Between the inevitable glamour of Milan Fashion Week and the excitement of four new designers making their debut, this Spring/Summer 2026 season always promised to be one for the history books. We witnessed thoughtful reinterpretations of legacy labels and bold creative shifts that marked the start of new chapters for others.
With heavyweights such as Prada, Fendi, Bottega Veneta, and Jil Sander anchoring the schedule, the week was packed with show-stopping moments. Demna turned Gucci into a cinematic exploration of Italian stereotypes, while Versace transported us back to the unapologetic glamour and grit of the ’80s.
After studying the collections closely, I’ve distilled the standout themes into five key trends that will shape the season ahead. Some offer clever twists on beloved silhouettes, while others feel like a fresh departure entirely. Either way, these are the runway trends from Milan that are destined to define summer dressing.
1. Knee-Length Skirts
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Style Notes: This season, knee-grazing hemlines edged out the micro-minis of recent years, signalling a swing towards polish and sophistication. Versace styled theirs with weighty leather bombers for a tough-luxe edge, while Jil Sander kept things sleek with neat knits. Whether paired with slinky sandals or sharp pointed pumps, this length emerged as one of the most directional shifts of the season.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
(Image credit: Launchmetrics)
Shop the Trend:
H&M
Knee-Length Pencil Skirt
Style these with knee-high boots or wear them with a tall heel.
Honestly, this looks more expensive than it actually is.
Dries Van Noten
Pleated Cotton Midi Skirt
This dark taupe shade is so easy to slot into a capsule wardrobe.
2. Single-Breasted Blazers
(Image credit: Launchmetrics/Spotlight)
Style Notes: The Milanese runways were all business this season, and the single-breasted blazer was the ultimate power player. A contrast to the bomber jackets dominating street style, these streamlined silhouettes—seen at Jil Sander, Fendi and MaxMara—were worn with pencil skirts, tailored shorts and straight-leg trousers, hinting at a sharper, more intentional take on summer tailoring.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics/Spotlight)
(Image credit: Launchmetrics/Spotlight)
Shop the Trend:
COS
Slim Milano Single-Breasted Blazer
Layer this over a white tee or style it on its own.
Zara
Soft Single-Button Blazer
This soft beige shade is so easy to slot into a capsule wardrobe.
Style with the matching trousers or pair with straight-leg jeans.
3. A Palette of Greys
(Image credit: Launchmetrics / Spotlight)
Style Notes: Subtle yet striking, slate grey emerged as the new neutral of choice. At Bottega Veneta, it softened when styled alongside warm beige tones, while Prada used it as a cool counterpoint to bolder hues. With its versatility and modern edge, this shade is well on its way to challenging black as the season’s most reliable base.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics / Spotlight)
(Image credit: Launchmetrics / Spotlight)
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& Other Stories
Long Wool Coat
Layer this up with other grey pieces or pair it with a fresh palette.
My new favourite neutral, I can really see this colour trend taking off next season.
COS
Relaxed Twill Wide-Leg Trousers
Mark my words: grey trousers will take over from black very soon.
4. Bloomer Shorts
(Image credit: Launchmetrics/Spotlight)
Style Notes: Injecting a playful energy into summer wardrobes, voluminous bloomer shorts are back in rotation. Designers offered variations from ruched styles to breezier, billowy shapes, positioning them as a lively alternative to the pencil skirt. Lighthearted but statement-making, they embody Milan’s more playful spirit.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics/Spotlight)
(Image credit: Launchmetrics/Spotlight)
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Free People
Sweet on You Bloomers
These also come in seven other shades.
Shushu/Tong
Ruffled Shorts
We’ll be living in these pretty shorts throughout the height of next summer.
Reformation
Luna Linen Bloomer Short
Wear these with ballet flats or pair with a tall boot.
5. Textured Treasures
(Image credit: Launchmetrics/Spotlight)
Style Notes: While many shows leaned into slinky summer minimalism, others turned up the volume. Bottega Veneta introduced fluffy scarves and richly textured dresses, while Alberta Ferretti experimented with skirts finished in tactile tassels. This maximalist embrace of texture brought drama and depth, proving that summer dressing doesn’t always have to mean simplicity.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics/Spotlight)
(Image credit: Launchmetrics/Spotlight)
Shop the Trend:
Bottega Veneta
Fil Coupe Dress in White
Be quick! This is on its way to selling out.
H&M
Jacquard Weave Shift Dress
This breezy shift dress is easy to style up across the seasons.
Dries Van Noten
Fringed Skirt
This chic fringed skirt makes playful dressing that much easier
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