Coach SS26: Childhood Whimsy Meets Streetwear

Look 27

Stuart Vevers used the SS26 season to reimagine Coach with fresh momentum, leaning into a youthful energy and placing ‘Generation Now’ at the heart of the collection. This show felt like a celebration of personal style as seen in the streets of New York - how today’s youth remix heritage, symbols, whimsy, and utility into their own personal style. 

The 47 look collection draws on references to childhood, performance, and costume. Speaking of childhood, the balloon, star, and heart sheer-panelled dresses (Looks 40, 41, and 44) were playful nods to youthful nostalgia, very charming, but with a grown-up twist. A perfect blend of innocence and edge.

The result? A thoughtful mix of wearable art and ready-to-wear. Lightweight fabrics (ideal for spring), expressive motifs, and energising contrasts which teased a world that’s both imagined and lived-in - a dream sequence grounded in real-life dressing.

Let’s get into the show:

Colour palette: Black, White, Nude, Grey, Brown, Blue

Patterns: Plaid, Stars, Balloons

Favourite looks: Look 1, 14, 15, 22, 27, 29, 33, 35, 41, 47

Questionable Looks: Look 3, 6, 9, 24, 38, 40, 44

View Full Collection here: https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2026-ready-to-wear/coach/slideshow/collection

The collection features a good balance between comfort and tailored. While streetwear staples like tees and casual layers were present, they were offset by expertly cut trenches, outerwear, and structured accessories. Even when playful, the silhouettes retained a sense of refinement.

ABOVE - LOOKS (in order) 3, 41, 15

That said, some of those streetwear staples veered into the uninspired. Look 3 (above) featured a sleeveless maxi dress emblazoned with "NEW YORK" over a monochrome skyline - not offensive, just flat. Several other place-name prints popped up throughout the collection, and frankly, it felt repetitive and unimaginative. It’s not for me.

Other pieces did stand out to me in the collection, for example the accessorising - Bags and charms featured prominently. Somewhat similar to Michael Kors SS26, many of the models were kitted out with leather string necklaces carrying a small purse/ wallet type object. It was very much bohemian inspired and I really enjoyed Coach’s take on it. Hardware and details were used thoughtfully and with intention, not just as finishing touches to looks. 

One of the most inspired styling choices? The tie. But not around the neck, instead, pinned to jackets, skirts, trousers. Look 27 (above) exemplified this perfectly and yes, I’ll definitely be stealing the idea. That look also featured another standout piece: Coach’s tri-pattern, tri-colour wide-leg ¾-length trousers, which appeared throughout the collection as full-length versions, jackets, and skirts. 

ABOVE - LOOKS (in order) 1, 29, 22

And of course, it wouldn’t be Coach without its classics: statement trenches, colourful tees, and the iconic Tabby bag. This season, the trenches were reimagined with distressed details, imperfect closures, and lived-in character (see Look 1 - above). They felt rebellious, fresh, and very alive. I loved them!

The collection gives a palpable sense of a “new day” Not just optimism, but a redefinition of what Coach stands for when observed through the lens of the young, streetwise, socially conscious. This season feels more alive, more immediate. For Vevers, Coach is being reinvented - rooted in what the brand has always done, but more aware of how today’s generation wants to dress, move, and express.

With love, 

Mimi x