I Spot Trends for a Living—7 That Are Perfect for Minimalists
Minimalist-fashion fans, rejoice—pared-back trends are in, according to the spring/summer runways of Khaite, Toteme and Victoria Beckham. Scroll down to discover them.
Chloe Gallacher
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 Minimalist 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.
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This timeless top will be one of the most versatile items in any wardrobe, pairing perfectly with jeans, skirts and black trousers, of course.
The asymmetric hemline paired with the silk fabric is so chic.
Prefer all all-black outfit? This strapless top pairs perfectly with skirts, jeans and trousers in the shade.
To add even more interest to your strapless top look, consider a gathered style.
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.
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Miu Miu have perfected the art of making a preppy style feel elegant.
With a simple yet striking colour-blocking, this preppy polo is just enough to make a subtle style statement.
Styling a polo shirt with a maxi skirt feels elevated and a fresh way to wear it.
Browns worn together feel as sophisticated as an all-black outfit.
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.
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Toteme have perfected chic minimalist styles.
Dress this down with a loafer, or up with barely-there heels.
Wear alone in summer or layered over jeans in the colder months.
This timeless Cos 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.
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Mango is a high-street hero when it comes to tailoring.
What makes this look so striking is the full suit styling, so be sure to add the trousers to your basket too.
A brown blazer is a staple in any wardrobe, and The Frankie Shop's are editor-approved.
Wide-leg trousers give such a flattering silhouette, especially with the matching blazer that features a cinched waist.
5. Black Trousers
Style Notes: If you needed further proof that it’s time to invest in a particularly chic pair of black trousers, consider this your sign. Victoria Beckham, Chloé, Balenciaga, Michael Kors (of course), and many more designers sent them down the runway, proving the wearable staple is particularly sleek. While wide-leg styles currently prevail, a classic flare is a chic alternative.
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Cos is a high-street go-to for high-quality tailoring at an affordable price.
A great pair of black trousers deserves a spot in everyone’s wardrobe. This wool pair is particularly classic in cut.
If you already own a pair of wide-leg trousers, perhaps a retro flare will catch your eye?
Consider these wool-blend trousers your new office staple.
6. Monochrome Moments
Style Notes: You’ll be sensing a theme by now: black and white colour pairings are a key component of the Spring/Summer 26 moodboard. Consider Toteme’s blazer, shirt and shorts, Ralph Lauren's duster coat fit, or even Michael Kors' silk shirt and trousers as key sources of inspiration. Simple yet chic.
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London-based brand With Nothing Underneath is every fashion editor’s not-so-best-kept secret.
A black blazer can instantly lift and elevate an outfit.
Polished enough to wear to the office yet cool enough to take to the beach, these white Bermuda shorts are a real all-rounder.
A pair of Le Monde Beryl ballet flats are a real forever fashion find that you'll wear for years to come.
7. Leather Blazers
Style Notes: Not all Spring/Summer 26 looks are reserved for only warm weather. Case in point: leather blazer outfits spotted on the runways of Saint Laurent, Khaite, Magda Butrym and more. While black and brown leather is always a classic choice, Khaite makes a case for a more daring red shade. Style with dark wash jeans and simple accessories for an easy outfit.
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Predictably, there aren’t too many red leather blazer options available , but this Reclaimed Vintage style is affordable and similar enough to Khaite's.
To elevate any outfit, try swapping out your classic cotton blazer for a leather style.
A Max Mara blazer will last a lifetime in any wardrobe.
Nanushka are known for their buttery-soft faux leather.
