Spring 2026 Is All About “That Coastal Girl” Energy—According to Ralph Lauren

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Twice a year, we look to designers to see what’s next. But sometimes? The real headline isn’t what’s on the runway—it’s what’s missing. Ralph Lauren’s Spring 2026 show gave us a lot to talk about: no sky-high stilettos, no overdone silhouettes, and definitely no try-hard trends. Instead, it leaned into something quietly powerful: soft glam with structure, polish without pressure, and pieces that elongate, flatter, and move.

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Sequins & Fringe, Softened

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Sequins and fringe are still going strong, but the difference is in the tone. Rather than party-ready, these embellishments were softened—paired with neutral palettes, relaxed cuts, and breezy silhouettes. Glamour, yes. Overwhelm, no.

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Flats Over Stilettos

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Heels weren’t absent—but stilettos? Practically extinct. Instead, the show featured wearable heels, sleek flats, and soft platforms. It’s less about towering and more about grounding. Expect to see ballet flats, sleek loafers, and strappy sandals dominate Spring 2026.

Capris, But Not the 2005 Kind

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Yes, capris. But reimagined. These weren’t mall-brand cutoffs—they were sleek, belted, and high-waisted. Paired with pointed-toe flats or layered with breezy blouses, they felt editorial, not ironic.

Crochet, Reinvented

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Crochet bags were everywhere—proof that texture still has a major place in warm-weather dressing. But it wasn’t the overly boho look we’ve seen before. These felt refined, elevated, and surprisingly polished.

Layered Blouses Over Dresses

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Maybe the most surprising trend? The return of layering—but with intention. Flowy button-downs and oversized blouses styled over dresses gave an elongated, polished effect. It’s giving soft structure with main character energy.

Bows Are Back—And They’re Anything But Subtle

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This spring, the bow isn’t playing it safe. We’re not talking tiny, barely-there details. The runways—especially Ralph Lauren’s—made it clear: go big or go home. Oversized, floppy bows tied around the neck are stepping in where chunky necklaces used to reign. It’s soft, dramatic, and a little playful—but with the kind of confidence that says, “Yes, I meant to make this the centerpiece.”

Chunky Bags with Hardware

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The quiet luxury era might’ve muted logos, but it didn’t tone down structure. Ralph’s bags were weighty in the best way—thick handles, bold hardware, and shapes that hold their own. These are not “throw it over your shoulder” bags—they’re the centerpiece.

Chunky Rings and Layered Necklaces

Giovanni Giannoni/WWD

Jewelry at Ralph Lauren said one thing: more is more. Chunky, gleaming rings paired with layered gold chains brought drama to an otherwise soft collection. Expect this vibe to trickle down hard. No dainty jewelry here—Spring 2026 is bold, not bashful.