7 Summer 2026 Trends You Can Starting Wearing Right Now

Embracing the In-Between Season: 7 Summer 2026 Trends to Wear Now

As we transition from the longest winter in history to the warmer months, it’s natural to feel uncertain about what to wear. The in-between season can be tricky to dress for, caught between the chill of spring and the warmth of summer. However, fashion insiders have already started embracing the upcoming summer trends, and they’re easier to incorporate into your existing spring wardrobe than you think. From tank dresses to technical jackets, these styles are perfect for the “in-between” period, pairing effortlessly with practical spring pieces like fine knits, tailoring, and closed-toe shoes.

1. Tank Dresses: A Seasonal Staple

Dress trends come and go with every season, but this spring, we’re going back to basics with an easy-to-wear style that’s as comfortable as it is chic – tank dresses. Unlike their midriff-baring counterparts, tank dresses offer a bit more coverage while still looking great with blazers, suede, bombers, and biker jackets. As soon as the temperatures rise, peel off the outerwear and wear with flat sandals and pendant necklaces, à la Gabriela Hearst.

For a chic and effortless look, try pairing a tank dress with a denim jacket and sneakers. This combination works perfectly for casual days out or dinner dates. You can also dress up a tank dress with a tailored blazer and heeled sandals for a more polished look.

Some of Our Favorite Tank Dresses:

• Khaite Lex crocheted silk and cotton-blend midi dress Elegant minimalism in the way only Khaite could do.
• & Other Stories Cotton Rib Midi Dress & Other Stories do this perfect silhouette every year in different colors.
• RAILS Franca Dress – Cherry I own this in black and red, and I’m keen to add another to my collection.
• Gabriela Hearst Elianor Fringe Knit Maxi Dress Now this is a showstopper.
• COS Cotton-Silk Tank Dress The perfect dress to slip into for slow weekends.

2. Utility Chic: Embracing Practicality

This summer, expect a belt and braces approach, as utility-core crops up again for another year. If it’s a khaki piece with a cinched waist, metal hardware, and plenty of pockets, it gets a resounding yes, as we move away from spring’s pretty pastels and floaty silhouettes into something more grounded and practical. While the weather is still a little grey, now is the perfect time to invest in outerwear like cargo jackets teamed with moto boots, and later in the year, make the most out of the cool-girl combination of baggy shorts and flip-flops.

Utility chic is all about mixing and matching different textures and fabrics. Pair a utility jacket with a flowy sundress for a chic contrast, or wear a utility top with a flowy skirt for a more feminine look.

Some of Our Favorite Utility Pieces:

• A.EMERY Paton Leather Sandals A.Emery are Who What Wear editor’s favorite, and it’s easy to see why.
• tu Clothing Khaki Utility Gilet Let’s keep this great find a secret between us.
• Karen Millen Tailored Top Stitch Detail Bermuda Culotte Just add an oversized shirt and sandals.
• MANGO Oversized Parka With Pockets Perfect for casual days out or camping trips.

3. Technical Jackets: The Perfect Blend of Function and Fashion

Summer jackets can be difficult to get right, and while you want outerwear that you can throw on over dresses and tops when the evenings get cooler, it can’t be too substantial to have to lug around all day – enter the technical jacket. Autumn 2025 saw a surge in technical jackets, and it’s only set to continue this summer. Look for jackets with a combination of breathable materials, such as mesh panels and waterproof fabrics, to keep you cool and dry in the sun.

When choosing a technical jacket, consider the activities you’ll be doing while wearing it. If you’ll be hiking or biking, look for a jacket with built-in ventilation and a water-repellent finish. If you’ll be mostly walking around town, a lightweight, breathable jacket with a water-repellent finish is a great option.

Some of Our Favorite Technical Jackets:

• Fendi Technical Jacket A stylish and functional option for any occasion.
• Gucci Technical Jacket A sleek and sophisticated option for the modern man.

4. Maxi Dresses: A Summer Staple

Maxi dresses are a summer staple, and for good reason. They’re easy to wear, breezy, and perfect for hot summer days. Pair a maxi dress with a pair of sandals and a wide-brimmed hat for a chic and effortless look, or dress up a maxi dress with a denim jacket and heeled sandals for a more polished look.

Maxi dresses are also a great option for travel. They’re easy to pack and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Some of Our Favorite Maxi Dresses:

• Free People Maxi Dress with Floral Print A beautiful and bohemian-inspired option.
• Topshop Maxi Dress with Ruffles A fun and flirty option for the summer.

5. Wide-Leg Pants: A Summer Essential

Wide-leg pants are a summer essential, and for good reason. They’re comfortable, stylish, and perfect for hot summer days. Pair wide-leg pants with a tank top and sandals for a chic and effortless look, or dress up wide-leg pants with a button-down shirt and heeled sandals for a more polished look.

Wide-leg pants are also a great option for workwear. They’re comfortable and stylish, and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Some of Our Favorite Wide-Leg Pants:

• Joe Jonas Wide-Leg Pants A stylish and comfortable option for any occasion.
• J.Crew Wide-Leg Pants A classic and timeless option for workwear.

6. Crochet Tops: A Summer Staple

Crochet tops are a summer staple, and for good reason. They’re light, breezy, and perfect for hot summer days. Pair a crochet top with a pair of shorts and sandals for a chic and effortless look, or dress up a crochet top with a flowy skirt and heeled sandals for a more polished look.

Crochet tops are also a great option for layering. Pair a crochet top with a denim jacket and jeans for a casual look, or layer a crochet top under a cardigan for a more polished look.

Some of Our Favorite Crochet Tops:

• Free People Crochet Top with Lace Trim A beautiful and bohemian-inspired option.
• Topshop Crochet Top with Ruffles A fun and flirty option for the summer.

7. Platform Shoes: A Summer Essential

Platform shoes are a summer essential, and for good reason. They’re comfortable, stylish, and perfect for hot summer days. Pair platform shoes with a sundress and a wide-brimmed hat for a chic and effortless look, or dress up platform shoes with a flowy skirt and heeled sandals for a more polished look.

Platform shoes are also a great option for travel. They’re easy to pack and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

Some of Our Favorite Platform Shoes:

• Steve Madden Platform Shoes A stylish and comfortable option for any occasion.
• Jimmy Choo Platform Shoes A sleek and sophisticated option for the modern woman.

Conclusion

Embracing the in-between season can be tricky, but with these 7 summer trends, you’ll be ahead of the curve. From tank dresses to technical jackets, these styles are perfect for the “in-between” period, pairing effortlessly with practical spring pieces like fine knits, tailoring, and closed-toe shoes. Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with these trends – and don’t forget to invest in a few versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Happy shopping!