Wave goodbye to the quiet luxury as maximalist trends, because these fresh ones are set to take over your wardrobes
2026 is here, which means a new year and new styles for your wardrobe. Trends that once dominated in 2025, like ultra-sleek minimalism and micro-accessories, are finally shifting to make room for new designs, new textures and entirely new attitudes. This year, it’s less about tossing everything out and more about refining what truly earns its place.
The year is poised to combine a blend of reinvention and the revival of retro staples. With new approaches to much-loved styles such as animal prints, to the romanticism of Poetcore, with the help of Pinterest’s predictions, here’s what’s out, what’s staying put and what’s quietly taking over your wardrobe when it comes to fashion trends in 2026…
Cloud Dancer
At the end of 2025, Pantone announced what would be the colour of the year, with Cloud Dancer coming out on top. The controversial colour trend bids farewell to pastels and welcomes soft, delicate, and fresh whites. Pieces such as H&M’s open-back tie-detail dress, £54.99, offer an elegant take on the colour with a slight sheen to the fabric, elevating the overall long, fitted design. Whereas M&S’s high-waisted smart wide-leg jeans, £45, take on the trend in a more contemporary and day-to-day style.
Finish off your look with a designer-inspired handbag from Next with the Novo White Apprehend Chain Flap Medium Shoulder Bag, £36.
Loud luxury
The ’80s are calling, and they’re back. 2026 will see the revival of power dressing with the likes of shoulder pads, exaggerated shoulders and high collar jackets taking over in deeper tones with maximalist prints. Expect to see a new combination of textures and fabrics which will leave quiet luxury in 2025. Confirming the popularity of the trend, Pinterest revealed that searches for ’80s luxury’ have increased by a huge 225%.
Topshop recently released the tonic 80s double-breasted oversized suit blazer in grey, £80, that puts shoulders front and centre with an oversized design and boxy shoulders. Lipsy’s bronze metallic plunge neck mini dress, £65, is a great example of the resurgence of past styles, featuring a ruched corsage detail and long sleeves in a clashing metallic texture.
One of our favourite items to nod to this trend is none other than ASOS’s satin shoulder pad t-shirt in cream polka dot, £35, that will add a statement to any outfit it’s styled with.
Poetcore
Preppy takes a literary twist in the new year, as according to Pinterest, searches for ‘the poet aesthetic’ have increased by 175%, which means we’ll see the likes of chunky turtlenecks, messenger bags and vintage-inspired blazers take over.
River Island is selling the perfect white ruffle tie-neck blouse for £46. It features a soft, romantic ruffle collar accompanied by a thick black ribbon necktie, adding a poetic edge. Pair this with Joules’ Ada Brown Check relaxed trousers, £55, which will immediately add to the heritage aesthetic. Finish off any outfit with a much-loved accessory: a neck scarf like M&S watercolour autumnal scarf, £15.
Subtle wilding
Popular animal prints take on a new, refined style as roars give way to whispers. In 2026, fashion enthusiasts will adopt animal-inspired aesthetics with a surprisingly gentle touch. Picture fawn-like prints, butterfly-wing nail art and fox-toned outfits that subtly nod to woodland folklore.
Make simple colour swaps by ditching the usual brown prints for more majestic tones, such as indigo purples, burnt oranges, and forest greens. Next’s green animal print satin midi skirt, £35, is a brilliant example of how this can instantly transform an item.
Fawn prints are gradually taking over, with the likes of M&S’s animal print crew neck cardigan, £36, giving a more sophisticated take on the pattern with its light cream colour. Or embrace fox-tones with Boden’s elegant emilia cotton crew jumper, £65, which is made from cloud-soft cotton and makes for a versatile all-year-round basic.
Supersized sparklers
Gone are the days of dainty studs and sophisticated styles. As gemstones become grander, sizes increase, and statement sparklers take centre stage. Yaa Yaa London is known for its extravagant and bold gem designs, and a brilliant example of this is its berry duo crystal adjustable gold ring, £45.
Oliver Bonas’ cardan gold tone butterfly statement pendant necklace, £32, will add a show-stopping edge to your look as the butterfly pendant sits front and centre. While Next offers a pair of earrings that even Pat Butcher would be a fan of. The gold tone statement flower drop earrings, £22 combine floral motifs with crystals to elevate the appearance.
So, as we enter the new year, make subtle changes to your wardrobes to embrace some of the biggest trends of 2026.
