtesy of M&S.
Simple, yet so chic.
5. Floral Minis
Style Notes: Florals for spring will never be a surprise, but if it isn't broke. Chloé made a case for the flower power mini and it feels a lot more fresh than a midi version. Luckily, all the summer-ready brands—including Faithfull and Sir—have already created versions.
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I rate everything by Sir.
Summer, I'm ready!
DÔEN is of course a go-to brand for florals.
We can always rely on Faithfull to pull through with the best dresses.
6. The Pinafore
Style Notes: The '50s housewife aesthetic is a big one this year, and one dress to come from it is the pinafore. Miu Miu layered crochet styles over bikinis, but the more wearable way for spring is to go for classic cotton or denim styles and layer for spring over T-shirts, raglan tops and shirts for a preppy touch.
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So pretty.
Black will always be the easiest way to wear a new trend.
And denim is equally as easy to style.
The crochet feels very Miu Miu.