6 Unexpected Trends You Didnt See Making a Comeback in Spring 2026

We all know that fashion likes to move in cycles, and as quickly as something is declared “out”, there’s something new to replace it, but for those of us who track trends for a living, seeing which “fads” stick around for the longest and why is the most interesting proposition. Spring is a great time of year to see what new styles will bubble up for the rest of the year, and 2026 already seems to be leaning heavily into nineties and noughties throwbacks as a wardrobe refresher after the year that gave us the “clean girl”.

Don’t get me wrong: there is always room for everyone’s style and aesthetic, and part of the beauty of such a busy cultural landscape lies in its variety, but suddenly everything old is new again. Gone are winter’s collarless jackets and slouchy boots, and in rolls spring’s new-season offerings, many of which have been influenced by the Y2K revival and Gen Z’s affinity for all things 2016. Who could have predicted that 10 to 20 years later, the same hero pieces that were favoured by celebs and It girls would be making a fashionable comeback? Well, us.

After keeping a very close eye on runway and street-style references for the past few years, we’ve noticed the same microtrends coming and going, upping and downing, and eventually landing in 2026 in a way that feels more confidently grounded. After flirting with the same pieces time and again, we’re officially calling them key trends for their sheer staying power, but they may not be exactly what you’re expecting.

Whilst we can’t ignore the current penchant for funnel-neck jackets, baggy jeans, and slimline trainers, you won’t actually find them on this list. Instead, this is a rundown of the six spring trends that you didn’t see coming. From the return of a pretty print trend that always causes a stir to the “in between” trouser length that just won’t quit, keep scrolling to see this spring’s comeback kings.

6 Fashion Trends Making a Comeback for Spring 2026

1. ’90s Athleisure

Style Notes: You needn’t have secured Oasis tickets last year to know that the return of the ’90s Brit Pop aesthetic meant more than just a sudden uptick in the sales of bucket hats. In 2026, retro sportswear is making its presence felt, and everything from windbreakers to retro trainers is dominating this spring, giving pretty blouses and cute dresses a sportier edge. Think Harry Styles‘ short nylon shorts, All Saints’ inspired track tops, and of course, everything Adidas.

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2. Capris

Style Notes: Whether you call them capris or pedal pushers, just don’t call them “over”, as these three-quarter, calf-grazing trousers are back for yet another spring/summer season. We keep spotting them with flip-flops, sandals, ballet flats and mules, making them the perfect choice for the warmer months that don’t require heavy-duty denim. Unsure of how to make them feel 2026-ready? Take tips from Emily Ratajkowski and Kendall Jenner and wear with tailored blazers or simple tank tops and flats.

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3. Military Jackets

Style Notes: Straight out of the 2000s hipster handbook and back into 2026, the military or Napoleon jacket has been making its presence felt this spring after reappearing on the McQueen, Dior, Ralph Lauren and Kenzo runways. Forever synonymous with Kate Moss and Glastonbury, this historical piece has been co-opted into a symbol of rock and roll Britannia, and you’ll find it most commonly worn with distressed denim or prairie dresses instead of a leather biker.

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4. Bermuda Shorts

Style Notes: People tend to fall into two camps: those who love Bermuda shorts and those who hate them. The latter are often sceptics who aren’t sure how to wear them, but I’m convinced the right pair might just change minds. After all, if you’re on board with jeans and shorts, these are only the happy medium, perfect for “will it, won’t it?” spring weather that can’t make up its mind. If denim feels a little bit too much, try a tailored pair that can be dressed up with heels, too.

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5. Polka Dots

Style Notes: Yes, we are once again hot for the spot, and when florals just won’t do, kitchy polka dots are a designer favourite. Cropping up in the spring/summer 2026 collections of Altuzarra, Khaite and Dries Van Noten (as well as autumn/winter Jacquemus), grown-up polka dots can add refined polish to monochrome looks. Double up on your prints and clash colours to score extra points for fashion-forward styling.

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6. Tassels

Style Notes: As our SEO writer Ava Gilchrist succinctly puts it, tassels are a rising trend amongst those looking for full-throttle glamour in the everyday. “They’re the kind of thing you’d typically see swinging from the end of an ornate curtain tieback in an 18th-century French chateau, not hanging from the waist of a Parisienne tastemaker as they wind their way from vintage shopping in Le Marais to drinks at Hotel Costes,” she says. “But thanks to the tassel fashion trend, these opulent charms needn’t stay hidden inside palatial interiors.”

From skirt hems to scarves, it’s impossible to ignore the tassels and fringing swinging around this spring. It’s the ultimate way to find the joy in dressing up.

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