Summer is almost here in the UK. But to be honest, that wasn’t the case. Really Until the temperature rises this week Really The temperature is starting to rise, and we are finally entering the warm season. While we’re definitely moving away from timeless staples like classic linen button-ups and timeless midi skirts, we’re officially starting to look for lofty and elegant trends to add to our summer capsule wardrobes. Street style here in London gives me a lot of inspiration, but this season I’m going to look to other famous fashion destinations as well.
Now, as a self-proclaimed minimalist, I don’t look for anything in my wardrobe that is too eccentric or unlikely to stand the test of time. Instead, I went looking for five summer trends from five different fashion capitals. They all feel fresh for 2026 while being classic, timeless, and most importantly wearable.
From elevated interpretations of the classic raffia tote to standout pant silhouettes making a comeback in 2026, keep scrolling to see which summer trends will dominate in each of the world’s fashion capitals this season.
5 chic summer fashion trends to copy from each city
1. Paris, France
two tone midi dress
Style notes: If you’re a simple dresser like me and aren’t likely to stray from a neutral palette, the Parisian girls have the perfect trends to try this summer. Wear a two-tone midi dress. This trend has a more elevated feel than the typical monochromatic midi style, but remains neutral, making it versatile, timeless, and easy to style. Needless to say, no matter what price point you choose, it will look expensive and intentional. It’s so chic!
Shop trends:
2. London, UK
Red & Black Flip Flops
Style notes: If you’re a regular reader of Who What Wear, you’ll know how much we swear by it. Beach sandals in summer. But for 2026, London’s fashion insiders are giving the classic sandal a cool update with a red and black version. Back in 2025, start with the viral two-tone pair dune flip flops From The Row, the trend started almost immediately. In the nature of the real Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, these, of course, are impossible to find today. But other luxury and high street brands have also taken cues from this stylish pair and created their own versions, which you can buy below.
Shop trends:
3. New York, New York
drummer tops
Style notes: Dressy enough to add a touch of sophistication to casual denim, yet with just the right relaxed edge for an effortless vibe, stylish New Yorkers are turning to drummer tops as a reliable staple from now until early fall. This versatile top style can be worn as a jacket on chilly summer days, but it definitely looks elegant when worn alone with jeans, pants, and skirts. For me personally? Choose dark colors that are easy to use regardless of the season, such as black or chocolate brown.
Shop trends:
4. Oslo, Norway
linen balloon trousers
Style notes: If you want to stick to the minimal side of dressing, the phrase “balloon pants” may sound quite daunting. However, this is definitely not the style that will be popular in the summer of 2026. Embracing the eternally elegant Scandinavian fashion set and dominating the pant market this year, balloon pants focus on romantically soft billowing linen silhouettes in stripped-down colors, in contrast to the neon, overly dramatic styles that dominated the 1980s.
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5. Copenhagen, Denmark
raffia fringe bag
Style notes: From Paris to London, we Eurogirls worship Raffia bag for summer. But heading into 2026, Copenhagen’s fashion set finds itself aiming for a higher level of style. Introducing the fringe raffia tote. Not only is this eye-catching summer handbag trend an easy way to add texture to your outfit, it goes without saying that it’s a sure-fire way to get compliments this season. Of course, there are plenty of high-end styles you can invest in, but the high street has an assortment that looks just as expensive to me.
Shop trends:
Source: Latest from Who What Wear – www.whowhatwear.com
