Are you curious about which fashion trends will steal the show in 2026? I’ve done the research, studied the forecasts, and listened to what top fashion editors are predicting. My curated list of the hottest trends will show you what we can expect to see in the year ahead!
2026’s Hottest Fashion Trends According To Top Style Editors
If 2025 was all about “quiet luxury”, 2026 is taking that whisper and turning up the volume… literally! Designers are shifting toward bolder shapes, brighter colors, and textures that actually make you feel something. The runways from New York to Paris proved that personal style is stepping into its confident era. This means less curated minimalism and more main character energy.
Ahead, I’m sharing seven of the biggest fashion trends projected to dominate 2026, according to top editors and runways from Harper’s Bazaar, Vogue Business, Marie Claire, and more. Plus, I’m sharing how to actually wear them in real life!
1. The Art Of Draping
(images TL-BR: @zara, @netaporter, @shopbop, @cherifaakili, @hannahlovey, @netaporter)
The first trend is all about elevated drapery, and I’m not talking about curtains.
Think soft draped sleeves, asymmetric draping skirts, billowy pants, and feminine layered dresses. Harper’s Bazaar highlights draping as one of the biggest trends of the year, with designers reimagining fabric as sculptures that glide over the body rather than cling. It’s sensual but understated, sophisticated yet wearable.
How to wear it: Balance one oversized piece with something sleek. Try a chiffon draped-sleeve blouse with a slim straight-leg trousers, or a voluminous midi skirt with a fitted turtleneck and tall boots.
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2. It’s Sheer Luck
(images TL-BR: @anew.boutique, @aideen_cd, @shopbop, @darjabarannik, @oakandfort, @shopbop, @guaja.studio)
In 2026, sheer will still reign, but not in the early-2000s way. This year’s take is sophisticated, wearable, and all about layering. Marie Claire calls sheer fabrics one of the year’s most defining trends, with delicate overlays and transparent panels giving us a subtle peek of skin.
I love how sheer clothing can be worn tastefully, yet still makes a statement. One of my own favorite pieces that I plan to wear on date nights and to parties in 2026 is this sheer skirt from Oak & Fort (Revolve carries a very similar style here).
How to wear it: Pair a sheer blouse over a bralette of the same color for a monochromatic look (or silk camisole for more coverage) and jeans. Or, opt for a semi-transparent midi skirt layered under a chunky, oversized sweater with slingback heels for a subtle take on the trend.
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3. Prints That Pop
(images TL-BR: @trendingwithtinsley, @zara, @natashamurrayyy, @zara, @danielleguizio, @harloweofficialuk)
Maximalism is sneaking back in, but don’t get it wrong, it’s still very polished. Vogue predicts the rise of big, bold prints including oversized polka-dots, geometric checks, and reinterpretations of animal print. To me this is all about mood-boosting pattern play that feels fun again.
If you are a basic, minimalist girl at heart like myself, you can still incorporate this trend in small ways such as accessories (shoes or scarves), or pair the bold pattern with simple, neutral staples.
How to wear it: Choose one statement piece such as a checked blazer, a leopard slip skirt, or polka-dot dress, and keep the rest neutral. If you’re print-shy, start with accessories: a spotted scarf or patterned bag will do the trick.
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4. It’s Capri, Baby
(images TL-BR: @zara (first three) @netaporter, @nadiyalyalko, @elizethking, @shopbop)
In 2026, we’re moving past beige, and I’m a little trepidatious about it, but also quite curious! Capri blue (the “It” shade of the year, as per Who What Wear) was all over the S/S 2026 runways, and WhoWhatWear is calling it “a refreshing blue shade that ranges from cerulean to turquoise to cobalt and is just oozing with an aura of optimism, joy and relaxation.”.
As much as I’m a neutrals girl, I am excited to try incorporating this shade with my usual blue jeans and black ballet flats outfit with a soft cashmere sweater, or swap in a cute pair of blue sneakers.
How to wear it: Add a single pop of Capri blue to an otherwise neutral outfit, or go full monochrome with one bright blue dress and matching heels. Even a vivid blue bag or shoe can instantly update your look and mood.
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5. Cool-Girl Denim
(images TL-BR: @zara, @gap, @trendingwithtinsley, @nadiyalyalko, @netaporter, @tina___________)
The denim trend is maturing as Heuritech predicts a surge in “brut denim” and raw, unprocessed fabrics that feel more authentic than ever. Think structured jeans, denim tailoring, and textured materials that add a tactile edge.
While I often lean to distressed and fade denim washes, I recently added these Citizens of Humanity Anissa jeans to my wardrobe in the Madison wash which give that raw, unaltered denim vibe, and I love the look.
How to wear it: Go for darker indigo tones and crisp silhouettes. Try a structured denim shirt tucked into matching straight-leg jeans with a pointed boot for that polished, everyday-cool vibe.
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6. The Bigger (Bag) The Better
(images TL-BR: @sviridovskayasasha, @toteme, @mango, @darjabarannik)
After years of micro-bags barely big enough for lip gloss, the big bag is officially back. ELLE spotted slouchy totes and oversized carry-alls dominating Copenhagen Fashion Week , and they’re here to stay.
I love the idea of a big tote bag (my most recent addition is this stunning Lisboa Tote), as it feels the most practical for my daily (mom) life. I also love to put a couple small leather pouches inside my big tote so that everything still feels organized and compartmentalized.
How to wear it: Trade your tiny crossbody for a structured oversized tote or slouchy carryall (bonus points if it’s in soft leather or suede). Style it with wide-leg trousers, sleek loafers, and a tailored blazer for an elevated office look, or pair a relaxed hobo bag with jeans, a white tee, and an oversized trench for that effortless “model-off-duty” vibe.
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7. Scarves in the Spotlight
(images TL-BR: @toteme, @zara, @nadiyalyalko, @whatgigiwears, @ineesgonc, @aeneis.co, @linhniller)
Last but not least of the 2026 fashion trends, scarves just got a major upgrade!
From the runways of Calvin Klein and Totême to street style around the globe, scarves are being reinvented as key pieces for 2026 (not just an afterthought). Harper’s BAZAAR recently shared how designers are tying silk squares as halters, looping long satin scarves through jeans, and knotting bold printed scarves around bags.
I’ve been seeing it all over Instagram as well, scarves as the new faux belt. Rather than through the belt loops, style influencers are tying square silk and satin scarves loosely around their waists and it’s so chic.
How to wear it: Wrap a long satin silk scarf loosely over your collarbones and tuck it into the front of high-waist trousers for an effortless “top meets accessory” look. Or, tie a printed square around the handle of your bag for an instant update to even a monochrome outfit.
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Trend Report Recap
As you can see, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of confident self-expression, where timeless meets daring, and the cool-girl aesthetic gets a fresh, wearable upgrade.
From fluid draping to bold prints and statement accessories, the focus is on fashion that feels both elevated and personal. Whether you lean minimalist like myself, or love to experiment, these trends prove that great style isn’t about following every runway moment, rather curating the ones that make you feel like your best, most confident self!
If you loved this article on 2026 fashion trends, don’t miss Classy + Trending Manis to Start 2026! and What to Wear in January 2026: 17+ Cool Outfit Ideas to Copy Now!
