Hot and chaotic: Summer 2026 is ushering the return of ruffles and apocalyptic heat waves

By now, we all agree that 2026 is the chaotic and unhinged younger sibling of 2016.

So with that, get out your blinding neon clothes and chunky gemstone-embellished sunnies.

Gone are the days of slick backs — beachy waves, micro shorts, and bold palm tree prints are taking over the city.

Based on recent runway looks, we know fringe is back (a win for the cowboys) and so are ruffles (a win for cottagecore baddies). There are also Balenciaga trash bags, but let’s ignore that because we can’t play into the hands of capitalism-fueled industrialists. 

This summer, expect to see a lot of sheer gossamer fabric, which literally glitters in the sun. Paired with a lot of ruffles for movement, gossamer is perfect for airy trousers or bubble dresses.

Also expect to hear the clinking of mini-skirts filled with colourful plastic circles passing off as “shells.” These skirts shall echo in the streets, replacing the splashing of boots in rainy pavement puddles.

Sweet citrus scents will float in the air as “Lush Life” by Zara Larsson conquers every little café and rules radio and Spotify playlists. Also, while we are on the topic of “lush,” can Lush Cosmetics bring their Million Dollar Sun Cream to Canada?

When it comes to your surroundings, be ready to get emotionally ambushed and financially ripped off by doe-eyed children armed with checkered tablecloths and bright yellow lemonade stand signs. If you’re lucky, there may even be pink lemonade. If you’re luckier, “Pink Lemonade” by The Wombats will be playing in the background.

But the kids won’t be the only ones selling overpriced beverages. Trends like watermelon, mango, and berry-flavoured popping boba are coming for the beverage market — and your mint mojito.

Speaking of watermelon — the ambassador fruit of summer — expect this cheeky melon to make appearances everywhere, including your feta and arugula salads, because we are officially flavourmaxxing this season.

I, however, am most excited for strawberries and mangos, especially in their superior forms: salsa (hey, don’t knock it till you try it) and ice cream. Note that the ice cream you’ll enjoy this summer will become liquid before you know it, because 2026 is expected to be one of the hottest years on record. If you like sweet soup, global warming has got your back. And literally speaking, put sunscreen on your back, too — you will burn.

Let’s embrace the chaos between the sticky popsicles, ruffled dresses, and overzealous lemonade entrepreneurs. Summer 2026 isn’t just hot, it’s a full-on sensory ambush. Don’t fight it — there’s enough of that happening in the world already.

Instead, laugh through the sweat, savour the watermelon, and let every glittery, neon-coloured moment stick because summers like this only come around for a few weeks — and honestly, this one might be our last, so you might as well enjoy it.