When you ask someone what they think of Trinity students, a popular answer is “an academic studying their books in an extravagant library”. However, what these outsiders don’t know is that many of us do our studying outside of the arts block, taking mental notes of cool outfits and which pieces we can steal or scavenge on Vinted before the next Pav. Being away from our campus’s fashion guide for the summer has left many of us to fend for ourselves. During my time back home in New York, I’ve turned to Instagram and people watching for style inspiration on these hot and sweaty days. These are the Summer ‘26 trends I predict will make their way to campus this September.
This has been a summer of “almost” full length clothing. What many consider a flashback to the 90s, I believe is truly an homage to the 1800s, when an ankle or forearm was considered risqué. Nevertheless, this trend may come in handy for Dublin’s erratic weather, so let’s break down these abbreviated clothing articles and styling.
- Capris
These cropped pants have taken the summer by storm. Whether they are jeans, yoga pants, leggings, or pantaloons, every influencer and IT girl in the making has been caught in capris. They even took over Copenhagen’s fashion week on and off the runway, paired with kitten heels, sandals, and flip-flops. Whether or not this trend is as micro as its material length, I believe this summer staple will be making its way to Trinity campus this September in the form of dark wash capri jeans, and perhaps even the pantaloon. Styled with ballet flats and a slouchy V-neck or cardigan, these pants may prove useful and popular in Dublin’s abrupt rain showers, long enough to keep warm, while short enough to avoid wet bottoms.
- Three-Quarter Length Sleeve
This mathematical anomaly has been worn by Jane Birkin, Kate Moss, and numerous present day celebrities. It’s been creeping back into fashion since last summer, laying the groundwork for its title of a 2026 summer trend and incoming September staple. I’m unsure who does the math for these tops, but according to the labels, sleeves that are hemmed right above the elbow to just cover it are all three-quarter length; I would argue some should be considered one-third. These shirts are sure to make themselves known this fall. Ideal for the transitioning season, slightly more interesting than your average t-shirt or long sleeve, and short enough for a Trinity student’s stack of accessories.
- New Colour Palettes
Now, let’s talk colour. Neutrals finally have a rival in this trend cycle. Bye bye sad beige, hello teal, turquoise, tomato red, and electric fuchsia. This colour palette’s serious rebranding can be attributed to several internet trends labeling them as “chic” or the “colour of the summer”, in addition to the resurgence of colourful cotton-athleisure and curated “messiness” created through colour blocking. As many brands continue to produce their cotton basics in these vibrant colours I’m sure we will begin to see;
- Teal, Turquoise, Aqua,
- Bright Reds,
- Olive Green,
- Mint,
- Bubble Gum Pink,
- and Plum Purple,
…sticking out against Trinity’s grey campus.
- Jelly Texture
Jelly, often enjoyed as a summer treat or pleasant surprise at pres, has also delighted the fashion world.
- Jelly flats
- Jelly bags
This past year, ballet flats of all materials walked across campus: suede, leather, satin, knit, and mesh. I wouldn’t be surprised if jelly flats joined the list. Sold by every major retailer this summer, they are translucent and come in a wide variety of colours and unique styles. Jelly bags, similar to their material relative, have the same glossy texture but are shaped like many trending purses of today.
- Detailing
Finally, keep an eye out for small, intentional detailing on clothing pieces and in outfits, such as:
- Buttons with no functional purpose,
- Lace hats,
- Unconventional socks,
- Knot detailing,
- and adjustable off-the-shoulder sleeves.
The summer is full of microtrends while the fall brings clarity to purchases driven by heat exhaustion. This September, we will see which trends were built solely for the summer, and which become campus staples.
