Speak to any fashion enthusiast you know about upcoming trends for summer 2026 and the opinion is unanimous: our wardrobes have permission to have fun this year – and I mean lots of fun. Goodbye muted tones, simple silhouettes and playing it safe, and hello bright colour palettes, experimental cuts and daring prints. The SS26 shows set this prerogative in stone: Prada’s catwalk gave colour blocking a new lease of life with jarringly chic palettes, and Proenza Schouler’s take on modern bohemia was sophisticatedly vivid.
Now it’s our turn. With sunnier days ahead and a license to take sartorial risks, it’s time to upgrade our attire with pieces that lean into vivacity. Here at H! Fashion, bold is our editors’ middle names, so we couldn’t be more overjoyed; scene-stealing prints, vibrant motifs and exuberant combinations are all on the agenda. Better yet, our favourite pieces for the season are all available to shop at Next, which is a leading high street destination for elevated (and unique) designs this year. Without further ado, here’s all the inspiration you need for SS26…
Polka dots
Orion Scott, Style Editor
Polka dots are a failsafe print option that suits everyone, making them the ultimate wardrobe wonder to inject a touch of fun fashion into your wardrobe. Perfect for all occasions, the humble polka dot is currently making waves in the style sphere, with the likes of Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber and Kaia Gerber all considering themselves fans. Whether it's a statement midi dress or a slinky, asymmetrical, lace-trimmed cami-and-trouser combo for date night, a simple sundress for a park picnic, or even a light, layered jacket to elevate a Pilates-to-brunch ensemble, dots are in demand this season.
Bold prints
Clare Pennington, Editor
When it comes to summer, I am a magpie for bright bold colours and scene-stealing prints. After all, if the sun is shining in Britain, it’s a cause for celebration! One ensemble I’m loving is graphic sweatshirts thrown over colourful checked trousers, teamed with ballet pumps in zingy primary hues. And, bright crochet pieces look wonderful teamed with clashing prints. I’ll be creating all kinds of colour combinations: cobalt with pillar box red, lemon yellow with grassy green, you get the picture. It’s all fair game this season.
Modern explorer
Lauren Ramsay, Deputy Digital Editor
Nothing says summer style like loose dresses, airy shirts and matching sets in prints inspired by maps, maritime motifs and Greek tiles. Casual, playful and effortlessly chic, I love Next’s pieces that are designed with daytime adventures (and sunset drinks by the water) in mind. In particular, the high street favourite’s retro-infused patchwork trousers are a summer classic updated with a cool-girl balloon-leg silhouette, whilst the easy-breezy satin camisole and shorts co‑ord is perfect for city strolls or Aperol-fuelled evenings.
Med summer
Tania Leslau, Fashion Features Editor
What springs to mind when considering a Mediterranean getaway? Free-flowing drapery, natural fibres, geometric prints, nautical motifs and gold jewellery that effortlessly tap into the spirit of summer. Daytime attire calls for more practical pieces, like shirts, tank tops and linen shorts that are suitable for sightseeing, while sunset-painted evenings require a touch of after-hours glamour – think silk halterneck dresses, flecks of metallics and bejewelled earrings. There are ample options to peruse for your next sun-drunk sojourn, but topping my packing list each and every time is lightweight linen.
Shop everything featured now at Next.co.uk.
