For decades, the pareo—a traditional wrap textile with deep roots in Pacific Island cultures—was relegated to the “beach cover-up” category, a fleeting accessory for the sand. But as the Resort 2026 collections descend upon the fashion world, this humble wrap has undergone a radical transformation. No longer just for the poolside, the pareo is being reimagined by designers like Blumarine, Gabriela Hearst, and Erdem as a versatile powerhouse of the urban wardrobe. In early 2026, the wrap skirt has emerged as the ultimate transitional piece, blurring the lines between tropical ease and city sophistication, proving that a twist of island allure is exactly what the modern woman needs to navigate the gray days of winter.
From the Beach to the Boulevard
The Resort 2026 season has redefined the pareo’s purpose, shifting it from a vacation necessity to a cosmopolitan staple. Designers are capitalizing on the “wrap” silhouette to offer a look that is both structured and fluid. Blumarine, for instance, has moved away from purely literal beachwear, pairing agave-flower print sarongs with heavy knit cardigans and ankle-wrap heels. The addition of black tights transforms the look into a functional outfit for a January office setting, proving the pareo’s adaptability.
Historically, the pareo served as a lightweight, breezy textile, but the 2026 iteration experiments with weight and texture. We are seeing a move toward “Winter Pareos,” where the focus is on how a wrap-around garment can provide a sense of movement even when layered under heavy overcoats. This trend is a nod to the reality of modern life: while the collection is “Resort,” most women spend their midwinter weeks in the city, craving a hint of the tropics without sacrificing warmth.
Gabriela Hearst: The Luxe-Minimalist Pareo
At Gabriela Hearst, the pareo has been elevated to a level of “quiet luxury” that feels entirely new. Her Resort 2026 collection features wrap skirts crafted from black suede and ponyhair, layered over cashmere maillots (one-piece swimsuits) and paired with over-the-knee boots. This moody, monochromatic styling strips away the “tourist” associations of the sarong, replacing them with a sleek, architectural edge.
Hearst’s approach highlights the pareo’s potential as a “power piece.” By utilizing heavier, high-end materials, she turns the wrap skirt into a sophisticated alternative to the classic midi skirt. It is a lesson in transitional excellence, showing that the same silhouette used for a beach holiday in Ibiza can be rendered in materials suited for a sophisticated springtime getaway in New York or Paris.
Erdem and the Romance of the Wrap
While some designers go for structure, Erdem remains the champion of the romantic, ethereal wrap. For the Pre-Spring 2026 season, the brand teamed textured satin wrap skirts with delicate bikini tops and cozy, oversized cardigans. This juxtaposition—the intimacy of swimwear against the formality of satin—creates a look that feels both spontaneous and deeply curated.
The Erdem pareo often features the brand’s signature floral prints, but for 2026, they have a more “vintage-traveler” feel. These skirts are designed to be “kotted and draped” to create uneven, handkerchief hemlines, adding a sense of drama to every step. By pairing these festive skirts with practical knits, Erdem suggests that the vacation mindset is a state of mind that can—and should—be brought into the everyday urban landscape.
Styling the Pareo: 2026 Tips and Tricks
To master the pareo trend this year, the key lies in unexpected layering. The “Small Top / Big Bottom” silhouette continues to dominate Resort 2026, making a fitted turtleneck or a cropped bralette the perfect partner for a voluminous wrap skirt. For those looking to brave the chill, designers recommend wearing your pareo over wide-leg trousers or even a pair of slim-fit denim, creating a skirt-over-pants look that was a favorite on the 2026 runways.
As we move into the sunnier months of 2026, the pareo can be simplified. Style a printed sarong with a simple white bikini and a woven leather tote for a classic “Ibiza-to-Santorini” vibe. Finish the look with gold-plate embellished sandals and a seashell pendant necklace to lean into the “Boho-Chic” resurgence that brands like Gucci and Valentino are championing this season.
The Future of the Wrap: Sustainable and Versatile
The 2026 pareo trend is also a win for sustainable fashion. Because the pareo is essentially a large, versatile piece of fabric, it encourages “modular dressing.” A high-quality silk or linen wrap can be a skirt one day, a dress the next, or even a dramatic scarf for an evening out. Brands like Ulla Johnson are leaning into this by offering pareos made from organic cottons and artisanal prints that are built to last through multiple seasons.
In an era where consumers are looking for “more with less,” the pareo provides a perfect solution. It is a garment that travels well, fits every body shape thanks to its adjustable nature, and carries a story of global heritage. Whether you are walking through a botanical garden or a subway station, the wrap skirt offers a sense of freedom and flow that defines the fashion spirit of 2026.
