- In 2026, trends like capes and hyper-layered outfits are taking over the fashion scene in a major way.
- Read on for all the styles you need to know before the year kicks off, and how you can bring them to life in your own closet.
The start of a fresh new page on the calendar means a world waiting to be explored. And whether one of your resolutions this year is to find your personal style or only purchase items you know will actually get worn, 2026 is shaping up to be a fun year to get dressed. The forecast? There is considerably less pressure to define yourself with one look, more freedom to experiment and play.
The good news is that this year’s biggest trends don’t mean having to overhaul your closet. Instead, it’s about strategically adding things in. More color. More layers. More little details that make an outfit feel considered. Your wardrobe is most exciting when you get to treat it like a sartorial playground, and with dramatic hats and multi-use scarves coming into play, you have so much room to let your inner stylist roam free.
From vibrant, nostalgic, candy-colored hues to risqué undergarment choices that call to mind childhood nursery rhymes, it’s time to kick things up a notch and let your inner kid who used to sneak into their mom’s closet to try things on have their moment. People aren’t afraid to repeat pieces, and being an outfit repeater is actually pretty darn cool—especially when you use the styling tricks below to make each look feel fresh and new.
Ahead, the 8 biggest must-know fashion trends to save so you can experiment, mix, and play with your wardrobe all year long.
I See London, I See France
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It’s time to refresh your underwear drawer because it’s no longer just for your eyes only. Sheer, mesh, and peek-a-boo panels are turning bras and bralettes into a key part of your outfit. From tops to dresses, people are showing off what’s underneath their clothes in the most playful and inventive ways. Designers like Miu Miu are mixing textures and layering pieces to make pops of visible lingerie feel unexpected yet somehow still so right.
She’s Got Layers
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Think you’ve mastered layering? Spring’s runways proved there’s still plenty of room to experiment. On the runways like at LII, they flipped the script, layering tanks and T-shirts over long-sleeve tops, creating unexpected proportions and playful contrasts. The rules don’t need to apply when it comes to stacking pieces. You can mimic the effect by mixing lengths, textures, and weights in your own wardrobe. The good news is you probably already have everything you need to try this at home.
Get the Drapes
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There’s a new obsession with movement on the runway—fabric that twists, gathers, and drapes instead of holding a fixed shape. After seasons of buildup, these softer silhouettes are finally hitting their stride, and they’re making their way into closets around the world as you read this. A draped dress like the above from Balmain, styled simply, lets the shape take center stage, while a fluid top paired with sharp tailoring keeps the look balanced. Every sway and turn becomes part of the look—how’s that for making the streets your own personal runway?
Jolly Rancher Hues
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Quiet luxury? Consider this your notice. Jolly Rancher–bright hues are taking over, flipping muted palettes on their head with neon greens, electric blues, hot pinks, and tangy oranges. Worn head-to-toe or just as a pop in accessories, these super-saturated shades make even simple silhouettes feel delectible. The trend is unapologetically vibrant and in-your-face, perfect for anyone ready to trade subtlety for joy in their wardrobe.
Not All Heroes Wear Capes
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Remember when you were a kid, and you’d reach for anything that made you feel like you were living in a fairytale? That same sense of escapism surfaced on the SS26 runways, where capes became one of the season’s most compelling silhouettes. Instead of feeling costume-like, they were styled to be wearable for day to day. At Jonathan Anderson’s Dior debut, fluid capes were layered over denim mini skirts and jeans, giving the look an unexpected casualness.
Leather Mania
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While leather is usually associated with colder weather, its ties to the runways show it can be surprisingly versatile. This season, the material moves beyond classic black into softer, unexpected shades that feel fresh and seasonal. Designers showcased buttery leather and faux leather in tones like tan, chocolate, grey, and even muted green. These transitional layers will look especially luxe against the airy and light spring backdrop.
What’s That, A Hat?
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For a while, it felt as though we all collectively packed away our hats and never brought them out of retirement. But the time is now. Headwear is making a bold comeback for 2026, from oversized brims to structured paperboy caps and playful bucket styles. Designers and street style stars are experimenting with scale, texture, and unexpected materials, showing just how transformative a hat can be. Whether you stick to classics or embrace exaggerated, statement-making shapes, this is the year hats reclaim their spot as the ultimate finishing touch.
Scarf It Up
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Scarves are stepping out of their usual role around the neck and into more unexpected territory. On the Louis Vuitton runways, classic wool scarves were repurposed as belts, showcasing how a simple accessory can completely transform an outfit. Tie one around your waist to give shape to a loose dress, or wrap it over pants to turn a basic look into something playful and eye-catching. It’s an easy way to refresh your wardrobe with pieces you already own while staying ahead of the trend.