By Laura Cinotti — For me, spring has always felt like a fresh start. Maybe it’s the flowers blooming, the longer days, or that first warm morning when everything suddenly feels possible again. That sense of renewal always shows up in the way I get dressed — lighter, brighter, and full of pieces that make me smile.

As a stylist, one of my favorite parts of my job is helping clients reconnect with that feeling, reminding them that getting dressed can be deeply personal, expressive and, honestly, joyful.

That’s exactly why I’m loving the direction of spring 2026. This season isn’t about perfectly curated minimalism or chasing the one “right” look. It’s about individuality, texture, and playful, collected pieces that feel like they found you just as much as you found them.

I’ve often described myself as a “dopamine dresser,” and it turns out that adding sprinkles of joy to your wardrobe is exactly what’s trending.

Here’s a look at this spring’s trends — and how they show up in real life.

Personal maximalism (More is more, and I’m into it)

Minimalism isn’t gone, but it’s definitely taking a back seat. Spring 2026 is embracing personality-forward dressing: layered accessories, bold details and outfits that feel lived-in rather than overly styled. It’s a season of more-is-more — which I love.

How to wear it:

If you love accessories, let them shine. Add a fun shoe in a bold color or print to everyday jeans and a T-shirt. If accessories aren’t your thing, let the clothing do the talking. Try a ruffled blouse, statement sleeve or structured shoulder. Keep the rest of the look simple and streamlined so the bold detail feels intentional, not overwhelming.

Patterns are back (and they’re having fun)

Patterns are everywhere — especially on denim. Think floral jeans, polka dots, playful graphics and bold prints that feel nostalgic yet fresh.

How to wear it:

Pair a graphic T-shirt or lightweight, airy knit with printed or floral jeans for daytime. Finish the look with tennis shoes — or “sneakers” for my fellow Northern transplants. For a night out, style those same jeans with a classic tee, kitten heels and a blazer. Easy switch, same joyful energy.

The colors on the horizon

Spring 2026 color trends feel happy and wearable all at once. Canary yellow, rich teal, cloud-dancer white, vibrant violet and a soft, wearable pink are leading the way.

Rich teal is one of my personal favorites — it’s dopamine dressing in color form. Unexpected, confident and flattering on everyone.

How to wear it:

Think of soft pink as your new white. Anywhere you’d normally wear a white tee, tank or button-down, try swapping in pink. Teal works beautifully as an accessory, too — a bag, shoe or belt instantly wakes up an outfit.

Fabrics that move (floaty, draped and comfortable)

The real fashion story this season isn’t just bubble pants (though we are obsessed with them) — it’s movement. Floaty fabrics, draping and silhouettes that move with you are everywhere. Comfort and chic absolutely go together.

How to wear it:

Pair a draped or fluid top with streamlined pants for balance. Or try a floaty skirt with a more body-conscious top to keep the look grounded and modern.

Stylist tip:

Think of your floaty top or balloon pants as the main character. Let everything else play a supporting role to keep the look balanced while letting movement and drama shine.

Texture play

Spring textures are light, airy and touchable — crochet, soft knits, sheer layers, fringe and linen blends. Texture adds interest without extra fuss.

How to wear it:

Try a crochet top or sweater with classic denim, a sheer blouse with structured pants, or layer a soft knit over a crisp tee. Mixing textures adds depth, dimension and that styled-without-trying feeling.

Vintage accessories with a story

Vintage is strong this season, especially in bags, brooches and scarves. Some of my most treasured pieces are thrifted finds. Anything with history creates instant visual interest and makes an outfit feel layered and personal.

This may be my favorite trend ever — it celebrates individualism and creatively marries the old with the new, which is one of my favorite things to do.

How to wear it:

Don’t be afraid to mix eras. A ’70s bag with a modern dress and mixed-metal jewelry feels fresh and unexpected. Tie a scarf around a bag handle, wear it loosely around your neck, thread it through belt loops or knot it as a belt. These small styling moments add a playful pop and make an outfit feel truly your own.

As spring approaches, let this season be your permission to say yes — to the colors that make you smile, the patterns that make your heart skip and the textures that invite you to move. Because when getting dressed sparks joy, happiness inevitably follows.

Laura Cinotti is a local stylist. Follow her for more style tips on Instagram @lc_styled.