Creator Trend Watch: S/S 2026

Trend forecasters are looking ahead to 2026 and landing somewhere a little unexpected: the 1980s.

You read that right. WGSN, one of the world’s leading consumer trend forecasting authorities, is signaling a renewed influence of ’80s style across upcoming collections.

Polka dots, a hallmark of the decade, made a bold return last year, and WGSN data shows that sculpted shoulders are now seeing similar growth among key search terms tracked by fashion buyers. For those less inclined toward shoulder pads, other classic ’80s silhouettes - including bubble skirts, ruching, wide belts, chunky jewelry, and harem pants - have also resurfaced on runways.

Spring/summer catwalks revealed a noticeable rise in print overall, with stripes up 23 percent and boho prints up 30 percent. Stripes, in particular, are leaning bolder and more graphic, showing up prominently in warm-weather pieces, with plenty of room to spill into other categories as silhouettes become more flexible.

That versatility is intentional. Much like the rise of athleisure, spring/summer collections are being designed to adapt across settings, with garments that can move easily between work, leisure, and even occasionwear. (Yes, we might finally get the elusive “day to night” looks!)

In terms of color, neutrals and midtones remain strong, but after several seasons dominated by black and deep brown, recent runways suggest a quiet shift: a return to grey.

For creators, the opportunity is inspiration. The ’80s revival brings bold shapes and high-impact accessories, but it needs a contemporary twist. There’s plenty of room to experiment without losing your point of view - so have fun with it! After all, trends come and go, but a personal sense of style never goes out of fashion.