New York Fashion Week SS26 Trend Report: Underwear Is the New Ready-to-Wear

Slip into something a little unexpected. This season, New York Fashion Week made a compelling case for letting what used to be “under” step proudly into the light. For a Malibu Elixir woman—refined, sun-kissed, and always a step ahead—this is less about shock and more about elegant self-expression. Think polished tailoring, luminous skin, and the confidence to let a beautiful detail speak for itself.

The Lingerie-Out-Loud Moment at NYFW

From peekaboo to front-row star

Underwear-as-outerwear has officially graduated from novelty to wardrobe strategy. Designers treated lingerie, swim, and sheer layers as the point—not the afterthought. The result felt modern, sexy, and surprisingly wearable.

Why it resonates now

Fashion has flirted with the “naked dress” for decades, but this wave shifts the focus from body-revealing silhouettes to the undergarments themselves. It’s a reframing: the bra, brief, or boxer becomes a polished styling tool. Transparency, both literal and figurative, is the mood—edited, intentional, and very now.

How Designers Reimagined “What Lies Beneath”

Tailoring gets a sultry plus-one

Power suiting met its match in sleek bra tops and bikini-inspired layers. At houses known for polish—think Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors—the exposed bra provided a crisp counterpoint to sharp blazers and summer-weight trousers. Other labels doubled down, with slips replacing cocktail dresses and sculptural bras standing on their own beneath precise tailoring.

Boardwalk energy, couture execution

The coastal thread was unmistakable. One standout interpretation riffed on Venice Beach skate and surf culture: low-slung board shorts with boxer waistbands peeking above, paired with easy jackets and swim tops. The effect was insouciant and clean, like a sea breeze cutting through city heat.

The statement-makers stole a glance (or three)

If minimalism isn’t your lane, the maximalists had fun. Calvin Klein elevated waistbands to couture-level detailing—think woven elastic accents and long johns with built-in logo briefs. Elsewhere, flirty minis came trimmed with lace and gingham “panty” appliqués, and even daywear hid subtle nods to lingerie with bra clasps and deconstructed T-shirt bras reinvented as tops.

Quiet luxury, but bolder

For those who prefer whisper over shout, a crochet bralette styled with cream trousers and a pinstripe blazer offered the chicest nod. Day-to-night ease continued with a semi-bubble maxi skirt and a cardigan—proof that lingerie elements can be soft, sophisticated, and beautifully restrained.

Style Notes for the Malibu Elixir Muse

• Start with structure: anchor a neutral, sculptural bra under an oversized blazer and fluid trousers. It keeps the look modern, not exposed.
• Let sheer breathe: a chiffon or organza skirt with high-waist briefs reads intentional and elegant.
• Play with texture: crochet, satin, and lace add dimension without feeling costume-y.
• Balance proportions: if your top is minimal, go long with the hemline or relax the fit below the waist.
• Keep the palette refined: creams, sands, inky blacks, and sun-faded greens are endlessly chic.
• Sync with beauty: luminous skin, a touch of body oil, and soft, brushed-up brows enhance the look’s simplicity. Don’t forget SPF—glow, but protect.
• Fit is everything: choose underpinnings with proper support and clean lines so the silhouette stays sharp.

A Smart Shopping Shortlist

1. A refined bra top with supportive seams (not flimsy—think tailored).
2. Sheer skirt or slip dress that layers beautifully over tonal briefs.
3. Trousers with a relaxed rise to nod at the boxer-waist reveal without overexposure.
4. A crochet bralette for quiet-day minimalism.
5. A blazer with soft shoulders to balance lingerie’s delicacy.

The Bottom Line

Spring/summer 2026 invites us to celebrate what’s usually hidden and style it with intention. Whether you choose a whisper of sheer, a minimalist bralette, or a confident waistband reveal, the magic is in the mix—tailoring, texture, and a radiant finish.

Ready to experiment? Start small, edit thoughtfully, and let your natural glow lead the way. When you step out, make it a moment—one that feels unmistakably you.