8 Trend Insights from Leading Trade Events Heading into 2026

As we look ahead towards next season and continue into 2026, fashion is embracing a blend of nostalgia, innovation, and sustainability. Key trade shows such as Source Fashion, London Fashion Week, and Première Vision in Paris have provided a treasure trove of inspiration, offering insights into the next standout trends. From bold colour palettes to rich, tactile fabrics and innovative accessories, this season’s fashion will be marked by contrast—mixing old-world craftsmanship with future-facing innovation. 

Here’s a look at 8 key trends breaking through, including the colours, themes, fabrics, and accessories that will define womenswear in the coming months…

1. Dark Romance: The Gothic Rebirth

(Mark Fast AW25 at LFW – image courtesy of the BFC)

This season, fashion takes a darker turn, with a resurgence of gothic influences. Gothic Romance is set to make a huge statement, blending Victorian-era aesthetics with a modern twist.

Colours & Themes:

• Deep blacks, rich burgundies, dark purples, and charcoal greys dominate the palette, reflecting a romantic yet ominous mood.
• There’s a focus on Victorian-inspired silhouettes—think long, flowing skirts, dramatic collars, and layered ruffles, juxtaposed with more modern, minimalist touches.

Fabrics & Accessories:

• Velvet, lace, and heavy brocades bring texture and opulence to the trend.
• Footwear is dominated by lace-up boots, often knee-high or thigh-high, featuring pointed toes and chunky heels for an added edge.
• Accessories include oversized, intricately detailed rings, chokers, and lace gloves, creating a bold statement.

(Above and very top image – Mithridate AW25 backstage at LFW – images courtesy of the BFC)

2. Future Minimalism: Clean Lines, Technological Fabrics

As sustainability continues to rise, Future Minimalism takes centre stage, blending cutting-edge materials with pared-back silhouettes. The focus is on high-performance fabrics designed for longevity and ease.

Colours & Themes:

• Soft neutrals, pale greys, beige, and milky whites create an understated elegance.
• This trend is about purity—clean lines, structured shapes, and monochromatic looks.

Fabrics & Accessories:

• Smart textiles, such as recycled nylons and biodegradable fabrics, dominate. Expect clothing that combines luxury with functionality, like waterproof wool blends and thermoregulatory materials.
• Footwear leans towards streamlined sneakers and low-profile boots in neutral tones, prioritising comfort with style.
• Accessories will remain minimalist—sleek leather bags and functional, metallic jewellery (think cuff bracelets or geometric earrings).

(Conner Ives AW25 backstage at LFW – image courtesy of the BFC)

3. Heritage Revival: Tweed and Tailoring

Classic British heritage influences are set to make a strong comeback in A/W 2025/26. Heritage Revival taps into the roots of traditional tailoring, updating classic pieces for the modern woman.

Colours & Themes:

• Expect earthy browns, muted greens, and plaid patterns, with subtle checks, houndstooth, and tweed taking the lead.
• Structured outerwear, including double-breasted coats, trench coats, and blazers, provides the backbone of this trend.

Fabrics & Accessories:

• Tweed, wool, and cashmere are essential fabrics in this trend, offering warmth, texture, and durability.
• Footwear will focus on oxfords, chunky brogues, and mid-heeled Chelsea boots in leather or suede, such as Blundstone boots.
• Accessories include wide-brimmed hats, tartan scarves, and leather gloves for that quintessentially British look.

(E. L. V. Denim AW25 LFW presentation – image courtesy of the BFC)

4. Nature’s Embrace: Earthy Tones and Natural Textures

Inspired by the beauty of the outdoors, the Nature’s Embrace trend celebrates natural textures and earthy hues. This trend focuses on creating a grounded, organic aesthetic through fabrics and finishes that reflect the environment.

Colours & Themes:

• Rich terracotta, deep olive greens, mustard yellows, and warm browns will dominate the colour palette.
• The aesthetic draws on the natural world, with handcrafted, artisanal garments that highlight sustainable production methods.

Fabrics & Accessories:

• Organic cotton, hemp, and recycled wool are key materials, often left in their natural state to celebrate texture.
• Footwear will include chunky leather boots and eco-conscious sneakers made from sustainable materials.
• Recycled plastic bags, woven belts, and natural stone jewellery will complement the earthy vibe.

(LFW AW25 Mark Fast added neon bright designs to his otherwise dark colour palette, image courtesy of the BFC)

5. Electric Chic: Neon Accents and High-Voltage Details

A sharp contrast to the softer hues of the season, the Electric Chic trend is all about bold statements and high-impact accessories. Bright neon colours will electrify the runway, with bold pops of pink, green, and orange adding an edgy flair to an otherwise muted winter collection.

Colours & Themes:

• Fluorescent pinks, electric blues, and lime greens emerge as the key shades.
• Neon is used sparingly to add pops of brightness against neutral bases like black or white, allowing for dramatic contrasts.

Fabrics & Accessories:

• Shiny, reflective materials, including neoprene and metallic leathers, add to the electric vibe.
• Chunky sneakers, platform boots, and high-heeled sandals come in bold neon hues or metallic finishes.
• Accessories will include oversized sunglasses, neon handbags, and statement earrings that play with the trend’s playful nature.

(Digital prints look strong heading into SS26, image courtesy of Leah Martin at Source London)

6. Techno Couture: Futuristic Fabrics and Digital Prints

Combining couture-level design with technological advancements, Techno Couture looks to the future, with an emphasis on fabric innovation and digital prints.

Colours & Themes:

• Holographic silvers, deep cyber blues, and laser greens take over, creating a high-tech, digital aesthetic.
• Garments often feature geometric shapes, 3D textures, and futuristic silhouettes.

Fabrics & Accessories:

• Smart fabrics like 3D-printed materials, conductive textiles, and bio-fabrics will feature heavily.
• Footwear will include futuristic boots, often with LED accents, metallic platform shoes, and block heels.
• Digital-print scarves, gloves with embedded tech, and metallic clutch bags will add to the sci-fi feel.

(Floral prints and handcrafted embellishments, image courtesy of Source Fashion)

7. Floral Escape: Botanical Prints and Feminine Draping

2026 brings a twist to florals, combining soft femininity with bold prints that feel both nostalgic and fresh.

Colours & Themes:

• Rich, vibrant florals in deep reds, violets, and sunset oranges pop against dark, moody backdrops like navy and charcoal.
• Floral patterns evolve into larger, more abstract designs—overblown roses, botanical sketches, and whimsical florals.

Fabrics & Accessories:

• Lightweight silks, satin, and chiffon fabrics allow for delicate draping, while quilted fabrics add texture.
• Footwear will lean into lace-up ballet flats and kitten heels, with soft leather boots to match.
• Floral-print scarves, hairbands, and delicate jewellery will continue the romantic theme.

(Sinead O’Dwyer AW25 at LFW, image courtesy of the BFC)

8. Reimagined Leather: Luxe, Sustainable, and Unexpected Cuts

Leather remains a core material for the upcoming season, but with a twist. Reimagined Leather features innovative designs and a more sustainable approach to this timeless fabric.

Colours & Themes:

• Earthy shades of cognac, chocolate brown, deep burgundy, and moss green dominate the leather scene.
• Unexpected cuts and oversized designs redefine traditional leather garments.

Fabrics & Accessories:

• Sustainable leather, including vegetable-tanned, recycled leather and plant-based leather, takes centre stage.
• Footwear will include oversized leather boots, chunky leather loafers, and platform sandals.
• Accessories like leather belts, oversized handbags, and leather headbands will further elevate this trend.

Autumn/Winter 2025/26 promises to be a season of contrasts, where fashion merges the past with the future, fusing bold innovation with timeless elegance.