VTheatrical lamps, textured fabrics, ornaments that convey a playful and conscious femininity. The Rococo style, born in the eighteenth century as a hymn to lightness and decoration, returns to inspire the Spring Summer 2026 wardrobe. Thanks to an old/new wave of glamor that crosses fashion and the collective imagination: the recent craze for the cinematic retelling of Wuthering Heights (famous nineteenth-century novel, set at the end of the 18th century, but now reread with greater aesthetic freedom) has rekindled the desire for a wardrobe made of ruffles, corsets, bows and details from times gone by.
It’s not about nostalgia, nor about outfits that mimic historical costume. Today’s Rococo is a cultured quote, filtered by contemporary stylinga bit’ à la française: graceful yes, but never affected.
The Rococo must-haves to have in 2026
An old-fashioned look that plays on attitude. The secret is to choose a few key elements and wear them out of context. So go ahead for floral brocade, preferably lightened by modern cuts thanks to blazers and tailored trousers. And to the dress with ruffles, which follows the movement of the body without caging it. The top embroidered in lurex thread adds a touch of light, the pleated skirt gives a good dose of theatricality.
The lace shirt remains the most versatile passe-partoutto be layered or left visible. The play of proportions is fundamental: large volumes below, defined silhouette above, thanks to the corset as an essential top. At the feet, shoes with bow-shaped applicationsespecially at the tip, as the latest trends dictate. Alternatively, very little is needed to recall the eighteenth-century Rococo style in the 2026 outfit: some little bows satin in her hair.
How to make the Rococo style outfit current
Modernity comes from the wise use of contrast. The lace maxi dress can be worn with sneakers, without hesitation. The more “pompous” pieces are lightened by combining them with more contemporary and functional garments: a men’s shirt stolen from his wardrobe, a leather jacket that breaks up the decorative excess.
DIOR lace embroidered dress, ADIDAS ORIGINALS “Japan” sneakers 130 euros. (Photo by Andrea Gandini – styling Flavia Galantini)
Visible transparencies work when they interact with clearer materials, in balance between fragility and strength.
The result is a new Rococo, wearable, ironic enough. A style that looks to the past, but walks decisively into the present. Even in storms…
