Forget algorithm-driven uniformity; the defining fashion trend for 2026 is dressing like a genuine, living person. As digital fatigue sets in, the year ahead will be dominated by personal expression, tactile textures, and a decisive move away from the homogenised looks of social media. Experts predict a shift towards individuality, where the quirks and preferences that make you unique will dictate your wardrobe choices.
The Joyful Return of Colour
After years of minimalist monochrome, a vibrant spectrum is set to reclaim our wardrobes. According to Laura Yiannakou, senior womenswear strategist at trend forecaster WGSN, joyful hues like celestial yellow and mid-tone pinks, blues, and purples will dominate retail collections. This sentiment was echoed on the runways, particularly at Dries Van Noten's Spring/Summer 2026 show in Paris, where splashes of purple, yellow, and orange made a powerful statement.
"I think people have been afraid of colour because we've been in such a period where it's sophisticated to wear all black or all cream," says Rachel Tashjian, a senior style reporter for CNN. "It was an illuminating moment. Don't you want to look like you're alive?" This marks a significant departure from the safe neutrals that have prevailed, signalling a more confident and expressive approach to dressing.
From Digital Mania to Real-World Feeling
The influence of social media is evolving. Tashjian observes a conscious move by fashion insiders to extricate themselves from constant digital discourse, treating the internet as optional. The new focus is on physical sensation and personal emotion—elements impossible to fully capture through a screen.
This philosophy champions dressing for how clothes make you feel in real life, rather than how they might photograph online. It's a reaction against trend mania, advocating for a deeper, more intuitive connection with what we wear. The experience of seeing garments in person, appreciating their movement and construction—as Tashjian noted at a Chanel show—becomes paramount.
Key Trends Defining the Year
The Informed Shopper: Evolving from the 'quiet luxury' phenomenon, this style combines high-quality materials like cashmere and silk with unpredictable lines and exaggerated textures. Think of Jennifer Lawrence in pearl earrings and an elongated T-shirt, or Emma Stone in voluminous silk tracksuit pants. It's a refined, knowledgeable approach to dressing, driven in part by in-depth fashion discussions on platforms like Substack.
Grandpa Chic: Characterised by a scholarly, relaxed elegance, this trend features button-down linen shirts, pleated chinos, double-breasted coats, and leather satchels in muted brown tones. WGSN data confirms that brown and dark brown will see the most significant colour growth in 2026. It evokes the aesthetic of someone raiding their grandfather's wardrobe or the menswear section of a charity shop.
The Carrie Bradshaw Effect: The eclectic, playful spirit of the iconic TV character endures. The idea is to treat style as a personal playground, adding one strong, sculptural, or odd element—like a large brooch or mismatched proportions—to an otherwise classic outfit. It's a licence to dress up for any occasion.
Sexy-Edgy-Raver-Cool-Girl: Generation Z's devotion to 2000s style continues, now mashed with K-pop and anime influences. This commercially driven, online trend encompasses miniskirts, platform boots, corsets, and strategically placed harnesses. It's exemplified by styles seen in HBO's I Love LA or by K-pop stars like Hong Eun-chae in corsets and faux fur.
Vintage Patina: Inspired by the enduring appeal of icons like Jane Birkin—whose original Hermès bag sold for $10.1 million in 2025—this trend celebrates well-worn, loved items. It's about pieces that show signs of a life lived, like a frayed hem or imperfect fit, moving away from the constant churn of fast fashion.
In essence, 2026 fashion is set to be more human, more colourful, and more personally resonant than ever. It's a call to embrace what makes you feel authentic and alive, both online and off.
