New York Cool Girls Are Already Wearing These Summer Dresses

Nothing signals summer more than seeing your favorite retailers’ new arrivals pages get stocked with a colorful bouquet of asymmetric slip dresses, lacy babydoll minis, elegantly draped satin maxis, and other warm-weather styles. To clue you in on the coming season’s trends, we’ve highlighted eight key takeaways from the spring/summer 2026 runways of designers like Calvin Klein, Prada, Fendi, Chloé, Victoria Beckham, and Isabel Marant.

Let these fashionable looks from the catwalk serve as styling inspiration for fresh picks from Dôen, Cos, Reformation, J.Crew, and the like. The best looks strike a balance between ease and intention, focusing on pieces you can wear now with a light layer (like a tank dress with a cardigan) and transition into hotter temperatures.

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Little White Dresses

The term LBD is probably already in your fashion vocabulary, but what about a LWD? If you’re not already familiar with little white dresses, this is the year to make them a staple. Calvin Klein and Jacquemus styled breezy linen minis and cotton poplin maxis with kerchiefs and casual footwear—a combination that’s perfect for a hot, humid summer day.

Asymmetrical Draping

Designers were particularly interested in asymmetrical silhouettes this season. Balenciaga, Lanvin, Coperni, Zimmermann, and Chloé all played with handkerchief hemlines, one-shoulder necklines, scarf-like attachments, and other off-kilter details. Something draped in black or bright tomato-red would stand out at an upcoming special occasion.

Less-Is-More Tank Dresses

Renewed interest in ’90s minimalism ushered in a wave of simple tank dresses onto the runways this season. The understated aesthetics of Victoria Beckham and Toteme make for an effortlessly chic summer look—especially when you add a pop of color through a fun shoe or bag.

Revamped Shirtdresses

One-and-done shirtdresses have become a staple of the modern woman’s wardrobe, so it’s unsurprising to see them revisited in a year defined by its pared-back aesthetics. While Stella McCartney played with silhouettes, Fendi opted for familiar fits in vibrant hues.

Saturated Shades of Green

Chartreuse, grass, mint, and olive green were popular colors for the spring/summer 2026 season. The saturated earth tones appeared in collections from Prada, Miu Miu, Burberry, and Dries Van Noten to Simone Rocha, Versace, Loewe, Saint Laurent, and Tibi, among other big-name labels, often complemented by tan trench coats, brown suede bags, and white pumps.

Lace Details

Satin dresses at Anna Sui, Ferragamo, and Chloé were finished with lace trims and coquettish ruffles—and styled with Tabi flats, platform flip-flops, animal-shaped novelty bags, and other eclectic additions. Elsewhere, Fendi and Acne Studios embraced all-over lace.

Tunics and Micro-Mini Dresses

It’s officially in to wear dresses over pants—babydoll dresses topped slouchy denim at Anna Sui. Similar hem lengths were seen at Celine, Miu Miu, Chloé, Rabanne, and Dior. Those less apt to revisit mid-aughts layering should channel the tonal tunic-and-trouser sets shown at Tibi, Tove, and Bottega Veneta.

Crafty Crochet

Yes, the knitted and crocheted numbers at Isabel Marant, Ulla Johnson, Gabriela Hearst, and Simkhai can be slipped on over swimwear. But they can just as easily be thrown over lingerie sets, tonal slips, and even jeans. Many tap into another one of the year’s key dress trends: fringe trims.

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