Vogue's 2026 Summer Trends Recap: From Freaky Flip-Flops to Color Revival

Vogue's annual summer trends recap, based on reader polls and staff predictions, highlights the season's defining fashion moments. The article notes that sandals became increasingly unconventional, with barely-there hiking styles dominating, while summer boots also gained popularity, as predicted by Laird Borrelli-Persson. Sheer clothing emerged as a practical response to historic heatwaves, allowing for breathable yet stylish outfits. Color was a major theme, with readers favoring bold brights, particularly teal and turquoise, and polka dots were surprisingly popular. The magazine dedicated a week to color coverage, and Christian Allaire declared red a neutral. Style debates included the acceptability of flip-flops in urban settings, the fit of men's pants, and the length of shorts, with a split on capris. The summer was notably sporty, with the Knicks' championship and soccer events influencing fashion, and the Knicks jersey won 61% of the reader vote over Spain's soccer jersey. Celebrity couples like Zendaya and Tom Holland, and Harry Styles and Zoë Kravitz, were highlighted, with Styles winning the best shorts wearer poll. The article concludes by teasing fall predictions.