Image Credit: Malicki M Baser from Unsplash
One of my interests and hobbies is fashion. Fashion is everywhere, and it is connected to everything: culture, politics, economics, and social issues. Fashion is a way for creative people represent their thoughts on the world. That’s the beauty of fashion.
I don’t really like to follow micro-trends, or any trend on social media, but if I had to sum up this year in an expression, it’d be “Trends,” because of the major wave of trends that happened this year. (labubus, the performative male, office siren, the burgundy fever…)
Today is the first day of 2026, and I’ve got to say that 2025 was kinda a busy year for the fashion industry, with lots of trends going on.
So, to start this year fresh, I’d like to predict the things that we’re leaving in 2025, and then my predictions for 2026 fashion.
What We’re Leaving in 2025
Kitten Heels
First of all, the kitten heels. The kitten heels were trending in the beginning of the year, and survived along the seasons, but I think this trend has become saturated, and people are going to start to feel bored about that type of heel.
Image Credit: Read R from Unsplash
Animal Print
Animal print had its fame, but like any other trends, it is going to fade away, and I think society is going to reject that kind of maximalism on clothing pieces, like in fur coats or jeans.
Image Credit: Anton Savinov from Unsplash
Huge Pieces of Jewelry
If you have TikTok, or Instagram, it is impossible to forget that huge jewelry fever that went viral on social media. Huge necklaces, lots of rings, and metal bracelets were the thing in the end of the summer and in the beginning of the autumn. I don’t really see it coming next year, and I didn’t see it in the 2025 winter season too.
Image Credit: Adnan Mirza from Unsplash
Adidas Sambas
The Adidas Sambas fever surprised me this year. I still see people using it (the colourful versions, like in the image, not the white and black ones), but it is not the same thing as it used to be. People craved to get Adidas Sambas, and I remember at school seeing them every 5 seconds. I think this is another great example of “trend boredom.” It’s not cool, or “trendy” anymore, so people suddenly stop using it.
Image Credit: Giulia Perera from Unsplash
Cowboy Boots
Other shoes I don’t really see it now on the streets is the Cowboy Boots. In Europe, and more specifically in Portugal, cowboy boots had its 15 minutes of fame in the spring and summer season, but I don’t see someone with cowboy boots since August. Society moved on.
Image Credit: Megan Bucknall from Unsplash
Predictions for 2026
I see 2026 with a very minimalist Paris chic vibe, filled with neutral colours. I think burgundy came to stay, along with brown, lots of light gray, bright red, navy blue and black. When I picture 2026, I don’t really see green nor yellow or orange. Bright colours and neon aren’t welcome in 2026.
Image Credit: Justin Essah from Unsplash
Other thing is the long wide coats for winter and autumn seasons. It rised in the end of 2025 and I think it’s other thing that came to stay.
Image Credit: Adrian “Rosco” Stef from Unsplash
Along with the minimalist style, I think ballet flats are a great choice for the 2026 fashion and people seem to really like this type of shoes. They are comfy, practical, cheap and long-lasting. 2026 is the year of practical business fashion, and I’m here for it.
Image Credit: Kimia Kazemi from Unsplash
Last but not least, the mini pencil skirt and a turtleneck shirt combo is the best outfit to sum up my predictions for this year. It is classy, you can use it for any social situation, it is practical, chic, cheap, and you can combine it with sneakers, heels or flats. It leaves room for creativity, not leaving minimalism, which I think it’s the best combo ever, and the secret for a good outfit.
Image Credit: Moses Janga from Unsplash
Conclusion
To end this article, I’d like to say that you can wear whatever you want and be creative with your clothing. If you are bullied for your style, don’t listen to them. You are unique, and uniqueness and being authentic is what make people shine. Be confident with your own projects, creative thoughts and clothes!
If I said something you with disagree, that is okay. Having different opinions is what makes us human, and what brings innovation.
After all, what is important is dressing for yourself, so be you, I am sure you are going to like it 🙂
“Fashion you can buy, but style you possess. The key to style is learning who you are, which takes years. There’s no how-to road map to style. It’s about self-expression and, above all, attitude.” —Iris Apfel
Happy New Year!