Fashion trends for summer 2026: raffia, Bermuda shorts and purple

What will be the hit of the season, and what can you already leave in the wardrobe? Five trends clearly dominate the spring and summer 2026 collections, raffia in every form, Bermuda-length shorts, purple instead of the classic neutrals, romantic dresses with ruffles, and mint green tones in shoes and bags.

According to analyses from fashion editors at Marie Claire, Who What Wear and StyleBlueprint, this is not a season for big extravagant statements but a return to soft, romantic silhouettes with stand-out details. The best part, most of the trends are available at mid-range prices (Zara, Mango, H&M), you do not need a luxury budget to be on trend.

1. Raffia is no longer just for the beach

The biggest surprise of the 2026 season is raffia spilling into categories it never used to occupy. According to Who What Wear, raffia now turns up on shoes, earrings, bags, and even dresses and skirts.

A practical tip, one quality medium-sized raffia bag is an investment that pays back over three seasons. In Belgrade you can pick one up for 3,500 to 7,000 dinars (30 to 60 EUR) at Zara and Mango.

2. Bermuda shorts replace short shorts

The traditional short women’s short has been replaced with Bermuda-length shorts that reach just above the knee, in more modern, less formal cuts than the classic 1990s “Bermuda short”.

Marie Claire’s editors note that Bermudas work well in linen, denim and cotton. Classic colours are beige, khaki, white and navy. Pair them with simple T-shirts, flat sandals or low platforms.

3. Purple is the new “it” colour

If you are picking one colour to upgrade your wardrobe this summer, make it purple, especially regal purple and lavender tones. Prada, Celine and Khaite all built it into their main palettes.

A practical tip for those who do not wear bold colours often, start with one purple piece (a bag, a scarf, a pair of sandals) over a classic white or beige base. You can progress to a blouse or dress once you have settled into the tone.

4. Romantic dresses with ruffles

Fashion editors describe summer 2026 as a “softer, more whimsical mood”, which translates to dresses with ruffles, lace, sheer cotton and gentle pastel floral prints. A long way from the minimalist style of recent seasons.

The most popular silhouettes, midi dresses with ruffled hems, slip dresses worn under a tunic with ruffles, short “babydoll” dresses with puff sleeves.

In Serbia, Zara and H&M have a wide range from 4,500 to 9,000 dinars (38 to 77 EUR), Mango goes up to 12,000 dinars (103 EUR) for better material quality.

5. Mint green in footwear and bags

According to analyses of the new collections under new creative director Matthieu Blazy, Chanel placed mint green as a dominant colour in its “crock” bags, which immediately set the trend across other houses.

Mint green is not for every skin tone, so try the piece on in store before buying. It works best over neutral bases (white, beige, light grey) and is best avoided alongside other bold summer palettes (yellow, orange).

What is back, what is going

Coming back:

• Pastel colours (lavender, mint, almond pink, peach)
• Linen and natural materials
• Ruffles and lace
• Low platforms and sandals with retro detailing

Leaving:

• Classic short leather skirts (back in autumn)
• Accentuated shoulders in sporty tops
• Matte metallics (gold, silver) for everyday pieces

A practical tip for seasonal shopping

Do not buy all five trends at once. Most of these will last one or two seasons (apart from classic raffia, which returns most seasons). The rule, two trend pieces plus the classic basics you already have are enough to refresh your summer palette.

If you are picking one piece as the best investment, a quality linen dress in white or beige. Works with every trend, lasts several seasons and never goes out of style.

What do you make of this year’s trends? Is purple your colour or do you steer away from stronger tones? Let us know in the comments.