I'm a stylist, and this is the one runway trend I plan to wear and style throughout the summer.
Brie Welch is currently an editor in residence at Who What Wear. Besides being the long-time stylist for Katie Holmes, Welch works as a costume designer and serves as eBay's resident stylist. Her responsibilities include curating eBay Watchlist, a quarterly trend report based on shopper data. She lives in New York City. Recently, I donned a Yohji Yamamoto asymmetrical, backless blazer during a night out dancing with a close friend, who wore an asymmetrical minidress adorned with cascading tulle from one side to the other. It wasn't until afterward, when I reviewed the photos we took together, that I noticed the parallels in our outfits and understood how subtly trends can manifest. While I had observed asymmetry on runways, I hadn't yet consciously linked it to everyday clothing, yet there it was, naturally occurring in real life.
This made me think of Lii, a New York-based label known for its color-blocked, sporty styles that include seam extensions resulting in elongated flaps, folds, and tucks. Jonathan Anderson, known for creating unconventional shapes with his drapery, also employs this technique at Dior, where he serves as creative director, and at JW Anderson, the ready-to-wear brand he launched in 2008. Additionally, Colleen Allen incorporates gentle asymmetry into her airy blouses and dresses; her fall/winter 2026 collection showcases a masterful approach to wrapping and shaping.
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight)Celine spring/summer 2026
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight)Colleen Allen spring/summer 2026
(Image credit: Launchmetrics Spotlight)Dior pre-fall 2026 The resale market is also embracing clothing that appears shifted, interrupted, or imperfect, as searches for "asymmetry" have increased by 34% among global eBay users, according to the latest eBay Watchlist Trend Report, which reflects current trends based on global search, sales, and listing data from eBay. I have subtly integrated this trend into my work with clients, as seen in the Lanvin dress Katie Holmes wore to the Carnegie Hall Concert of the Century in May, featuring an asymmetric velvet bodice, a single bow at the shoulder, and a skirt composed of narrow strips of leather embellished with tiny jewels. But how can one wear a trend that might seem too avant-garde in a natural, everyday manner? This is what I explored below.
My Tips for Styling the Asymmetric Outfit Trend
Tip 1: Start Small Begin with one asymmetrical clothing piece, such as a skirt, and combine it with your favorite tee for an easy introduction to the trend. Investing in a statement skirt will carry you through the summer.
BALENCIAGA Asymmetrical Miniskirt
JW Anderson Striped Asymmetric Skirt
COMME des GARÇONS Shirred Skirt
Tip 2: Lean Into Accessories Experiment with scarves and pareos! In a pinch, I’ve often tied a silk or cotton pareo as a top, instantly creating drapery that can be tucked for an asymmetric touch. Searches for "scarf halter tops" have surged by 97% on eBay!
Ralph Lauren Black Label Nautical Silk Halter Top
Tip 3: Blazers Are Key Take a cue from me (and eBay shoppers worldwide) with an asymmetrical blazer, which has seen an 18% growth in popularity on eBay from March 2025 to March 2026. This serves as a great way to try out the trend. The blazer is a wardrobe essential, so choosing one that offers a slightly off-kilter hemline will enhance an outfit with jeans significantly!
YOHJI YAMAMOTO Asymmetric Draped Jacket
Stella McCartney Pinstripe Asymmetric Blazer
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN Asymmetrical Blazer
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I'm a stylist, and this is the one runway trend I plan to wear and style throughout the summer.
Stylist Brie Welch predicts that asymmetry will be the most exciting trend this summer. Check out how she embodies this style with herself and her clients throughout the season.
