Five runway trends for outdoor festival season

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Outdoors festival season is in full swing, and it’s time to get your wardrobe ready for the long, sun-soaked days ahead

A summer wardrobe refresh doesn’t require a complete overhaul or sacrificing your personal style. It’s about introducing a few fresh trends, reworking pieces you already own and finding the sweet spot between runway impact, comfort and versatility

Think sheer layers styled for understated elegance, rather than nekkid dressing, or statement pieces you can wear long after festival season ends

With your personal style firmly in place, take inspiration from the international spring/summer 2027 runways. We’ve rounded up five trends to bring a fresh edge to your summer wardrobe, whether you’re heading to an outdoor concert, festival or social gathering

Nekkid dressing, made wearable

Embrace transparency without sacrificing comfort or confidence by using clever layering and breathable fabrics. On the runway, sheer skirts, translucent layers and lingerie-inspired details are bringing a little dare to warm-weather dressing. As seen at Chanel, a model walks the runway in a sultry sheer strapped mesh dress with bodice and fraying details; complete with sheer opera gloves and handbag. To style this trend, wear a sheer maxi skirt over cycling shorts, a fitted bodysuit and comfortable flat sandals.

Pop of colour

Bring the energy up in any room you enter by embracing bold shades and bright hues this season. On the runways, saturated orange, sunshine yellow, emerald green, hot pink and electric blue command attention – and so will you. As seen at Willy Chavarria, a model strutted in a hot pink leotard-inspired ensemble styled with a long-sleeved golfer and matching bikini bottoms. Forget playing it safe and master colour-blocking for the outdoors with a bright top, denim shorts and sneakers. Or build a complete look around one standout shade. Let us know the verdict.

60s-inspired mini

The playful mini dress is the wildcard piece for your wardrobe. It’s babydoll shapes, relaxed shift dresses and retro proportions that are both cooling and fresh for a day or night outing. Seen on the Dior runway, a model rocked a black mini dress complete with a matching cardigan with pearl detailing across its bodice. Style it as a loose mini dress with cutesy sneakers, a straw hat and a small crossbody bag for a comfortable and nostalgic weekend look. In the evening, swap out the courts for heels and pair with a denim or biker jacket.

Lightweight layers

Lightweight layers paired with relaxed tailoring are an elevated way to style a sheer garment without the fear of an impending wardrobe malfunction. On the runways, designers are embracing airy layers, unstructured jackets and relaxed silhouettes that feel more intuitive than rigid. This trend is ideal for outdoor festivals that can transition from the balmy afternoon that stretches into a cooling evening. Seen during the Louis Vuitton show, a model donned a buttery yellow sheer ruffled blouse with a matching long skirt layered over sheer trousers and a mini skirt. To try the trend, layer a lightweight linen shirt over a tank top paired with relaxed trousers or shorts, and then finish with comfortable sneakers or flat sandals. The shirt can be tied around the waist when temperatures rise.

Skirts take centre stage

The season’s most adaptable style, the modest knee-length skirt is having a major fashion moment on the runways with striking prints and playful proportions. In summary, the skirt is no longer playing a supporting role in your outfit. Embrace fresh colourways, volume, shape, textures and unconventional proportions. At Dior, a model walked the runway in a sheer baby pink long skirt paired with an ivory coloured lightweight jacket. Give the trend a test drive by swapping out long shorts for a skirt paired with your favourite top. For petite silhouettes, take caution when styling a long-length skirt with flats. Instead, pair with platforms for height and comfort.

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