2026 is the year for new beginnings, new resolutions and, most importantly, new fashion trends. Between viral social media aesthetics and celebrity red carpet looks, we have gotten a little taste of this year’s notable emerging trends. Another thing that helps is that fashion week has just concluded, giving us the trend predictions from some of the world’s biggest designers. If you want to try any of the new trends before it becomes huge, keep reading for the biggest fashion predictions of 2026.
Studs
Studs have become a trend, which you have probably seen with studded jeans. These jeans have been all over social media, especially TikTok. It is currently a trend for going out or girls’ nights.
When the Stockholm style aesthetic began to gain popularity, studs did as well. Some of the bags or sweaters had studs, but this was a very subtle accent (Stockholm style is minimalist). It clearly had influence, because now studs can be found everywhere.
Brands are not only making studded jeans and bags, but also studded tank tops and shirts. If studs keep gaining popularity, this could be one of the biggest fashion trends of 2026.
Image Credit: freestocks from Unsplash
2016
I am sure we have all heard that 2026 is the new 2016. Since this is a major trend, we can infer that many of the popular 2016 fashion trends are coming back as well.
One trend that has returned is the iconic Triangl Neoprene bikinis. These color-blocked, bold swimsuits were huge in 2016 and have been gaining popularity now. Many TikTok and Instagram users were thrilled, expressing their excitement through comments on Triangl posts and making videos.
Another trend that has returned is the iconic bandage dresses. While Herve Leger is the most prominent brand, many others have been creating dupes since Herve Leger is expensive. Notably, House of CB has made bandage dresses that have gone viral, along with bandage tops.
Honestly, bandage dresses are one of my favorite trends. I wore bandage dresses to both of my proms in high school and they were perfect. These dresses make you look great — they fit perfectly and are so comfortable. If you need a formal dress for an event, bandage dresses are an excellent option.
As much as we all do not want to admit it, the return of 2016 means the return of skinny jeans. Now, the modern adaptation of this trend is not going to be as tight as they were in 2016. However, we are seeing more fitted silhouettes return to jeans, including a tighter fit on the bottom compared to the flare or baggy that we are used to.
Image Credit: Charlota Blunarova from Unsplash
Tiger Print
Every year, a new animal print is trending. We cycled through cheetah print, snake print and even zebra print. 2026 is the year of tiger print. It began with Kendall Jenner’s gorgeous tiger print Chanel dress that she wore on Jimmy Fallon’s “The Tonight Show.”
On January 19, Rihanna also wore a tiger print fur coat and Alaia stilettos which also featured this print. With tiger print emerging this early on into the year, especially on celebrities that are known for wearing new and/or major fashion trends, we can assume that this pattern will continue to grow throughout the year.
Since then, many brands and fashion magazines have picked up on the trend. We can see a few tiger print options on popular websites, such as Reformation, Kenzo, Anthropologie and Revolve.
For now, leopard print still seems to have a chokehold on many people. As the year goes on, this trend could die down and make way for tiger print to become the next it-pattern.
Preppy Literary Style
During fashion week, many brands featured styles that resembled a school uniform, with blazers, collared shirts, and layers. A huge trend was collared shirts. These were also layered with sweaters and blazers, providing the prep school aesthetic.
While the school aesthetic has been apparent, preppy style is moving away from the academic vibe and more into street style. Some of the new runway styles are moving towards on-the-go, functional looks. These still have the preppy vibe but are more grown up.
We have also seen the runway trends have a more literary aesthetic. This came through with the sweaters layered under blazers and over top of collared shirts. Some of the more popular sweater choices include turtlenecks and cardigans.
Image Credit: Marcus Loke from Unsplash
Bright Colors
This spring, the fashion world is moving away from the neutral palette it has gotten used to and moving towards bright colors. Bold color choices completely dominated the Spring/Summer 2026 runway this year. One great example was Loewe. However, this trend is not just one statement piece with bright colors — it is the entire outfit. Colorful dresses are matched with bright purses and accessories.
This trend is going to be huge in the spring, when color makes a comeback with the warmer weather. We can expect to see a range of colors, but the most apparent will be fuchsia, tomato red, cobalt, emerald, lime, purple and citrus yellow.
Personally, I am excited for this trend. While I do love wearing neutrals (over half of my closet is black and white), I think that the bold color trend will bring a fun energy to the spring and summer seasons. Additionally, it will be super fun to start pairing these colors for everyday looks and even special occasions. I am super excited about tomato red and emerald — these colors can be so fun for late spring brunches and graduation parties.
Conclusion
All five of these aesthetics are so fun, especially because they allow for a ton of personal style to shine through. Also, all of these trends are very different, meaning that you can have many distinct and on trend looks. If you want to try out one of these trends before they become a huge hit, start shopping now!