Keeping up with fashion trends has always been exhausting, but it's particularly tough right now. What feels like a century ago was just last season, and fashion "dos" and "don'ts" are always flipping around. It's constant! Don't believe me? Check out Pinterest's annual prediction report, it says that trends are changing around 4.4 times faster than they were seven years ago. Crazy, right? Since you have a life and can't keep your eye on the trends 24/7, here's a quick and easy list so you can get an idea of what's in and what's out in 2026.
In: Dark Wash Denim | Out: Light Wash Denim
Darker, more sophisticated denim is starting to fly off the shelves more and more, and people are keeping the light wash jeans on the rack. The ability to bridge casual and dressy styles while appearing sleek and polished is why people are reaching for the dark wash styles more.
Dark wash denim is extra versatile, too, perfect for day-to-night wear. It matches well with blazers, knits, tee shirts... pretty much everything, and brings a quietly elevated vibe to any outfit. Listen, no shade to washed out or light-wash denim, but it's clear why everyone is reaching for their dark wash these days!
In: Decadence | Out: Dainty Styles
Coco Chanel once said "Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off." Respectfully, no. Tiny bracelets, stud earrings, and itty bitty chain necklaces aren't part of the 2026 fashion line up. We're entering an era of opulence!
Chunky belts, brooches, and golder-than-gold jewelry pieces are coming in 2026, and it's going to be great! The first symptoms of bling fever showed up on runways and red carpets, and now it's trickling down into more mainstream fashion houses and shops.
Big jewelry pieces (especially the ones with big gemstones) used to be big, one-time gifts, or significant investments, but now everyone is realizing that you don't need to have a big event or occasion to put on some bling! This is the year to throw a little sparkle on your outfit, everyone loves an added element of drama and flair!
In: Snakeskin | Out: Leopard Print
Leopard print should be considered a neutral. In every fashion lover's heart, there exists a space that has unyielding love for leopard print clothing. And this fashion lover is definitely experiencing a little heartbreak that leopard print isn't staying on the top of the fashion food chain for much longer. But animal print isn't gone, not by a long shot. We're just experiencing a softer safari style moment right now.
Snakeskin is a fresh take on the popular animal print boom right now, and it offers edginess and sleekness that other prints can't compete with. A pair of boots or an embossed snakeskin leather bag can elevate any look, and leave you looking good and feeling fierce!
This goes beyond accessories, too! It takes a brave soul to pull on a snakeskin coat or dress, but think of how edgy, flirty, and ferocious it'll leave you looking! 2025 was the year of the snake, but 2026 is the year of the snakeskin print!
In: Blue | Out: Burgundy
Burgundy is one of those "forever" colors that will always be in the mainstream, and will always look good, but its run as the number one color is coming to an end. Interest in icy blue clothes, accessories, and even makeup has been rising dramatically, and the shade "capri blue" is set to be one of the most (if not THE most) popular colors of 2026.
Red and its shades burgundy and cherry had their run as the top players in the fashion game, but cool, icy blues are coming in to take their place. "Glacier aesthetic" saw a 35% increase in searches in 2025, "icy blue wedding dresses" has increased by 55%, and "frosted makeup" has increased by a whopping 150%. Whether you like it or not, the icy blue cold front is coming, and it's definitely going to be one of the colors you see most of this year.
It's a great shade for now, bridging the gap between your winter and spring wardrobes. It's a timeless color that oozes elegance, and works beautifully with both vintage and modern looks.
In: Brooches | Out: The "Clean Girl" Aesthetic
Here's what we're not putting on our 2026 Wardrobe Vision Board: "Minimalistic." "Simple." "Understated." You might as well put "boring boring boring." Looking at runways and red carpets, big statement pieces, opulent jewelry, and brooches were all the rage. Brooches? Yes, brooches!
They offer a sense of nostalgia, have a touch of vintage charm, they're versatile and they're a great way to personalize your self-expression. I know, a lot of people hear "brooch" and think "grandma's church dress," but hear me out. If you have a bag charm, any kind of Stanley accessory, or anything monogrammed, it's the same thing--a cute, small way to add a tiny touch of "you" to whatever you're wearing!
So, what have we learned? Accessorize! Wear something exciting! Stack your bracelets, shine bright with sequins, and express your style! I'm not saying you have to be covered in sparkle from head to toe, but 2026 is definitely the year to be loud and proud with how you dress. This is by no means a list of everything that will happen in the fashion world in the new year, but it should give you an idea of what to expect!
Here's to 2026!