While denim maxi skirts have faded from the fashion spotlight and pleated miniskirts lean distinctly Gen Z, a fresh wave of skirted styles is set to make a statement in the Spring/Summer 2026 collections.
Denim dresses offered a seasonal reprieve from the oversized and wide-leg jean silhouettes that continue to dominate the runway. Each designer put their mark on the silhouette, delivering a variety of aesthetics to choose from.
In New York, Area leaned into party fashion with a vintage wash denim gown featuring distressed marks, classic jean buttons and a long train. Similarly, Luar used stretch denim to create a body-hugging micro dress with exaggerated shoulders.
In Italy, Antonio Marras combined rugged denim with delicate lace and embroideries. In London, Di Petsa recreated the look of sandy beaches with two tan denim frocks, embellished with frayed seams and hems.
Emilia Wickstead kept it clean and simple with a powder-blue dress with a princess bodice. Aknvas also chose a light and bright wash for mini dresses, with exaggerated ruffles and lacing details. Marques’Almeida showed the best of both worlds with a dark wash one-shoulder dress and an acid wash mini dress with a bubble skirt.
