If you’re wondering what will be trending next Spring/Summer — and love Italian style — you’re in the right place.
Hi, I’m Alessia, the founder of Italy with an Italian. In this post, I’ll share the Spring Summer 2026 Fashion Trends that stood out on the Italian runways and talk about my favorite designer collections for the season.
The images you’ll see throughout are inspired by those trends and the unique spirit of Italian fashion.
Let’s start with my favorite designer and continue from there.
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Table of Contents
Max Mara Spring Summer 2026
The two things I love most about this fashion house — beyond the beautiful clothes — are its consistency and reliability. Max Mara never disappoints. Some might find that predictability dull, but if you admire a brand for its signature style, it’s refreshing to see that identity carried confidently from season to season, year after year. Do you agree?
Still, there are always one or two unexpected twists. This season, the surprise came in the form of frills — on sleeves, waistlines, and even subtle trims across garments. Another standout detail, also seen in Fendi’s collection, was the use of a black elasticated fabric band. It appeared on blazers, wrapped around dresses and jackets, cinched directly against bare skin as a belt, and even styled as a hair band on every model in the show.
The color palette stayed true to Max Mara’s DNA — rich in camel tones — but with a lighter touch suited for Spring and Summer. This season also introduced more black than usual, balanced with white and a key shade seen across many runways: one of the Pantone Color of the Year 2026, Amber Haze.
That’s the first major trend I noticed across the Italian runways — the appearance of Amber Haze not only in clothing but also in accessories. I’d describe this hue as a cool, golden tone with hints of camel and mustard — warm yet quietly sophisticated.
Beyond the elastic band detail, another recurring feature throughout the collection was the high, stand-up neckline — seen on both blazers and dresses. It feels refined and elegant, especially paired with the softer palette, and because it’s worn more closed rather than wide open, it projects subtle confidence rather than being too bold. The same neckline appeared in halter styles as well, creating a continuous theme of lifted, structured silhouettes.
Fendi Spring Summer 2026
This collection was the one that felt the most season appropriate. It was also the most fun while still being wearable and feminine.
In terms of color palette, we can see one of the 2026 fashion trends being showcased. I am referring to the pairing of lime with red. It’s usually a lime piece of clothing with a red bag or pair of shoes, but you could also do it the other way round.
Tomato red is also prominent in this collection, and I love how they are often pairing it with a bright pink. It reminds me of the bright color block trend from the 1990s, but it’s done more subtly and tastefully. I especially love the red suit which has a softer flowy silhouette paired with the oversized bright pink pochette bag.
There are two other trends I’d like to share that can be seen throughout Fendi’s Spring Summer 26 collection. The first one is the non matching earrings – one small and one larger or longer that match because of the common color or metal used.
The second trend is the peekaboo bag, which has an exterior flap that folds down, revealing an interesting pattern inside.
Bottega Veneta Spring Summer 2026
The black-and-white color combo has never truly disappeared, but there was a time when it dominated everyone’s wardrobe — a staple designers loved to revisit season after season. Over time, it faded from the spotlight. While we still wear it effortlessly, it hasn’t felt trendy for a while.
Well, this season, it’s making a confident comeback — and Bottega Veneta showcased it beautifully.
In some looks, the palette is clean and minimal: a solid white dress paired with black accessories, or the reverse — black ensembles lifted by crisp white details. In others, black and white share equal presence within the garments themselves, creating bold yet balanced contrasts.
A recurring dress silhouette stood out throughout the show: a midi-length style cut from a fabric with a subtle sheen, almost waterproof in appearance. It’s cinched at the waist with soft ruching that drapes elegantly over the hips. The design features two sets of straps — one thicker pair that folds down into delicate, almost frilled flaps, and another of fine spaghetti straps, adding a layered, dimensional look.
This dress appeared in multiple tones, including a light pastel Amber Haze, a pale pastel grey, and a deep navy leather variation — each bringing a different texture and mood to the same silhouette.
Another styling detail I loved was how suits and trench coats were paired with sweaters casually draped over the shoulders. The styling stayed tonal, creating a relaxed yet refined harmony that perfectly captures Bottega’s modern sophistication.
Armani Spring Summer 2026
The standout element in Armani’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection is the transparency trend. If you’re not familiar with it, this trend layers a sheer or translucent fabric over another piece — adding softness and femininity without revealing too much. You can spot this look toward the end of the Armani show.
(Max Mara also showcased a similar touch with a transparent trench-style jacket, if you’d like to compare.)
Beyond transparency, I was particularly drawn to Armani’s tailoring this season. The suits feel light and effortless — crafted from airy fabrics in pastel tones, featuring wide-leg trousers and sleeveless vests that make them perfect for warm weather.
If you wear suits often, whether for work or special occasions, this collection is definitely worth exploring online or watching in full. Two looks especially caught my eye: one, a more casual pinstriped ensemble with a shirt-style top and matching shorts in dusty blue; the other, a soft beige suit with a sleeveless vest and wide-leg pants — a timeless yet modern interpretation of summer tailoring.
Prada Spring Summer 2026
While I didn’t notice a specific overarching trend in Prada’s Spring/Summer 2026 collection, one detail immediately stood out: the below-the-knee, puffy A-line skirts. If you love wearing that silhouette, this collection is worth exploring — or better yet, watch the show on YouTube to see the movement and structure in action.
It feels as though Prada reinterpreted what I often call refer to as one of the “Italian uniforms” — a midi puffy skirt paired with a button-up shirt tucked in — and infused it with a masculine edge. The skirt and pumps bring femininity, while the utilitarian short-sleeved shirt tucked neatly into the waistband adds a sense of structure and attitude.
I also loved how Prada revisited the black-and-white pairing with effortless simplicity: a classic A-line dress styled with white pumps. There’s nothing overly complicated about the look — and that’s exactly what makes it so timeless. It’s a reminder that when something is this simple and elegant, it always works.
Versace Spring Summer 2026
When the show began, it was clear there was a nod to the ’80s — a direction I’m personally not the biggest fan of. But as the collection unfolded, something far more interesting emerged: a crinkled crepe-like fabric that immediately caught my attention. I’d heard about this texture as a rising trend before watching the Italian shows, and seeing it come to life on the Versace runway confirmed its presence.
There were at least four midi dresses crafted from this material, shown in black, brown, and white. The fabric’s textured surface gave these otherwise classic silhouettes a distinctly modern edge, blending timeless design with a contemporary twist.
Another trend I noticed in this collection was again the unexpected pairing of lime and red — bold, daring, and undeniably Versace. And before I wrap up, I have to mention the stunning crocodile leather brown pants — a statement piece unlike anything I’ve seen before.
Dolce & Gabbana Spring Summer 2026
This collection feels playful, feminine, and slightly sultry, yet it leans heavily into pajama-style dressing. I’m not entirely sure whether this trend is officially making a comeback — I certainly didn’t spot it elsewhere on the Italian runways — and even if it is, it’s not one I’d personally recommend or highlight as wearable.
That said, while the silhouettes may be debatable, the color palette and pattern combinations are undeniably striking. Dolce & Gabbana mixed pinstripes with florals, creating bold contrasts that, when styled thoughtfully, look surprisingly beautiful rather than overwhelming.
Some of my favorite pairings included blue-and-white pinstripes paired with large florals, pink-and-white pinstripes contrasted with pastel peach, and very light pink-and-white stripes matched with butter yellow and burgundy. These unexpected combinations add freshness and depth to the collection — a reminder that sometimes the most daring pairings can also be the most elegant.
More Spring & Summer Italian Fashion
If you’re wondering why I didn’t mention my other favorite Italian designer – Ferragamo, it’s because nothing stood out in this season’s collection.
The same holds for Gucci’s Spring Summer 26 show. The show was very unique. It was filmed outside the venue, showing the influencers and famous people coming in and being photographed at the entrance. But those were actually the models and the clothes being showcased. While there’s nothing wrong with that, the collection felt Wintery.
Since you’re in the mood to start thinking about Spring and Summer outfits, have a look at my other seasonal fashion posts. They are full of practical outfit ideas to recreate, looks that are both classic and unique.
What To Wear In Italy In March
What To Wear In Italy In April
What To Wear In Italy In May
What To Wear In Italy In June
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Ciao,
Alessia
