2026 Fashion Predictions

2026 Fashion Predictions

Riley Welch

As we part with the fashion trends of 2025, some we are sad to see go, and others you can live without. 2026 will contain 12 months and 365 days of new fashion trends spreading around schools, towns, and all over the globe. Here are 8 fashion predictions for 2026, what is expected to be seen, what's wanted to be seen, and what is hopefully going away forever. 

1. Bows and Headbands

2025 was all about bows, influenced by pop artists such as Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, Gracie Abrams, and other pop stars. As 2026 approaches I think we will see more headbands adorn in people’s hair as well. These simple hair pieces can come into trend with different colors, styles, and prints. The zig zag headband has come into style this year embracing the flowing locks of hair, using it to keep the hair out of your face. This unique take on a basic headband will most likely be seen more throughout the summer seasons to give the curly beach wave effect. 

2. Prints, Patterns and polkadots

As 2025 ends the trickling trend of various prints and patterns follows us into 2026 such as leopard print, camouflage, and polka dot. There was a big trend this past year of camouflage sweatshirts, pants, shirts, hats, it was everywhere. Similarly, leopard print made a smaller, less notable comeback, yet its appearance will hopefully become a greater trend in the new year. Mostly what's expected to be seen more is polkadots; many people have gotten polkadot nails, shirts, tank tops, and this trend will likely continue to grow in 2026 as a notable pattern usually interpreted as hard to style, but thus far, that has not been a problem. 

3. Revival of the 80’s

With influence from shows such as stranger things, the vibe of the 80s is likely to come back in 2026. Big hair, windbreakers, and rugby shirts represent the decade the best. Many long for the idea of growing up in the 80’s; this is as close as it's going to get. Bringing back the style of the past will make 2026 a unique year for fashion. 

4. Mary Janes and Ballet Flats, The Simplest Statement Shoe

The uprising in the sale of platform shoes is noticeable in 2025, platform Uggs, Converse, and Adidas easily come to mind, but 2026 could possibly have opportunity for simpler flats to be welcomed in the new year. I believe that Mary Janes, the simple black straped shoe will become more normalized with 2026. Not only are Mary Janes welcomed as a simple statement shoe, but ballet flats as well, coming in many colors to compliment any outfit for simply going shopping, or a nice holiday party with the family. A shoe brand I think will flourish in the new year is Doc Martin. companies each have their moment of trends, I think 2026 will bring new styles of Doc Martins within its many months. 

5. Neutrals 

While lots of bright colors are in, you can never go wrong with a simple neutral toned look. This simple, yet classy style is believed to become an increasing trend in 2026. Placing various shades of browns and creams within one single look can provide you with the perfect go-to effortless outfit. 

6. Stripes

Stripes are another pattern people hate or love, as the temperature in 2025 dropped, sweaters printed with the horizontal lines came into fashion. Going into 2026 you could see more simple striped shirts and sweaters of all colors. In years past the pattern has been rejected as being hard to style, but in recent years a simple pair of jeans or leggings can complete the outfit. Any color can be incorporated into the design, it's how you choose to style it that really makes the look.

7.  The Side Part 

Hairstyles come and go with every year, but one that is believed to come back in 2026 is the side part. People are saying that 2026 will be the new 2016, with that belief, the hairstyle could come back with the year. Side parts give a more carefree impression, complemented best with some curls. The way to part your hair is often made fun of if someone were to wear it in 2025, but if the style becomes a trend, then I believe more people will accept the look that many others, including myself, desperately want back.

8. Chunky belts and Jewelry

Simplistic, fine jewelry is all the current rage, but I believe as 2026 starts more people will start to wear chunky jewelry and belts to add personality and style to a basic look. Belts in general are not often worn by anyone below the age of 25, but the small accessories not only hold your pants up but hold fashion to a higher standard. 

As we enter the first month of 2026 we remain close with the trends of 2025 but as the months pass, new waves of fashion will come and go, reviving old looks from the past, creating new trends for the future, and current styles to be critiqued as we part ways with another year to be remembered in fashion.