The mood of Spring/Summer 2026 feels sun-drenched and expansive – because we’ve been inspired by the desert. This season’s collections are filled with flowing silhouettes, natural textures and a palette drawn straight from the landscape itself. Terracotta, sand, ochre, olive, combined with sun-faded neutrals and natural fabrics, create a style that looks expensive and chic yet relaxed and flattering. We love it! That’s why we’ve created a whole article around desert-inspired outfits.
Look for clothes that are loose, breathable and designed to move. There is a quiet ease to this way of dressing that appeals to us, as well as a subtle drama in the way fabrics drape. From soft linen layers to fluid dresses and relaxed tailoring, it’s a trend that balances effortlessness with intention, making it one of the season’s most wearable and evocative directions.
You’ll find this trend in our 2026 spring styles round up – and in this article below, we’re diving deeper into it as it’s one of our favorites.
Carmen @carmen_gimeno above shows how you can combine structured and loose, casual and formal, for an unexpected yet very stylish look.
Check out this similar top, skirt (another option here), sneakers, handbag, necklace (another option here) and sunglasses.
Brands
If you’re as inspired by this micro-trend as we are, then look for brands that focus on natural fabrics, fluid silhouettes, and sun-washed color palettes. These are some of the brands we’ve chosen from for this article.
Desert inspired
What we love about this trend is it’s a mix of many style personalities, so you can definitely make it fit your aesthetic – particularly if you have a bohemian style personality, eurochic style personality, or a minimal style personality.
tops
This trend is fantastic for hiding a belly – just look out for asymmetry and draping for flattering movement that gently conceals the midsection without feeling heavy or restrictive. Asymmetric cuts add diagonal layering that draws the eye across the body in a flattering way. Fabrics in breathable linens, gauzy cottons, and lightweight blends enhance that airy, wind-swept feel, while the color palette mirrors the desert itself: warm sands, sunlit yellows, rich ochres, and muted clay tones. A tank top is always a good option too, particularly if you’re heading off on vacation.
Massimo Dutti Linen Waistcoat – Massimo Dutti 100% Linen Strappy Top – Massimo Dutti Flowing Surplice Blouse – Massimo Dutti Asymmetric Cape-style Flowing Blouse
Claudia @glamupyourlifestyle above layers a long asymmetric top over her linen pants.
Get her look with this similar top, cardigan, pants, sandals, handbag and necklace.
Coats and jackets
Jackets and cardigans in desert-inspired fashion are about adding warmth and extra fluidity. So, just like your tops, you’re looking for draping and a natural look. Open-knit crochet introduces a handcrafted, sun-filtered feel that lets light and air pass through and adds texture to an outfit of muted tones. Asymmetry plays a subtle but striking role here too, with uneven hems, off-center fastenings, or draped fronts that create movement and visual interest. Poncho-style silhouettes add an easy, enveloping layer that feels both relaxed and statement-making, perfect for transitioning from warm days to cooler evenings. In earthy tones and tactile fabrics, these layers add warmth, texture, and effortless flow.
Nocturne Belted Eyelet Detail Short-Sleeve Jacket – Massimo Dutti Contrast Crochet Knit Cardigan – Massimo Dutti 100% Linen Tie Kimono – Massimo Dutti Linen Blend Knit Cape
Massimo Dutti Contrast Crochet Knit Cardigan – Massimo Dutti 100% Linen Strappy Top – Massimo Dutti Wide-leg Pleated Trousers – Sam Edelman Bambi Slide Sandals – Massimo Dutti Nappa Leather Shoulder Bag – Massimo Dutti Irregular Earrings
pants and jeans
When it comes to pants and jeans, desert-inspired fashion rebels against traditional styling rules. The usual ‘balance’ of fitted and loose is more of a suggestion than a rule. Yes, of course, you can anchor the look with a fitted tank and flowing trousers, but this trend truly comes alive when you lean into volume on volume, pairing draped tops with equally relaxed silhouettes. Think harem pants and balloon styles that gather, fold, and move.
Massimo Dutti Linen Barrel Fit Trousers – Massimo Dutti Flowing Tie Detail Trousers – Eileen Fisher Puckered Organic Linen Stripe Wide-Leg Pant – Massimo Dutti Wide-leg Pleated Trousers
Sharryn @thestylishwoman above adds interest to her neutral outfit by mixing textures with her crochet top and woven shoes.
Steal her look with this similar top, pants, mules, belt, earrings, necklace, and sunglasses.
Dresses
Desert dressing is all about layering – but you can still get the look with just a dress by choosing linen or draping. If you opt for prints, keep them subtle and understated, think faded motifs, delicate patterns and stripes in all of your desert colors.
Massimo Dutti 100% Linen Midi Dress – Faithfull The Brand Tali Maxi Dress – Faithfull The Brand Clara Maxi Dress – Nocturne Printed Halter Midi Dress
Massimo Dutti 100% Linen Tie Kimono – Faithfull The Brand Clara Maxi Dress – AZALEA WANG Wink Slouch Pointed Toe Boot – Massimo Dutti Split Leather Studded Bag – Massimo Dutti Mini Glass Lemon Earrings
Shoes and boots
Stick to interesting textures for your shoes and boots too, like rattan, straw and suede. Metallics also look fantastic with the desert color palette.
Sam Edelman Bambi Slide Sandals – Pelle Moda Tianna Raffia Rosette Ankle Strap Sandal – Söfft Rio II Wedge Sandals – AZALEA WANG Wink Slouch Pointed Toe Boot
Kimba @kimbalikes above shows how you can mix your desert inspired colors with brighter shades like turquoise.
Recreate her outfit with this similar dress, sandals, bag, sunhat and sunglasses.
accessories
For accessories to go with your desert-inspired outfits, stick to slouchy shapes that mirror the draping on your looks. Add metallic jewelry – gold goes particularly well with terracotta, olive greens. Gold and amber are a particularly good choice, especially if you find jewelry with twine rather than a chain. We love the look of cuff bracelets worn with these outfits, too.
Massimo Dutti 100% Raffia Mid-sized Tote Bag – Massimo Dutti Split Leather Studded Bag – Massimo Dutti Nappa Leather Shoulder Bag – Massimo Dutti Fossil Pendant Leather Cord Necklace – Massimo Dutti Irregular Wide Cuff – Massimo Dutti Mini Glass Lemon Earrings – Massimo Dutti Irregular Earrings – Massimo Dutti Square Sunglasses
Massimo Dutti Linen Waistcoat – Massimo Dutti Linen Barrel Fit Trousers – Pelle Moda Tianna Raffia Rosette Ankle Strap Sandal – Massimo Dutti 100% Raffia Mid-sized Tote Bag – Massimo Dutti Fossil Pendant Leather Cord Necklace – Massimo Dutti Irregular Wide Cuff
You desert inspired outfits in one capsule
Below, you can see the outfits from above together in one capsule. This is a color palette you can easily mix and match to create a variety of looks.
What do you think of these desert-inspired outfits? Will you be adding this trend to your closet this season?
Continue reading:
- How to wear bold colors this season
- How to wear texture this spring
- Monochrome outfits for spring: black and white takes the lead
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Feature image by Carmen @carmen_gimeno
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