'As a personal stylist, I predict these 8 fashion trends will be huge in 2026.'

2026 is shaping up to be the year we stop playing it safe in fashion.

What I mean by safe, is that for a while now, our fashion feeds have been ruled by capsule wardrobes, quiet luxury, and understated neutrals, you know, the era where "elevated" and "chic" have been put on a pedestal (consider this my friendly reminder to maybe say it a little less).

Don't get me wrong, those classics will always have their place, but next year? Personality, colour, and a big dose of fun are stepping into the spotlight. 

And while we're at it, Pantone may have crowned Cloud Dancer (a soft airy white) as the colour of the year, but if you've been paying attention to the runways, or even just street style, the story is very different.

Colour is also back, texture is everywhere, and print mash-ups are having their moment. I can practically hear the maximalists singing with joy.

And no, whites and creams hues aren't disappearing, they're just finally sharing the spotlight with bolder, louder, and more expressive choices.

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Fashion trends for 2026.

So, back to upcoming trends. I'm not telling you to toss your entire wardrobe or panic buy every trend you see. What I am saying is this, 2026 is your permission to play again.

Some trends will feel familiar, some will challenge you, and some have already started sneaking into your wardrobe without you even realising.

Either way, spotting what's coming gives you the chance to take it all in, figure out what you actually love (and what you don't).

1. The next evolution of animal print.

Images: Instgaram @vicmontanari, @aliciafranzen.

Just when you thought animal print had peaked, it's only just getting started.

Leopard print has dominated for years, with zebra and snake making their appearances along the way. Even cow print popped up for a little cameo.

But there is another animal print to add to the list and in 2026… deer print is taking over.

Images: Instagram @cultgaia, @aliciafranzen.

Yes, Bambi, if you're listening, watch out. (Don't worry, all faux, of course.)

It's the next evolution of animal print, and 2026 is officially going wild.

2. Funnel necks and popped collars.

2026 is the year your jackets and knits finally get an upgrade. Funnel necks and popped collars are taking over outerwear.

Image: Instagram @mirjaklein.

From utility jackets, classic trench coats with edge and bombers, to cropped leather coats, quarter zip knits and even spray style jackets, have that collar popped.

Wool, leather, faux leather, if it can be popped, it will be. That higher neckline adds an instant coolness.

3. Plaid, everywhere.

Images: Instagram @lydstafford / Supplied.

Plaid is officially having a moment.

I first started noticing it creeping in during 2025, tied around waists like makeshift belts, layered over dresses, peeking from under coats.

But in 2026, plaid is ramping up: think dresses, skirts, pants, jackets, coats, scarves, socks, bags, shoes in every colour combo you can imagine.

Think Braveheart energy, bold, fierce and in your face. 

4. Shoes get a little weird.

Images: Instagram @aliasmae, @ChicGyalXO.

If 2025 taught us anything, it's that shoes aren't just there to round out an outfit, they can be the moment of the outfit.

Take the tabi, for example, I never thought I'd warm to them, but that split toe silhouette? Architectural, fashion-y, and yes… I love it.

We've also seen hybrid categories start to merge and dominate. 2025 gave us the loafer-sneaker hybrid, and in 2026, it's all about ballet flats crossed with sneakers.

And yes, water shoes, the ones you'd normally pack for the beach, river etc. are being reimagined for the streets.

Textures are fair game, with fur-like finishes, hair-like details, and even cutouts or eyelets on ballet-inspired flats. Basically, shoes that start conversations are officially in.

5. Fringe, but make it 2026.

Images: Instagram @tezza.barton, @divrav.

Fringe gave us a little wink in 2025, but in 2026 it's going all in and in ways you might not have seen before.

Modern materials like fibreglass, even knits with fringe details, and bold colour explosions are taking over.

Image: Instagram @greceghanem.

Shoes, bags, skirts, boots, scarves, dresses, tops, pants… if it can swing, sway, or twirl, it's getting fringed, nothing is off limits.

Expect it everywhere, from unexpected textures to statement silhouettes, giving you endless ways to make it completely your own.

6. The colours everyone will be wearing.

Butter yellow, burgundy and chocolate brown had their moment in 2025.

No, they're not going anywhere, no colour needs to be over for another to have a moment. But if there's one colour really gaining momentum heading into 2026, it's all about blue.

And the good news? It's not just one shade of blue.

Images: Instagram @emeliamorrisstylist, @oliviatps, @alexandra.e.style.

We're seeing everything from punchy cobalt and vibrant capri through to softer, powdery blue tones. If you're feeling a little nostalgic, cerulean is creeping back in too, a subtle throwback that suddenly feels current again.

And with The Devil Wears Prada 2 hitting screens next year, you can't help but wonder if that blue obsession is about to get even bigger.

Another colour to quietly keep on your radar is… orange. And now to come to think of it, blue and orange work back well together. I say, why not do both?

7. Oversized sunglasses circa the 2000s.

Image: Instagram @greceghanem.

I was reading the other day that once something hits 20 years old; it officially counts as vintage. I nearly fell off my chair.

And then I started thinking about all the Y2K revivals over the past few years (I.e., low-rise belts, boho disc belts for example) because now as a millennial approaching 40, apparently everything I grew up with is vintage.

Which brings me to one of 2026's biggest trends: big sunglasses are officially back.

I'm talking really big. Paris Hilton, and Mary-Kate and Ashley circa 00s. As a self-confessed sunglasses addict, I am so here for this one.

And if you're surviving life with tiny humans or anyone who steals your sleep, these shades are basically lifesavers. It's a win-win in my books.

8. More lace.

Images: Instagram @alanabatza, @blackcolour.dk.

Lace isn't just for delicate fashion anymore. Think: less boho, romance, and whimsy, and more edge, fun, with a sprinkle of sexy.

In 2026, it's showing up in all kinds of unexpected places and styles — lace capri pants, patterned tights, statement socks, bold silhouettes, and even lace triangle scarves draped over coats.

Layer it, mix textures, and suddenly a simple outfit becomes the moment. Playful, a little cheeky, and anything but boring, lace is the easiest way to make even the most basic pieces feel fresh and playful again.

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Feature image: Supplied.