If you’re a minimalist seeking a trend that packs a significant punch, this is meant for you.

      Dua Lipa's recent wedding in the UK—a private registry-office ceremony before a three-day celebration in Sicily—has inevitably added "bridal influencer" to her already varied portfolio. Her initial outfit not only supports this title but may have also paved the way for a fresh style in bridal fashion: the two-piece suit. Crafted by Schiaparelli, it stood apart from traditional bridal gowns, presenting a sculptural design with a fitted-waisted jacket, its slightly raised and gently curved hem echoing the form of an elongated pencil skirt. She’s not alone in her recent exploration of shape, as other celebrities have similarly adopted an exaggerated aesthetic to reinvent their wardrobes. When Cynthia Erivo received her MBE, she donned a black wool-mohair Givenchy jacket by Sarah Burton that cinched at the waist and flared out into a petal-like peplum over a long tulle skirt. Givenchy also designed a stunning "wiggle" dress, an archival 1998 piece by Alexander McQueen, worn by Paloma Elsesser after the Met Gala. This look, nearly an optical illusion, featured a crystal-embellished mesh top that met corseted leather just below the chest, achieving a spill-and-snatch effect that not only earned her numerous "best-dressed" accolades at after-parties but also subtly pointed to one of this summer’s major trends: playing with shapes.

      Cynthia Erivo, Ruth Wilson, Cindy Bruna, Paloma Elsesser (Image credit: Getty Images)Typically, hot weather is linked to slender silhouettes. However, this summer represents a shift. A unique silhouette—be it ballooning trousers or cummerbund-like belts—is starting to draw attention. The Spring/Summer 2026 runways sparked ample discussion regarding proportions. At Balenciaga, Pierpaolo Piccioli paired a cropped T-shirt that fell above the solar plexus with culottes gathered at the knees, creating a puffball effect. Jacquemus dismissed the "balance" rule, matching a tent-shaped shirt with a dramatically flared A-line skirt. Meanwhile, Loewe's take on a skirt suit featured a molded jacket with pronounced shoulders and a narrow waist, resembling an Alexander Calder sculpture, particularly due to its primary red color. This was paired with a structured, utility-colored skirt and eye-catching optic-white boots that were sculpturally chiseled. JW Anderson’s Spring/Summer 26 campaign featured Little Simz in a velvet dress, the skirt fashioned from a back-to-front tailored blazer, with shoulders that turned into contoured hips (Ruth Wilson also wore this dress at the Cannes Film Festival).

      If this seems almost futuristic and impractical for daily wear, just check Instagram, where trendsetters are adapting sculptural ideas into everyday fashion. Stylist Karen Blanchard emphasizes silhouette, sharing her current style preference: "I tend to go for fuller bottoms; huge balloon trousers or a full, flowing skirt," she explains. Her go-to brands for such items include Cecilie Bahnsen, known for its airy matelassé and cotton smock dresses, and Issey Miyake, a label renowned for its expert construction and textile mastery, which speaks for itself.

      Finding inspiration in a beloved decade can also be beneficial. "I’ve always been drawn to mid-'60s shift dresses. Plus, '70s flares are essentials for me," Blanchard notes. Incorporating an '80s power shoulder or a '50s fitted waist can significantly alter an outfit's silhouette.

      Jacquemus, Alaïa, Balenciaga, Loewe Spring/Summer 2026. (Image credit: Jacquemus, Alaïa, Balenciaga, Loewe Spring/Summer 2026 - Launchmetrics Spotlight)Certain garments do the hard work for you, as retailers have adopted these new silhouettes, often minimalist in style yet maximalist in proportion. Arket’s khaki cocoon skirt, featuring a relaxed drawstring waist and curvaceous design, is a fantastic alternative to traditional cargo pants, offering a similar utilitarian vibe. Studio Nicholson’s Asti shirt serves as an excellent summer workwear option; it’s a cotton button-down that cinches at the back thanks to a cleverly placed dart and features sharply rounded sleeves. Róhe's Dazu dress—vibrant red and ideal for hot city days or vacations—incorporates a touch of linen for structure, creating a bud-like skirt shape balanced by a longer silhouette. Don't forget sunglasses, an effortless way to elevate your look to something more sculpturally intriguing. The No Problemo x Le Specs Lyra frames borrow from the "alien-eye" motif, featuring a sporty-cool oval shield with curved metal tips at the temples. Lastly, opt for a sculptural bucket hat as your final accessory, ideally one that maintains a degree of glamour beyond festival styles. (& Other Stories' latest holiday capsule includes