7 Specific Styling Concepts I'm Borrowing From the Spring 2026 Runways

      The runways consistently showcase fresh ideas for fashion and styling, but the spring 2026 collections felt particularly overflowing with inspiration. It appeared as though designers were functioning at their peak, and many collections prompted me to reconsider my wardrobe from a different angle. After analyzing the runways in New York, Milan, and Paris, and reporting on the key spring trends, new creative director launches, and notable seasonal colors, I am revisiting the galleries with the intent of selecting details I want to incorporate into my own outfits, starting right away.

      For me, some of the most impactful spring collections were those that didn’t try to reinvent everything but instead sparked new ways to style essential pieces. At Celine, silk scarves were artfully tied over jackets and elegantly layered beneath the collars of trench coats. Khaite showed blazers worn unconventionally, with lapels flipped up, creating a mock funnel neck silhouette. None of these trends were groundbreaking, but each styling idea showcased items we likely already have in our closets.

      Dresses worn over pants! Scarves tucked into coat collars! Creative color pairings! Here are seven spring/summer 2026 styling ideas that have motivated me to explore my wardrobe to create combinations I hadn’t considered before.

      Spring Styling Ideas I'm Adopting from the 2026 Runways:

      1. Silk Scarves Tied Underneath Blazers

       (Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Celine)

       Style Notes: In both the spring and summer 2026 collections, satin scarves took center stage. They were featured prominently tied over and under blazers, as well as layered around trench coat collars. The styling possibilities are endless and have prompted me to view my collection of vintage silk scarves in a new light. While I want to experiment with various styles, the one I’m most eager to recreate first is a printed scarf at the neck paired with a structured blazer. It's a straightforward concept that exudes sophistication.

       Shop the Look:

       Celine Square in Silk Twill

       TOTEME Garderob Oversized Recycled Grain De Poudre Blazer

      2. Leggings With Flats

       (Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Altuzarra)

       Style Notes: We may be moving away from wearing leggings as trousers in 2026 (or even wearing leggings at all), but if you opt for black leggings, look to Altuzarra’s stylish approach for a chic and elegant look. The key is to pair them with sleek, pointed-toe flats, which provide a counterbalance to the athletic style. Adding an ankle-length trench coat creates a lengthening effect that feels purposeful. While the choice of what goes underneath the coat is flexible, Altuzarra’s suggestion of a sophisticated blazer is spot on.

       Shop the Look:

       MAX MARA Delfino Double-Breasted Belted Cotton-Blend Twill Trench Coat

       M&S High Waisted Leggings

       Le Monde Béryl Mary Jane / Black Leather

      3. Sweaters Tied Around the Waist

       (Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Kallmeyer)

       Style Notes: In 2026, we'll be sporting our sweaters in unconventional ways. While draping them over shoulders is popular, a trendy approach is binding a knit around the waist. Kallmeyer showcased two striped sweaters styled around the waist of a relaxed pantsuit, lending a laid-back, cool vibe to the tailoring. This styling method works in various contexts: trousers, jeans, skirts, or even dresses can all benefit from a more casual element.

       Shop the Look:

       H&M Single-Breasted Blazer

       TOAST Stripe Wool Cashmere Neat Sweater

      4. Blazers With the Collar Upturned

       (Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Khaite)

       Style Notes: It's time for blazers to embrace their 2026 potential. Since most of us own at least one classic blazer, this budget-friendly styling tip is worth noting. Instead of the traditional look, try the Khaite-inspired technique of flipping up the lapels to create a fresh silhouette that resembles a modern funnel-neck jacket. It’s sleek and revitalizes blazers that may be feeling outdated.

       Shop the Look:

       Khaite Silvannah Wool and Silk Blazer

       AGOLDE '90s Pinch Waist Cropped High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans

       The Row Carla 45 Leather Pumps

      5. Double Pendant Necklaces

       (Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight/Michael Kors)

       Style Notes: What’s better than wearing a stylish pendant necklace? Wearing two! Michael Kors suggests doubling up on this trending accessory for a modern boho look (especially effective if one is a wallet pendant, seen in multiple New York shows this season) to add intrigue and dynamism to outfits. I plan to follow Kors' classic ensemble of a button-down shirt with black trousers and