5 Lessons in Light Layering From Max Mara's Resort 2026 Show
We've seen countless renditions of three-piece suits with trousers, but now, Griffiths presents the shorts-suit: a contemporary take on the silhouette that blends androgyny with a romantic touch. Shorts, tailored, high-waisted and crafted from wool silk mohair, gave a flirty yet powerful punch to the show's opening look. Rather than worn with button-down blouses, shorts suits were presented with bralettes or corset-inspired bustiers with boning detail giving a fitted, feminine look to counter the loose nature of the blazer.
Slip dress with a trench
There's a concept central to Italian fashion – it's called bella figura. 'Italian brands are not so interested in experimenting with your body or with your appearance, or being avant garde. They've always been about clothes that you can wear easily, with nonchalance – to make you look and feel good, light and wearable, with a casual if not sporty feel to it,' elaborates Griffiths.
Photo: Max Mara Resort 2026 Photo: Max Mara Resort 2026
Nowhere was this better epitomised on the runway than in the looks that paired silky slip dresses with light trenches, playing with proportion in a way that challenged conventionality. The combination of figure-hugging inner dresses with loose coats and jackets, finished off with sleek loafers and sometimes, oversized Whitney totes, gave an air of mystique to the Max Mara woman. Is she on her way to work? A date? Perhaps both – for the brand has skilfully mastered the craft of versatility for the modern, multitasking woman on-the-go.
Reverse-shirt layering
'For this year. I've been thinking of a shirt as something you can wear without anything over it,' reflects Griffiths. 'In fact, why not think about things that you can wear under it, because you can put something – or a hint of something feminine underneath . Maybe a camisole, or something you just get a peep of.'
Photo: Max Mara Resort 2026 Photo: Max Mara Resort 2026
On the runway, white shirts were worn half-buttoned in a myriad of ways. When unbuttoned from the top, they revealed bralette-inspired tops underneath, seemingly fashioned from neckties – or at least, prints and textiles inspired by men's ties, knotted at the front for a touch of playfulness. When unbuttoned from the bottom meanwhile, they were styled open, almost up to the very top buttons, showing just a hint of a minimalist bralette beneath.
The belted blazer
Belt loops are no prerequisite for wearing a belt, according to one of the show's biggest micro trends. While a couple of looks featured chunky belts styled over knits, the real stars were the uber-thin belts topping the high-waisted shorts, trousers and skirts on the runways. At times, belts, rather than buttons, were the method of choice for closing up a blazer, at others, they simply sat over the waistlines of skirts, elevating garments with additional dimension.
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