Refinery29's Summer 2026 Lookbook reunites iconic America's Next Top Model stars to celebrate transformation, confidence, and stepping into your power. Discover fashion and beauty tips for every summer moment.
There is something in the air this summer: a collective desire to stop shrinking, stop waiting, and step fully into the spotlight of our own lives.
The Refinery29 Lookbook has always been about more than just trends; it is about celebrating the creative visionaries who shape culture and collaborating with them to bring the season's most inspiring fashion and beauty ideas to life. For Refinery29's Summer 2026 Lookbook, we kept returning to one idea: the making of a star. Not perfection, not polish, but the transformation that happens when someone decides to be seen.
To bring that vision to life, we reunited some of the most iconic figures from America's favorite modeling competition series: Nigel Barker behind the camera, Miss J Alexander on set, and beloved stars Naima, Toccara, Mercedes, and Molly. These are women many of us grew up watching, admiring, and learning from. They taught an entire generation about fashion, beauty, confidence, presence, and what it means to command a room unapologetically.
Having them together again felt electric, emotional, and honestly a little surreal. I grew up watching them on TV, and in many ways, I learned what it meant to be on set from faithfully tuning in every Wednesday night. Sitting in the TV room of the New York City apartment I grew up in, I was on three-way calls with my two best friends during commercial breaks, doing immediate deep dives on everything we were watching unfold.
Waiting until the next day at school to discuss it simply was not enough. Now, 20 years later, as the Chief Content Officer of Refinery29, I feel deeply affirmed knowing creative work can still give me that same buzz, that same electricity. And we hope you feel it too. The result is a celebration of self-expression, glamour, and stepping into your power.
Whether this summer finds you headed to the office, a wedding, a beach club, or simply becoming a new version of yourself, consider this your reminder: you are the star of the story. Take up space accordingly. This summer, we are making the most of every moment out, and dressing accordingly. Think looks that move as easily as you do, from sun-soaked pool parties to late-night dance floors, all with that effortless, cool Phoebe Philo energy.
The stylist channels the heat and glow of peak summer: There is beauty in imperfection; that is how I imagine a true day-to-night look. Smudged liner, a sunburnt rosy flush, that just-left-the-beach sheen. The key is keeping things simple, but never boring, like fresh, radiant skin.
Meanwhile, for hair, embrace undone, beachy texture in the warmer months. If you can just enhance your natural texture and your natural beauty, then you are not fighting against the natural elements, says hairstylist. Whether you are a card-carrying member of a posh beach club or just channeling that energy, summer dressing is going full throttle on color and print.
For this Y2K-leaning, maximalist moment, the directive is simple: it is either mini, layers of sheer fabric, or a dress with a really interesting print, think Pucci or Missoni. Expect glow dialed all the way up: dimensional blush getting even bolder this summer, with a touch of holographic highlighter for a hyper-radiant finish. Hair follows suit with an intentionally undone feel, effortless because you are at the beach. The sea-soaked update this season reemerges as the office mermaid.
The key is all in the mix: layering playful textures like sequins, feathers, flashes of metal over the everyday staples already in your closet, like a classic white tee. Bringing vacation energy to the 9-to-5 means leaning into unexpected texture: a crochet sarong tied over white capris, crystal-embellished heels, a structured blazer, and a bag that says you mean business even when you would rather be at the pool.
For hair, keep it refreshingly low effort: just push it back out of your face so you can focus on your fierceness. A strong-hold gel delivers an instant slick-back in a few swipes, ideal for on-the-go touch-ups, whether you are wearing a cropped cut or long, waist-grazing lengths. It is the bride's special day, but you can still bring your best look forward, even as a plus one.
This Lookbook is a reminder that every day is an opportunity to shine, to embrace your individuality, and to celebrate the journey of becoming the star of your own story. The designers, stylists, and models featured here have all mastered the art of presence, and we hope their energy inspires you to step into your own spotlight with confidence and joy
Summer 2026 Lookbook ANTM Reunion Self-Expression Summer Fashion Beauty Tips
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