It Girls Everywhere Know These 5 Trends Are the Key to Chic Summer Outfits

Summer is fast approaching here in the UK. But to be honest, it didn’t really hit me until this week, when the temperature really started to rise, that we’re well into the warm-weather season. Whilst I’m sure to get my wear out of forever staples, think classic linen button-ups and timeless midi skirts, I’ve also officially started my hunt for the elevated yet elegant trends to add to my summer capsule wardrobe. And although the street style here in London provides me with plenty of inspiration, I’ll also be looking to other well-known fashion destinations for guidance this season.

Now, as a self-proclaimed minimalist, I’m not looking for anything that feels too out there or that’s unlikely to stand the test of time in my wardrobe. But instead, I went on the hunt for 5 summer trends from 5 different fashion capitals, all of which feel just as fresh for 2026 as they are classic, timeless, and, most importantly, wearable.

From elevated takes on the classic raffia tote to the standout trouser silhouette that’s making a comeback in 2026, keep scrolling to discover which summer trend is set to dominate in each fashion capital of the world this season.

5 Chic Summer Fashion Trends I’ll Be Copying From Each City

1. Paris, France

Two-Tone Midi Dresses

Style Notes: If you’re more of a pared-back dresser like me and therefore unlikely to branch out from your neutral palette, then the Parisian girls have the perfect trend to try this summer. Enter the two-tone midi dress. This trend feels more elevated than your typical one-coloured midi style, but remains neutral enough to be versatile, timeless and easy to style. Not to mention, it will look expensive and intentional at any price point you opt for. Très chic!

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2. London, England

Red & Black Flip-Flops

Style Notes: If you’re a regular reader of Who What Wear, you’ll know just how much we swear by a flip-flop in summer. But for 2026, London fashion people are giving this classic sandal a cool update in the form of red and black iterations. Starting back in 2025 with the viral pair of two-toned Dune flip-flops from The Row, the trend took off almost immediately. In true Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen-nature, these are, of course, impossible to find these days; but other luxury and high-street brands have taken a cue from the stylish pair and created their own iterations that can be shopped below.

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3. New York, New York

Drummer Tops

Style Notes: Dressy enough to add a sense of polish to casual denim but with just the right amount of relaxed edge to feel effortless, stylish New Yorkers are using drummer tops as a trusty staple that will see them through from now until early autumn. This versatile top style can also be worn as a jacket on chillier summer days, but looks undeniably elegant when worn on its own with jeans, trousers and skirts alike. Me personally? I’ll be opting for a darker colour, such as black or chocolate brown, that I can reach for no matter the season.

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4. Oslo, Norway

Linen Balloon Trousers

Style Notes: If you prefer to stick to the minimal side of dressing, then the phrase “balloon trousers” might seem rather daunting. However, trust me when I say that the styles taking off in summer 2026 are anything but. Adopted by the forever elegant Scandi fashion set, the balloon pants dominating the trouser market this year are all focused on romantically soft and billowing linen silhouettes in pared-back colours as opposed to the neon, overly dramatic styles that dominated the 1980s.

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5. Copenhagen, Denmark

Raffia Fringe Bags

Style Notes: From Paris to London, we Euro girls adore our raffia bags in summer. But for 2026, I noticed that the Copenhagen fashion set has its eyes on a much more elevated take on the style. Enter the fringe raffia tote. This eye-catching summer handbag trend is an easy way to add texture to an outfit, not to mention it’s a fail-proof way to earn compliments this season. Of course, there are plenty of luxury styles that you can invest in, but the high street has a selection that, to me, looks just as expensive.

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