7 Distinct Styling Inspirations I'm Borrowing From the Spring 2026 Runways

      The runways consistently overflow with fresh ideas on style and how to wear them, but the spring 2026 collections felt particularly inspiring. It appeared that designers were truly at their best, and I encountered very few collections that didn't encourage me to reevaluate my own wardrobe. After examining the runways in New York, Milan, and Paris and reporting on key spring trends, notable creative director debuts, and seasonal It colors, I'm revisiting the collections with the intention of selecting elements I want to integrate into my own outfits, starting immediately.

      In my view, some of the most compelling spring collections were those that didn’t aim to reinvent fashion but instead provided innovative ways to style essential pieces. For instance, at Celine, silk scarves were elegantly tied over jackets and layered under the collar of trench coats. Khaite showcased blazers worn unconventionally, with lapels flipped up to create a mock funnel neck silhouette. None of these concepts involve fleeting trends. As you'll see, each of these styling suggestions revolves around items we likely already have in our closets.

      Dresses over pants! Scarves tucked into coat collars! Creative color pairings! Here are seven styling ideas from the S/S 2026 runway that have me rummaging through my wardrobe to create combinations I had never considered before.

      Spring Styling Ideas I'm Emulating From the 2026 Runways:

      1. Silk Scarves Tied Underneath Blazers

       Style Notes: In both the spring and summer 2026 collections, satin scarves were standout features, prominently showcased tied over and under blazers and layered around the collars of trench coats. The possibilities felt endless and made me view my vintage silk scarves from a fresh perspective. I'm eager to experiment with them, but the first idea I plan to try is draping a printed scarf around the neck with a structured blazer. It's a straightforward concept but resonates with sophistication.

      2. Leggings With Flats

       Style Notes: While we may be moving away from leggings as trousers in 2026 (and even wearing leggings at all), if you do opt for black leggings, Altuzarra offers a stylish way to elevate them. The trick is to pair them with items on the opposite end of the athletic spectrum, particularly sleek, pointed-toe flats. Layering with an ankle-length trench coat creates an intentional elongating effect. It's a flexible styling situation under the coat, but Altuzarra's choice of a chic blazer serves as a great example.

      3. Sweaters Tied Around the Waist

       Style Notes: In 2026, it seems we'll be wearing sweaters in any way but on our bodies. While it's stylish to drape them over the shoulders, an even trendier approach is tying a knit around the waist. At Kallmeyer, two striped sweaters were styled around the waist of a relaxed pantsuit, giving a laid-back, effortless feel to the tailoring. This styling trick is versatile; it can enhance trousers, jeans, skirts, and even dresses for a more casual look.

      4. Blazers With the Collar Upturned

       Style Notes: Blazers, it's time to embrace a new era in 2026. For those of us with a classic blazer, this cost-free styling suggestion is worth remembering. Instead of wearing it the conventional way, flip the lapels up for an updated silhouette reminiscent of a trendy funnel-neck jacket. This modern twist refreshes blazers in your closet that might have started to feel dull.

      5. Double Pendant Necklaces

       Style Notes: What’s better than a stylish pendant necklace? Wearing two, of course! Michael Kors suggests embracing this trending accessory for a modern boho vibe (especially if one of them happens to be a wallet pendant, as seen frequently in the New York shows this season) to create a visually engaging look. I'll be following Kors' foundation of a button-down shirt and black trousers, using the necklaces to give my wardrobe staples a contemporary feel.

      6. V-Neck Sweaters Over Button-Downs

       Style Notes: The year 2026 is shaping up to be a significant one for preppy fashion, and Toteme is influencing how we'll wear our sweaters, particularly layered over contrasting button-down shirts. This styling works with either a crewneck or V-neck, but there’s something particularly chic and intentional about the latter, especially when the knit is fitted as in Toteme's style.

      7. A Pop of Cerulean

       Style Notes: I can't emphasize enough that cerulean, or Capri blue, is the color trend to watch in 2026. It might even become the sole color trend for the season, but only time will reveal that. Many designers embraced this aquatic hue, yet Tory Burch’s concept particularly resonates with me. The runway featured looks that included just a pop of bright blue, elegantly paired with more subdued shades like navy and stone blue. For those hesitant to stray from neutrals like me, this is