You May Disagree, But These 7 Summer Fashion Trends Are Officially "Dated", According to Fashion Insiders

As someone who swears by the carefully curated art of a balanced capsule wardrobe, I don't really give much weight to the term "dated" when it comes to fashion. You see, I (and all the other editors here at Who What Wear UK) believe that regardless of your budget, once you've invested well, the pieces in your rotation should withstand fashion's ever-changing cycle. But with that being said, sometimes a swap or two is needed to make your staples feel slightly more current and refresh their appeal.

As nostalgia continues to dominate the trendsphere, many "dated" styles have made their way back onto our mood boards. Be it the iconic Isabel Marant Beckett Wedge of the 2010s, or the '60s-born capri pant and even the jelly sandals of Y2K. Each of these once-written-off pieces is enjoying another turn in the rotations of fashion's most stylish dressers ahead of summer.

So, what does this mean for 2026 trends? Well, the answer is simple. Having taken a gander at the spring/summer runways and perused the social media feeds of the chicest women on the app, the trends they’re leaning into aren't too distant from summers past. Think fresh cornflower blue instead of butter yellow, and ditsy florals replaced with prim polka dots.

Want to know what else is worth pausing and what's worth picking up? I've rounded up the seven trends fashion insiders are swapping out "dated" styles for in summer 2026.

Latest Videos From

1. Pausing: Butter Yellow, Wearing: Cornflower Blue

Style Notes: Off the back of the vibrant turquoise satin that cropped up this spring, cornflower blue has emerged as the shade of favour in 2026. Blending nature-inspired serenity with refined elegance, this soft shade perfectly complements pared-back neutrals. In everything from silky satin dresses to fun wedge flip-flops, this hue will make you feel just as relaxed as the weather itself.

Shop Cornflower Blue:

2. Pausing: Waistcoats, Wearing: Peplum Tops

Style Notes: Had you asked me a few years ago if the peplum top—beloved in the 2010s—would ever make a comeback, the answer would have been a firm "no". Yet as we journey into summer 2026, this structured hem is somehow on the agenda once again. Garnering celebrity approval from Millie Bobby Brown, Taylor Swift and Elsa Hosk (pictured above), its instant polish makes it primed to replace the fitted waistcoats we’ve adored for years.

Shop Peplum Tops:

3. Pausing: Oval Sunglasses, Wearing: '70s Specs

Style Notes: A maximalist summer is well and truly taking shape, and if you need any further proof, just take a look at the sunglasses trends. Reminiscent of the supersized sunnies favoured by Twiggy, Jane Birkin and Jackie Kennedy-Onassis in the ‘60s and ‘70s, it makes sense that Chloé—poster brand of the bohemian aesthetic—is spearheading the trend once more. With an inherent retro appeal, these are the perfect finishing touch to the billowing blouses and draped balloon pants we’re all over this season.

Shop '70s Sunnies:

4. Pausing: Silk, Wearing: Taffeta

Style Notes: Let me start by saying that satin trousers will always be chic. But, if you’re looking for a seasonal update, try taffeta. This lightweight woven fabric carries the polished sheen we adore in satin, just with a little more structure. Often found in vibrant hues, fashion people are opting for the fabric in short dress and skirt forms to deliver the same outfit-making impact, just with a fresh twist.

Shop Taffeta:

5. Pausing: Floral Dresses, Wearing: Polka Dot

Style Notes: On the cusp of transitioning from trend to capsule-wardrobe staple, polka-dot dresses are the gift that keeps on giving. Striking the perfect balance between timeless elegance and playful, personality-led joy, the ‘80s signature print loved by Princess Diana (and Kate Middleton) has carved itself a fresh new path. Found in linen, satin and classic cotton, each iteration maintains its sophistication but with a carefree ease.

Shop Polka-Dot Dresses:

6. Pausing: Denim Shorts, Wearing: Sports Shorts

Style Notes: We called it: vintage-inspired athleisure is having a moment. (Think kitsch '00s activewear or the windbreaker's transition from hiking gear to fashion-forward outerwear). But it's sports shorts taking over in summer 2026. Whether layered over longer pairs or worn with a shirt and tie in an homage to Harry Styles' "Dance No More", there’s more to dolphin shorts than their running and basketball roots. Light, breezy and most importantly, fun to wear, they add an ironically modern feel to fitted tanks and apron tops.

Shop Sports Shorts:

7. Pausing: Leopard Print, Wearing: Zebra Print

Style Notes: Last year was full of prints, but as summer approaches, fashion people are honing in on one: zebra. It's striking black-and-white contrast offers a bold alternative to classic animal print, but somehow manages to balance high-impact style with surprising neutrality. Pairing well with bright colours, muted tones and simple denim alike, it's a fail-safe way to update your look with 2026 energy.

Shop Zebra Print: