7 Minimalist Trends To Steal From The Most Recent Runways

Fashion shows often get a bad rap for featuring, let’s say, unwearable clothes—who remembers the blow-up balloon outfits? Or maybe McQueen’s white feathered ensemble? It’s all part of the creative allure, after all. Yet for the Spring/Summer 26 season, it seems a shift is afoot, as designers swapped extravagant talking points for, dare I say it, chic and simple outfits—serving as the perfect moodboard for minimalist fashion fans.

While every major fashion city saw splatterings of pared-back runway looks, the New York designers truly led the charge. Take Ralph Lauren, Toteme, Michael Kors, Tory Burch and Khaite as core examples that less really can be more. Colour palettes were kept classic: lots of black and white, hints of brown and baby blue (my new favourite colour combo), and bold pops of red styled with simplistic silhouettes.

Although minimalist certainly doesn’t mean boring, as evidenced by these particularly chic runways—Victoria Beckham’s included—which made a strong case for sleek simplicity over in Paris. Whether you save them for office outfit inspo or to guide future outfit ideas, below are the seven trends I’d encourage any lover of the minimalist aesthetic to take note of.

7 Spring/Summer 26 Trends to Note Now

1. Strapless Tops

Style Notes: Proving the importance of silhouette, a number of designers made strapless tops a core staple of their collections—Ralph Lauren, included. Whether worn with wide-leg trousers, jeans or a classic midi skirt, consider them a simplistic wardrobe staple that's effortlessly elegant.

SHOP THE LOOK:

PROENZA SCHOULER

Lena Strapless Gathered Cotton-Blend Poplin Top

This timeless top will be one of the most versatile items in any wardrobe, pairing perfectly with jeans, skirts and black trousers, of course.

STELLA MCCARTNEY

Strapless Ribbed Wool Top

This knitted Stella McCartney top has the chic cut of a strapless style while providing extra coverage on the arms.

MANGO

Strapless Knitted Top

Prefer all all-black outfit? This strapless top pairs perfectly with skirts, jeans and trousers in the shade.

Anthropologie

By Anthropologie Faux-Suede Bandeau Top

To add even more interest to your strapless top look, consider a style in a more tactile texture like this suede.

2. Polished Polo Shirts

Style Notes: Tory Burch, Miu Miu, Auralee and Loewe all looked to collegiate style for their Spring/Summer 26 runways, although they were far from the looks we used to wear at school. Instead, they gave a masterclass in elegant, office-friendly dressing and polo shirts played a large part—no matter if they were short sleeved, thin knit or cosier cardigans.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Nobodys Child

Blue Ribbed Polo Knitted Top

Style a polo just as you would a trusty tee and you'll be left with a more formal finish.

Massimo Dutti

100% Wool Knit Cardigan

This thin knit is as cosy as it is chic as it's crafted from 100% wool.

Tory Burch

Cotton Pointelle Polo

With a simple yet striking colour-blocking, this preppy polo is just enough to make a subtle style statement.

Miu Miu

Cashmere Cardigan With Collar

Few brands are better at the polished preppy aesthetic than Miu Miu, and this cardigan is the perfect example of why.

3. Simplistic White Dresses

Style Notes: No fashion item screams minimalist more than a white dress, and yet Calvin Klein, Bottega Veneta and Jil Sander all proved the piece can still bring intrigue. To keep it classic, opt for a shape that is particularly simple and use accessories to add interest—a bandana, suede shoes or a textured clutch bag. Few summer looks will be chicer.

SHOP THE LOOK:

TOTEME

Scoop-Neck Woven Maxi Dress

Toteme’s white scoop-neck dress can be styled in a huge number of ways, even over jeans.

St. Agni

St. Agni Cotton-Blend Halterneck Midi Dress

This St.Agni style comes in a more evening-ready cut, perfect for special occasions.

COS

Boat-Neck Cotton A-Line Midi Dress

For a more modest neckline, consider this Cos A-line white dress.

Whistles

White Anna Dress

This timeless Whistles design will last in any wardrobe for many years to come.

4. Timeless Tailoring

Style Notes: Tailoring has been a recurring trend on the runways in recent seasons and Spring/Summer 26 was no exception. One standout suiting brand? Victoria Beckham, and this classic cut grey suit proves why.