With a new season and a major designer reshuffle, there’s no other way to put it: the fashion energy is electric. The spring collections were a celebration of color, texture, and styling that goes beyond the obvious. Bold hues commanded the spotlight, in artful clashes of purple and red, Klein blue and green, ice and maroon. While spring/summer might not sound like a layering season, the transitional period suggests otherwise. The art of dressing for the in-between is less about layering for warmth, and more about layering with intention; moving beyond the realm of just wearing clothes, but styling them in a way that’s truly you.
Let’s start with classic shirting. The button-down proved over and over to be the ultimate styling hack. At Prada, unexpected color pairings, like burgundy with turquoise, felt fresh and intentional. Miu Miu delivered a masterclass by layering a grey V-neck vest over a shirt then adding a pop of print with a silk scarf underneath. At the same time, Bottega Veneta reminded us that something as simple as a sweater tossed over a jacket can change your entire look. At Loewe and Lii, it was all about doubling up—double the shirts, double the sport jackets. At Celine, pops of red enlivened Michael Rider’s color story. Scarves continued played a starring role throughout.
Bring these, and a handful of more runway ideas, into real life with our guide to layering the SS26 way, below.
Vogue’s Layering Essentials
Burgundy V-Neck + Khaki Shirt + Turquoise Gloves
At Prada, bold combinations stole the show. Recreate the look with a khaki poplin shirt and pencil skirt, layered under a deep V burgundy sweater. Roll the cuffs and sleeves and finish with a pair of turquoise gloves for an unexpected pop.
Baby Blue Button Down + Sweater Vest + Graphic Silk Scarf
A quirky, modern spin on the school girl uniform inspired by Miu Miu. A pleated skirt, baby blue poplin shirt, and charcoal sweater vest are your base, then mix it up with a graphic scarf and braided belt.
Green Suit Separates + Butter Yellow Sweater + White Glove Shoes
A fresh take on modern neutrals. At Bottega Veneta, a classic pant suit was softened with a butter-yellow sweater and punctuated by an emerald green bag. Finish with white gloves shoe—a silhouette you’ll spot everywhere.
Khaki Jacket + Multiple Poplin Shirts + Green Hat
At Loewe, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez made the case for layering with primary colors. Pile on all your favorite poplin shirts and ground with accessories in bright colors.
Sporty Yellow Jacket + Striped Poplin Shirt + Brown Trousers
A nostalgic nod to the classic raincoat, somewhere between childhood utility and Paddington. Style a yellow parka with brown-wash denim, a striped poplin shirt, and rich brown accessories for a grown-up take.
Pinstripe Suit + Black Button Down + Striped Tee + Cord Necklace
The pinstripe suit remains a power move. As seen at Ralph Lauren, lean into the look by pairing it with a striped shirt and an extra button-down layered underneath. Think chic not corporate.
Cropped Blazer + Peplum Top + Pleated Trousers
At Ashlyn, a cropped satin jacket meets a peplum top with a sliver of butter yellow. Keep accessories minimal with a single silver cuff and barely-there sandals.
Sporty Jackets + White Pencil Skirt + Cobalt Blue Tee
Don’t underestimate the impact of a sporty jacket when styled with ladylike separates. Wear two at once with a white pencil skirt plus a pop of cobalt blue. A color to be seen and wear this season.
Red Silk Button-Down + Matching Underpinnings Camel Trousers
Rachel Comey reminds us season after season that layering is an art. Try a red silk shirt with a matching bra and socks, styled with khaki trousers and topped with a sheer layer. Subtle yet striking.
