7 Incredibly Chic Trends That Will Define Luxury in 2026
2026 is almost upon us, and already, seven luxury trends are defining the new year.
There's a feeling of renewal in the air as we await the arrival of 2026. The new year is a blank slate ready to be filled with a fresh wave of trends, breakout It buys and shifts in the fashion mood. Anticipation of what's to come is already high, with previews into the defining motifs of the new year already hinted at on the spring/summer 2026 runways. Now, we don't have to wait for the New Year's Eve countdown to begin embracing the luxury trends of 2026; these 7 are instant hits.
For years now, quiet luxury has defined the designer space. This restrained approach to design has brought a magnifying glass to the most high-end styles, illuminating the finer details of material, shade and colour. In a way, it took us back to the foundations of truly excellent design. When bold logos and eye-catching monograms can't shout luxury origin, true craftspersonship has to step in.
Whilst this whispered mood has held a firm grasp on fashion, for 2026, change is afoot. No, we're not about to launch our minimalist wardrobes straight into a maximalist stratosphere, but the volume has definitely been turned up. Having stripped back classic pieces to their most basic forms to celebrate composition, construction and refinement, now these foundations are ready to be built upon.
Now, pared-back textures have a tactile finish, with shearling, brushed cashmere and suede touches coming to the fore. The focus on refined tailoring continues, now with an '80s edge, featuring sharp shoulders and point-toe heels. Meanwhile, the rise of the funnel-neck trend has brought attention back to necklines. Alongside, individuality shines through bold hardware of brooches and belts. Below, you'll find 7 luxury trends that are already defining 2026, ready to instantly bolster any elegant wardrobe.
1. Tactile Finish
With the focus returned to high-quality composition, there's now a joyful edge infused through movement and a tactile finish. You simply have to look at Louise Trotter's entry at Bottega Veneta and Mattieu Blazy's final look at Chanel to see that fluid-moving fabrics are about to take off. For 2026, cashmere comes with a brushed finish, shearling is voluminous in form, and smooth suede brings a richness to leather wares.
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A cosy style to rely upon every single winter.
The movement of this top is exquisite.
Look to suede trousers when your leather styles have worked overtime.
Incredibly chic.
A subtle way to add a touch of texture to your looks.
I can just imagine the movement of this skirt with every step.
2. True to Form
When bold shades aren't drawing attention, cut rises in importance. Silhouette, structure and hem lengths have become notable features of luxury garments, denoting their high value from the expert eye needed to balance these forms. For 2026, tailoring still relies upon the classic teachings, now with a draped waistline, a straighter cut, or applied to new fabrics to bring it firmly forward.
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I want this in every colour.
Wear with knee-high boots and a long coat now, or simple sandals in the spring.
Denim has even had a tailored edge with these sharp pleats.
This elegant top will compliment trousers, skirts, jeans and more.
Wide-leg styles can still hold their own, but perfectly cut straight-leg trousers are certainly on the rise.
Even handbags are getting a form-fitting look.
3. Layer Up
At this point in the year, layering is of the utmost importance. Blending both style and practicality, this luxury trend offers an elegant way to bundle up this winter, from the return of capes to pre-layered knitwear.
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Toteme always gets it right.
Add this cape to any outfit to add instant elegance.
No need to layer up knits, this one already does it for you.
Trousers have also received a dose of layering.
Add warmth and style instantly.
A sleek alternative to the scarf-knit trend.
4. Mocha Shades
Rich chocolate shades have been simmering under the surface for a while, but expect a mocha lacquer to be applied to everything come 2026. From It bags to capsule buys, this deep brown shade is indefinitely elegant, and subtle enough to blend with similar neutrals or bolder punctuations of colour.
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I can already see this selling fast.
This classic pair will work hard in your wardrobe for years to come.
The satin finish brings a luxurious edge to this deep brown shirt.
Rely on these trousers year after year.
The bag of the moment.
5. New Necklines
This refined trend has been on the rise in recent months, with funnel necks applied to all manner of pieces from outerwear to knits, and bold collars crossing various categories too. For the new year, luxury designers are leaning in to this small but impactful detail, now with a point of difference. Pussy bows are no longer reserved for blouses, but applied to elegant outerwear and wide collars, bringing a fresh renewal of classic jumpers.
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I haven't stopped thinking about this sumptuous suede jacket.
The collar on this coat is everything.
It's rare to see an off-shoulder design on a cardigan. Layer up your necklace for extra impact.
Both Prada and Loewe are leaning into pussy bow coats.
This comes in a selection of refined shades.
6. To the Point
The greatest outfits come from balance, and to juxtapose soft finishes, it's time to add a sharp edge. From meticulously crafted bold shoulders on outerwear to elegant point-toe heels, 2026 sees the return of structure that's incredibly to the point.
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Every detail of this coat screams luxury.
Imagine the bold point toe peeking out under tailored trousers.
Chloé knows all about beautifully constructed pieces.
The bold shoulders set this cardigan apart from the rest.
A sculptural masterpiece courtesy of Toteme.
7. Accent Accessories
For 2026, the finishing touch comes in the form of accent accessories. There's an almost heirloom feel to this trend, which lends itself to its luxury status, with beloved heirlooms proping up lapels, barettes holding back hair, and hardware embossed belts returning. Alongside, metallic buttons with a distinctly vintage feel fall into this reinvigorated return to jewelled accessorising.
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Bring coats, jumpers and even simple T-shirts into the new year with the addition of a vintage-look brooch.
This will become a treasured piece in your jewellery box.
I've spotted so many style people wearing Dehanche belts.
So pretty!
Even coats are having a hardware update with refined buttons.
The bold closure is such a nice touch.
