We may be in the midst of winter, but my attention is firmly fixed on spring. Something about the new season always inspires a fresh start, and having taken a look at some of the outfits making their way down the runway at the spring/summer 2026 shows, there’s plenty to be inspired by.
Now, as a self-described minimalist, I tend to stay far away from prints, preferring to stick to my reliable rotation of black, white and grey – perhaps a stripe thrown in, if I’m feeling adventurous. But these latest shows have prompted me to think differently. Prints, this spring, look like pure joy. From exuberant artistic prints and bold, thick stripes, to nostalgic styles like polka dots and Fifties-inspired florals, this season’s prints are full of a sense of playfulness that’s impossible to resist. Just look at the trad-wife-with-a-wink Miu Miu looks of ditsy floral aprons reimagined as pinafore dresses, or the romantic drapes of painterly silk skirts at Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel debut. Whatever your previous feelings about prints, you’re sure to find one calling to you this season.
If, like me, you’re looking to get ahead of your outfit planning, scroll on to see my edit of the spring 2026 trends I think will be everywhere come March.
6 Spring 2026 Print Trends Set to Dominate:
1. Polka Dots
(Image credit: Dries Van Noten)
Style Notes: Mark my words, nostalgia is going to be in full swing next season, starting with the resurgence of one of the most classic prints: polka dots. Delicate and sheer like Dries Van Noten‘s romantic dresses or more of a high-contrast, bold iteration, there’s a polka dot style for you this season.
Shop the Trend:
M&S
Polka Dot Round Neck Midaxi Waisted Dress
Live out your Pretty Woman dreams in this number.
Such a great wedding guest outfit option.
Free People
Butterfly Babe Maxi Dress
Another versatile polka dot dress – easy to dress up or down.
KITRI
Laurel Butter Polka Dot Satin Skirt
Reformation
Elio Knit Top
I love the subtle Nineties grunge vibes of this sheer top.
DÔEN
Elowette Polka-Dot Silk-Blend Twill Midi Skirt
So demure, in the best way.
2. Vintage Florals
(Image credit: Miu Miu)
Style Notes: Perhaps it’s the Nara Smith effect, or perhaps it’s due to a general air of nostalgia, but vintage-inspired floral prints that look straight. out of the 1950s are set to make a comeback in 2026. I know, I know – florals for spring, groundbreaking. But this season the floral patterns really do feel fresh – from the bold, artistic prints by the likes of Erdem to the more delicate, vintage versions sported by Miu Miu in pinafore dresses, there’s a new (revived) floral style taking over.
Shop the Trend:
Rixo
Maeva – Eva Floral Cream
Such a dreamy warm weather dress.
DOÉN
Tahlia Lace-Trimmed Floral-Print Silk-Charmeuse Midi Dress
Brides-to-be, add this to your wish list.
Anthropologie
The Keira Collared Button-Front Blouse by Pilcro: Tuxedo Edition
This has a certain pastoral French charm that I can’t resist.
ACNE STUDIOS
Layered Distressed Chiffon and Floral-Print Crepe Skirt
Vintage prints meet a modern twist with this metallic sheen skirt.
This looks so great with boots, a great option for transitional dressing.
POSSE
Isla Floral-Print Linen and Silk-Blend Top
3. Heritage Checks
(Image credit: Burberry)
Style Notes: Thanks in large part to Burberry‘s spring/summer collection, checks are back in the spotlight. Sure, you could go for the grunge-inspired look, but the dominant trend this season will be preppy, heritage-style checks. Think a mix of earthy and bright tones in check patterns across coats, skirts and dresses – a great option for transitional season dressing.
Shop the Trend:
Nobody’s Child
Brown Check Car Coat
COS
Double-Faced Wool Scarf Short Jacket
This scarf detail? Amazing.
ALIGNE
Harper Tie Front Dress
BURBERRY
Belted Frayed Checked Wool Skirt
Straight off the runway and onto my wish list.
Miu Miu
Checked Mini-Dress
M&S
Funnel Neck Long Sleeve Slim Fit Top With Wool
A more grunge-inspired take for those who just don’t do preppy.
4. Bold Stripes
(Image credit: Jacquemus)
Style Notes: If you’re going to do stripes this season, the rule is: go big or go home. Inspired by Jacquemus‘ Riveria-ready stripes, this spring will be all about thick, unapologetic stripes, in muted tones or bright, diagonal or horizontal. Pair with simple accessories to really let them shine.
Shop the Trend:
COS
Boat-Neck Gathered Midi Dress
A brilliant holiday number.
FAITHFULL
Clemente Striped Cotton-Poplin Shirt
Go on, get the matching shorts, too…
BODE
Striped Cotton Sweater
This feels truly timeless.
Reformation
Clara Cashmere Crew Cardigan
COS
Striped Market Tote Bag
Throw everything in this and just go!
ZIMMERMANN
Daylight Striped Cotton Maxi Dress
A floaty, warm weather dream.
5. Abstract Artistry
(Image credit: Chanel)
Style Notes: Personally, I found Matthieu Blazy’s debut at Chanel the most exciting moment of the spring/summer shows, and the real standout was the painterly prints that covered the floating, dramatic skirts. Take your cue from this abstract approach and look for pieces that are their own works of art.
Shop the Trend:
PUCCI
Asymmetric Printed Silk-Twill Maxi Skirt
When it comes to bold, artistic prints, no one does it like Pucci.
MANGO
Printed Satin Dress – Women
A spring/summer essential.
Stine Goya UK
Pullover Long Sleeve Midi Dress
Wear with black boots on cooler days, and strappy heels on warmer ones.
ALÉMAIS
+ Lrnce Majorelle Printed Linen and Silk-Blend Shirt
There are matching trousers, too…
An elegant take on the abstract print trend.
MANGO
Geometric Print Shirt
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