2026 Fashion Trend Predictions

‘Out with the old, in with the new’ couldn’t be a more prevalent phrase as we head into the start of a new year. As we leave 2025 behind, we also shed the year’s trends—waving goodbye to polkadots, cheetah print, and yes, those overworn pairs of Sambas begging to be donated—and instead say hello to yet another exciting year in the fashion industry. It’s time to look ahead at an exciting year of all things couture.

Now as I'm sure you’re wondering, I unfortunately didn’t get flown out to the 2025 Paris fashion week,  However, with a new year comes new beginnings, so I remain hopeful that Anna Wintour is somehow reading this article and securing my tickets for the 2026 Paris or Milan (I’m not picky) fashion week shows as you read. 

In the meantime, while I'm not formally recognised as one of the world’s greatest minds in fashion, I have gathered research from the fashion industry’s holy grail, the one and only Vogue Magazine. And so, with the knowledge I have acquired, I feel pretty confident in presenting my personal predictions for 2026 fashion trends.  

Fabrics, Prints, and….plaid? 

If you’re anything like me, you have most definitely fallen victim to purchasing almost every pattern, fabric, or print trending over the past year, and although my New Year’s resolution was to spend less money on clothes, with patterns this cute, I may have to make some amendments to that claim… 

Zebra 

While we’ve seen cheetah, leopard, and even (much to my dismay) cow print take over the fashion world over the past 5 years, this year I predict a more unique style of animal print to catch flame: zebra print!

Though it may seem controversial, I believe 2026 is going to be all about embracing different colors, textures, and silhouettes. I think we’ll see an emphasis on structure and shape through the use of  chic sophisticated silhouettes, while also making outfits playful by incorporating  statement pieces, whether that be glossy jewelry, bright colors, or in this case, a fun animal print. Especially since zebra is black and white, this print will go with almost any other color or style!

Plaid 

Pass me a crystal ball and call me a psychic, because I see Plaid coming back big time in the near future. We’ve already started seeing more and more oversized plaid blouses and skirts trickling in over the past year. However, in 2026 I predict that we’ll be seeing more plaid being used to layer in chic and sophisticated styles. I’m talking about trench coats, plaid wool lining, blouses, scarves, and even sweaters. I believe that plaid is going to resurface as another major pattern to be layered, especially in the fall. 

Shoes, bags and Accessories. 

One thing about the cycle of trends is that different styles are always resurfacing, meaning that those chunky wedge sneakers you used to make fun of your millennial aunt for wearing in 2016--they’re totally back in style. And it’s not just shoes; I predict we’ll be seeing all sorts of trends and styles from the 2010s becoming more and more incorporated into what makes an outfit fashionable today. 

Shoes 

Starting from the ground up, let’s turn our attention towards footwear. I'd say the trend I am most excited for this year is definitely the variety of unique shoes we’ll be seeing. After being dominated by the same variation of Adidas Samba stripes, -which, don't get me wrong, are still a staple- I do think we’re going to be seeing more whimsical, one of a kind, statement style shoes. I predict brands like Nokwol, Alohas, and honestly any good pair of slouchy wedge heel sneakers/boots like we’ve already begun seeing with the rise of Isabel Marant sneakers. 

Accessories

As for accessories, I predict we’ll be trading in slim black shades for some clunky colorful sunnies that not only add a pop of color to your outfits, but actually shield your eyes from the sun as well. It’s my personal mantra that 2026 will be the year where I no longer prioritize form over function and instead incorporate pieces that are both practical and fashion forward--and if we’re being honest, there’s nothing less practical than sunnies that barely block the sun.

Another accessory I think will definitely be on the rise are structured hats, wool tukes, and knit balaclavas. It’s time to dig up those baker boy hats and flap caps you once found buried in your grandpa’s closet and give them a new life. In addition, another specific style of tuke I think is going to go huge, especially if you’re into that granola girl aesthetic, is colorful striped tukes. Over the past 5 years, I’ve found we’ve really forgotten about hats as an accessory, even though they can add so much flair to an outfit, so I think it’s really exciting that they’re starting to come back! 

Bags

After being ruled by modern, neutral styles, we’ve finally started seeing an aesthetic shift in the fashion world where outfits are getting bolder and stylists are less afraid to push the boundaries of modern day fashion. I predict this rise of the chic but messy, ‘cool girl aesthetic’ is only going to increase by ten-fold in 2026. 

We can already see fashion becoming more intentional in the way garments are styled together, with designers and stylists playing with textures and silhouettes to create looks that feel cohesive yet effortless. Style icons like Kate Moss, as well as fictional fashion muses such as Serena van der Woodsen from the 2010s, are increasingly being referenced as sources of inspiration. One clear reflection of this aesthetic that I believe has already started taking stride is the chaotic yet effortless handbag. Examples include the Gerard Daral bag, Vintage Miu Miu Vitello, Balenciaga city bag, and the Chloe Paddington bag. 

Structure, Silhouettes and Style

Following the theme of the 2026 equals 2016 rebrand, it is predicted that we’ll be seeing styles and garments that we’ve definitely seen before, but what’s exciting is the way we’re going to see them styled. Long and short wool trench coats that portray a more oversized sculpted look, I predict (or at least I hope), will be seen and woven into more and more outfits, especially in regions where the temperature is below 5 degrees over 4 months of the year. These coats make nearly every outfit look sophisticated, while also making sure you're warm and toasty in the winter months. 

In addition, I think we’ll also be seeing a lot more layering. Whether that be with lace, sweaters, blouses, or all three, one thing’s for certain--we won’t be seeing any more flat outfits. Almost every outfit will have an apparel or accessory that makes it interesting, and we’ll be seeing a lot more outfits that play with mixing different textures with different silhouettes. 

A great example of this is another trend I think will be gaining popularity-- jeans and oversized trousers being tucked into boots, mirroring the past trend we’ve seen with tucking in tops to create an asymmetrical tousled look. This look creates a uniqueness we haven’t really seen before and really allows a moment for boots which are most often being covered by the pant. Personally I love this look, and find it to be such a bold and cheeky style that is so unique compared to what we normally see trending in the fashion world!

Much to the dismay of many, I also do think we’ll be seeing less baggy jeans in turn for slimmer fit, trousers and jeans--not quite skin tight, but more so lengthening.  

Finally, another more specific garment that is predicted to gain a lot of traction this year are marching band jackets, also known as napoleon jackets. These come in various different colors, washes, and structures, but what I believe will make them so popular in the new year is what a versatile yet original garment it is. These jackets can be dressed up and dressed down, while still maintaining a signature look. 

Farewell! 

As we step into 2026, fashion feels less about strict rules and more about confident self-expression. From bold prints and revived accessories to intentional layering and sculpted silhouettes, the year ahead invites experimentation, individuality, and a touch of nostalgia done right. Whether you’re embracing zebra print, digging through your closet for a forgotten statement piece, or reworking classic staples in unexpected ways, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where fashion is expressive, playful, and unapologetically personal.

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