The fashion world is already looking ahead to Spring/Summer 2026, and Paris-based AI trend forecasting company Heuritech has unveiled its latest predictions on what will shape the upcoming season. Known for its precise, data-driven insights, Heuritech analyzes millions of social media images and runway visuals to identify what’s next in fashion. The agency’s analysis for SS26 highlights ten standout trends — from romantic fabrics and new neutrals to fresh footwear and prints. Here’s a closer look at the future of fashion through the lens of Heuritech’s intelligent forecast.
The Reign of Purple: The Season’s Signature Shade
According to Heuritech, purple will reign supreme as the trend color of SS26. From delicate lilac to deep aubergine, purple embodies individuality, spirituality, and emotional depth. The hue has transcended gender boundaries — making waves not only in womenswear but also across menswear collections. This insight aligns perfectly with Pantone’s SS26 color palettes unveiled during London Fashion Week (LFW) and New York Fashion Week (NYFW), where purple took center stage.
Designers like Valentino, Moschino, and Giorgio Armani showcased this captivating color across fluid silhouettes and structured tailoring. Purple’s evolution from regal sophistication to everyday chic signals a shift toward expressive minimalism — a hue that blends creativity with calmness.
Creamy Yellow: The New-Gen Neutral
Move over beige — Creamy Yellow, also called Popcorn Yellow, is emerging as the new neutral for SS26. This soft, buttery hue offers a refreshing alternative to classic tones, infusing warmth and optimism into contemporary wardrobes. Brands such as Stella McCartney, Aje, and Dolce & Gabbana integrated this gentle tone into daywear and eveningwear alike, proving that neutrals can still make a statement.
The charm of Creamy Yellow lies in its versatility — easily paired with whites for purity, pastels for softness, or darker hues for contrast. It’s a color that celebrates positivity, echoing the post-minimalist mood defining the season.
Moccasins and Loafers: Footwear’s Classic Comeback
As fashion shifts toward timeless comfort, Heuritech predicts the return of moccasins, loafers, and boat shoes, signaling the slow decline of the sneaker era. The company reports a 40% rise in popularity among women, thanks to runway influences from Miu Miu, Chloé under Chemena Kamali, and Isabel Marant.
This footwear revival aligns with the broader movement toward quiet luxury — an aesthetic built on craftsmanship, heritage, and understated elegance. Polished yet practical, moccasins redefine everyday sophistication for a generation craving both comfort and authenticity.
Animal Instincts: Zebra and Dalmatian Dominate
After years of leopard print ruling the wild, zebra and dalmatian prints are stepping into the spotlight for SS26. Heuritech’s data shows a 17% rise in zebra print popularity in the U.S., especially among fashion-forward consumers aged 26–35. Meanwhile, cow print has been dubbed the “It Print” of 2026, with an 87% projected growth among women in the U.S.
Designers such as Sergio Hudson, Alaïa, and Diane von Furstenberg showcased daring animal-inspired patterns with a fresh, modern twist. Whether it’s a monochrome zebra blazer or a spotted chiffon dress, these prints deliver both playfulness and attitude — perfect for an era where bold self-expression meets elevated style.
Romantic Fabrics: Lace, Satin, and Sheer Elegance
Romanticism is making a strong comeback, with lace, satin, and sheer fabrics taking center stage. These delicate materials represent sensuality, softness, and empowerment — a balance beautifully captured in SS26 collections by Fendi, Ferragamo, Victoria Beckham, and Monse.
Heuritech reports a projected 13% growth in lace skirt popularity in the U.S. and 20% in the EU, reflecting consumers’ growing appetite for ethereal, feminine silhouettes. Designers like The Attico, Shiatzy Chen, and Acne Studios showcased flowing lace ensembles that combined nostalgia with modern craftsmanship. The message is clear: elegance never goes out of style.
Checks and Polka Dots: Patterns That Play
For prints and patterns, checks and polka dots will lead the charge in 2026. Gingham, a timeless favorite, is experiencing a significant resurgence — with expected popularity increases of 17% among European men, 31% among European women, and 22% among U.S. women.
Meanwhile, polka dots — especially oversized versions — are trending upward, with visibility projected to rise 55% in Europe and 33% in the U.S. Runways from Chanel, Christian Dior, and House of Aama reaffirmed this playful return. Whether bold or subtle, these prints add joy and character to the evolving minimalist aesthetic.
The New Raw: Function Meets Fashion
One of Heuritech’s most intriguing predictions for SS26 is the rise of The New Raw, a trend that merges practicality and city chic. This movement embraces structured silhouettes, durable fabrics, and utilitarian details, reflecting society’s shift toward functionality without compromising style.
Raw denim, ruched textures, bubble hems, and pleated skirts were standouts at Chloé and Elie Saab. These pieces blend artistic construction with wearability, creating designs that feel both innovative and grounded. In a world redefining what luxury means, The New Raw offers a perfect fusion of comfort and sophistication.
The Bigger Picture: AI’s Role in Trend Forecasting
Heuritech’s analysis goes beyond aesthetics — it highlights how artificial intelligence is reshaping fashion forecasting. By analyzing millions of images across social media and runway archives, the platform decodes emerging trends with precision and speed. For SS26, this AI-driven insight reflects a deeper cultural pulse: consumers are leaning toward individuality, comfort, and authenticity.
The forecasted trends — from expressive colors to practical silhouettes — mirror a post-pandemic sensibility that values emotional connection over extravagance. Fashion, in 2026, is not about shouting but about speaking sincerely.
Final Takeaway: The Future Is Personal and Purposeful
Heuritech’s SS26 trend report reveals that the next wave of fashion is a celebration of balance — between color and calm, structure and softness, innovation and nostalgia. From the quiet confidence of moccasins to the vibrancy of purple and the allure of lace, every trend tells a story of self-expression and refinement.
As fashion continues to evolve, one thing remains constant — the desire to dress not just for the world, but for oneself. Spring/Summer 2026 invites us to rediscover beauty through simplicity, craftsmanship, and meaning — a reminder that style, at its best, is timeless.
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