As the new year approaches, a fresh wave of fashion trends is set to arrive—some we’ll fall in love with, others we’ll gladly leave behind in 2025.
We know that we can always learn about what’s ‘in’ from social media, but PhilSTAR L!fe has done its research and spoken with fashion experts to get their predictions on the trends and shifts that will shape style in 2026.
Read on to find out what’s hot and what’s not for the coming year.
Rise of experimental fashion
The era of invisible fashion and “old money” minimalism is fading. According to Franco Salvatorre, founder of IAOE, the “minimalist vibe” is being replaced by a “messy girl” aesthetic.
Kaye Morales, an LA-based streetwear avant-garde designer, agrees that the mood is shifting toward the “experimental.” Instead of chasing trends, 2026 will be about “identity-driven” fashion.
“Globally, people are becoming more intentional in buying less, but choosing pieces that reflect who they are and how they live. There’s more appreciation for craftsmanship, versatility, and storytelling, alongside a desire for comfort and emotional connection to clothing. Fashion is becoming less about perfection and more about expression,” she said.
Meanwhile, RJ Santos, the founder and creative director of Randolf Clothing, sees a trend of mixing and matching unusual pieces to create a personal style.
“I think for 2026, the overall mood is experimental in a way that people will try to mix and match things that don’t usually go together. Like finding a personal style that’s not restricted to a ‘genre’ of style,” he said.
People are now protesting against it with the ‘messy girl’ aesthetic. With high inflation, corruption here and there, people will see fashion as an escape; a world where every dream is fulfilled. Fashion will be hopeful. Rooting from a tired world, fashion will be a source of light with a little bit of rebellion
Sustainability as the new standard
Mick Perez, fashion designer and faculty member of the SoFA Design Institute, believes the connection between fashion and social/environmental awareness will be more visible than ever through innovative product development.
“Fashion has always been a reflection of society, and I think this connection will be even more visible in the coming year,” he told L!fe.
“There is also a growing interest in improving how products are developed, with more thoughtful and innovative approaches to sustainability,” he added.
Morales also highlighted that upcoming fashion pieces are likely to feature tactile fabrics, knits, textured cottons, reworked denim, technical blends, and sustainable or upcycled materials, emphasizing the growing trend toward sustainability.
The new nostalgia
Nostalgia remains a powerhouse, but it’s getting a creative upgrade. Richard Papa and Mick Perez, both of SoFA Design Institute, observe a resurgence of the 80s, specifically the “dapper aesthetic,” neon colors, and big hair, with Perez saying that “vintage clothing and accessories are also more accessible,” especially through social media platforms.
“The dapper aesthetic seems to be making a return and may continue well into the next year,” he added.
This nostalgia is manifesting as a “Filipiniana Fever,” too. Papa sees a “renewed interest” in modern Filipiniana, “especially those using handwoven fabrics,” he told L!fe.
Perez, on the other hand, said that nostalgia continues to be a big thing for many Filipinos.
“Locally, nostalgia continues to be highly desirable and resonates deeply with Filipinos. At the same time, many brands are looking beyond local markets and aiming for global reach. To support this, it may help for Filipino fashion to lean more into innovation, not just creativity, as a way to grow and compete on the global stage,” he said.
For Salvatorre, he sees a rise in creative twists on traditional clothing.
“One that is here to stay, in the Philippines mostly, is the barongs and Filipinianas. I see people getting more and more interested and creative with our traditional clothing,” he said.
Silhouettes that go big
Fashion experts have offered different predictions about the shapes likely to dominate next year, but they all agree that the trend will lean toward roomy, relaxed garments.
Morales foresees that shapes in fashion will emphasize soft tailoring, relaxed structure, and intentional volume.
“Clothes feel protective but fluid structured without being stiff,” she said.
For his part, Papa envisions fits that are “loose, away-from-the-body garments; exaggerated sleeves; heavy drop shoulders; tunic blouses; long skirts; and wide and flowy pants.”
Colors, materials predicted to dominate 2026
While Pantone’s Cloud Dancer (a creamy off-white) will be a safe staple, experts see a surge in earthy, grounded tones, with bold accents like cobalt, green, or burnt orange.
Salvatorre echoed this, saying that while everyone might easily opt for the safe choice of Cloud Dancer, he foresees a rise in dark browns and moss green, along with the use of materials such as leather and sheer chiffon.
Morales also highlighted that upcoming fashion pieces are likely to feature tactile fabrics, knits, textured cottons, reworked denim, technical blends, and sustainable or upcycled materials, emphasizing the growing trend toward sustainability.
What’s out in 2026?
To make room for the new, several trends are heading for the exit.
Extremely oversized shapes, ultra-minimal or “invisible” fashion, as well as micro-trends, may no longer be fashionably relevant in 2026.
For Salvatorre, beige, and the “Kim Kardashian fashion” will not make their way to 2026.
The experts emphasized that designers should prioritize greater creativity and authenticity in their work in the coming year.
“I think it is a good moment to gently push beyond familiar territory. Many designers are already skilled at making clothes, and the next step could be exploring new ways of product development that remain respectful of both society and the environment,” Perez said.
For her part, Morales advises: “Design with purpose and authenticity. Don’t chase every trend, build a clear point of view. Focus on craftsmanship, storytelling, and pieces that can live beyond one season. The designers who stand out in 2026 will be the ones who know who they are, what they stand for, and why their work matters.”
