At fashion month, we got a preview of the trends that are set to be big for spring 2026—as well as how style is unfolding on the street style scene and the key buys of the season. In Milan and Paris, we always see a sense of elevated style alongside directional items, and this season was no exception. Attendees at the S/S 26 shows set the tone for how looks will unfold in the coming months, and showcased some key ways to pull off polished, elevated style.
Pieces such as sleek column skirts and half-zip knits were key players, as well as classic accessories such as leather ballerina flats and wayfarer sunglasses. 2025 has been marked by sophisticated style and we saw plenty of evidence of that during fashion month.. Ahead, see the top street style looks from Milan and Paris that tapped into elevated style and the key items to shop to execute it in your wardrobe.
Women In Milan and Paris Proved These 6 Items Will Always Make You Look Elevated
1. Column Skirts
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Style Notes: Following on from the ‘office siren’ aesthetic we saw earlier on this year, column skirts are trending majorly at the moment. Sleek, polished, and easy to style, this longer and more fitted skirt style was spotted all over spring/summer 2026 fashion month, both on and off the runways. The key to making it look modern? Pair them with easy knits and laid-back kitten heels in neutral hues for an effortlessly chic look.
Shop the Staple:
THE FRANKIE SHOP
Alrose Pencil Woven Midi Skirt
2. Half-Zip Knitwear
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Style Notes: If there was one outerwear trend that dominated last season, it was the funnel-neck jacket. And now, fashion people are emulating this sleek trend with their knitwear as well. Enter the half-zip sweater, a much softer version of the funnel silhouette that can be worn fully zipped or halfway zipped to create a collar, like the name suggests.
Shop the Staple:
Polo Ralph Lauren
Cable Knit Cotton Quarter Zip Jumper
The black will go with everything.
H&M
Rib-Knit Zip-Top Jumper
This cream hue will brighten up your winter outfits.
Reiss
Interlock Half-Zip Drawcord Sweatshirt
I’d style mine exactly like this.
3. Dark Denim
(Image credit: Asia Typek)
Style Notes: By the time winter comes around. I usually set aside my light-wash jeans for darker indigo and black hues, and fashion people have proven just how elegant it looks. These deeper washes are not only easier to style for more formal events, but their similarity to black tailored trousers means you can get away with them in the office as well.
Shop the Staple:
AGOLDE
Luna Pieced High-Waist Tapered Jeans
Agolde’s denim never fails to impress me.
KHAITE
Bonnie Straight-Leg Jeans
An investment pair you’ll keep around for years to come.
ZARA
Trf Extra Wide-Leg High-Waist Jeans
4. Cardigan
(Image credit: Asia Typek)
Style Notes: Want to make your cardigans feel ‘2026’? Take a cue from stylish dressers and wear them as a top with trousers, skirts, and jeans alike. Stick to neutral hues that feel elevated but won’t date in your wardrobes in the years to come.
Shop the Staple:
Boden
Eva Cashmere Crew Cardigan
This shade is so versatile.
&DAUGHTER
Ada Wool Cardigan
Yes, to this entire outfit.
Whistles
Wool Mix Crew Cardigan
I almost mistook this for designer.
5. Ballet Flats
(Image credit: Asia Typek)
Style Notes: If there’s one shoe that trends in every season, it’s a ballet flat. Neat, easy to style, and most importantly, comfortable, ballet flats can be taken from day to night with ease. Not to mention, they’ll help to soften up your edgier fashion items.
Shop the Staple:
COS
Leather Ballerina Flats
These will go with everything you own.
Le Monde Béryl
Luna Slipper / Rouge Leather
Chocolate suede? Yes, please!
6. Sleek Sunglasses
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Style Notes: There’s not a single outfit that a pair of chic sunglasses won’t improve. Not only do they give you that ‘off-duty’ model look, but they’re also an investment that you’ll get wear out of no matter the time of year.
Shop the Staple:
CELINE EYEWEAR
Triomphe Oversized Round-Frame Acetate Sunglasses
Prada
Eyewear Collection Sunglasses
Metal-frame sunnies are having a moment.
Gucci
Butterfly Frame Sunglasses
The logo is instantly recognisable.
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