These Are the 7 Trendy Basics I Think Everyone Should Wear in 2026 (and They're All atReplica Store)

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Trendy basics atReplica Store are shown in a collage of close street style photos of four women. On the left, a woman is wearing a tan trench coat over a black t-shirt styled with a brown belt, gray trousers, a brown plaid flannel, a black shoulder bag, and brown sunglasses. In the middle left, a woman is wearing oversized aviator sunglasses, a black turtleneck under a brown fur shearling coat styled with jeans and a brown handbag. In the middle right, a woman is wearing black sunglasses, a white funnel neck jacket, a black slip skirt, and a black handbag. On the left, a woman is wearing black sunglasses with a leopard fur coat and a black handbag.
(Image credit: @annabelrosendahl; @nlmarilyn; @ingridedvinsen; @sobalera)
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It's sort of a given that the start of a new year sparks a strong desire to overhaul one's entire life—suddenly, we're compelled to start traveling more, adopt a new wellness routine, or even try dating again. While all of these resolutions are worthy of striving towards, we'd be lying if we didn't admit that these changes take time, something which can be frustrating if you're an impatient person (guilty as charged).

Thankfully, there's one foolproof way to feel like your life has changed overnight without doing anything too drastic: invest in a few trendy basics for your closet. Before you disregard what we're saying, let us explain. It might seem superfluous to suggest that a few new staples can change your life, because, well, they're not necessarily going to have the same impact as developing a new positive habit.

However, there's no better way to visually indicate you've shifted into a new era, or rather, a new year, without taking bigger risks like getting bangs or quitting your job. By making a few upgrades to your everyday basics, you'll not only scratch your itch for change in the short term, but, in the long term, it can shift the way you see your personal style and even your sense of self. Basically, your future self will be happy that you not only signed up for the pilates class, but purchased those trendy basics, too.

Of course, like any resolution, figuring out where to start is always tricky; that's where we come in handy. After spending countless hours researching the runway, street style, and the new arrivals section, we've identified 6 trendy basics available at Nordstrom that every stylish person will be wearing in 2026. These staples might be life-altering, but they're a great way to start making changes.

1. Leather Bomber Jackets

Trendy basics atReplica Store are shown in a street style photo of a woman standing on the sidewalk in London wearing oversized two-tone aviator sunglasses, a black leather funnel neck bomber jacket styled with a black Bottega bag, a black and brown flannel shirt tied around the waist, brown wide-leg trousers, and black pointed-toe ankle boots.

(Image credit: @sarahlouiseblythe)

No matter what's trending on the runway, certain types of jackets remain a pivotal part of fashion people's capsule wardrobes—bomber jackets being one of those pieces. But don't be fooled; that doesn't mean the bomber jackets that fashion people are wearing right now are, by any means, boring.

First and foremost, the version of this outerwear trending right now deviates from the traditional nylon or jersey iterations we've seen in the past by being made from leather. Furthermore, we've seen this classic outerwear given a cool spin in recent runway collections from Saint Laurent, Khaite, and Phoebe Philo, featuring distressed leather, oversized shapes, trending shades, and other trend-forward details (think: funnel necks, built-in scarves, and unique hardware).

The result is a new take on this staple that single-handedly made it a must-shop among the style crowd for 2026.

2. Skinny-ish Cigarette Jeans

Trendy basics atReplica Store are shown in a street style photo of a woman standing on the sidewalk wearing oversized brown aviator sunglasses, with a black turtleneck sweater and cigarette slim jeans styled underneath a long brown suede and shearling coat, a brown Bottega bag, and black ruched loafers

(Image credit: @nlmarilyn)

It's no secret that jeans are one of the few evergreen staples that outlast everything. But despite their continued relevance in our closets, you can always count on a couple of "controversial" denim trends to crop up each season—the most recent example being the debut of the cigarette jeans.

Drawing inspiration from the slim-cut trouser trend that surfaced in recent runway collections, we've seen designers at luxury houses and indie labels alike embrace denim that straddles the line between skinny-adjacent and slim-fit straight-leg jeans. The hybrid silhouette has quickly cemented itself as a trend-forward basic in the eyes of the style set, as cigarette-fit jeans let one dabble in edgy denim trends (without catching too much smoke for wearing true skinny-fit jeans).

3. Ruched Loafers

Trendy basics atReplica Store are shown in a street style photo of a woman standing on the sidewalk wearing a tan trench coat over a black t-shirt styled with a brown belt, gray trousers, a brown plaid flannel tied around the waist, a black shoulder bag, black ruched loafers, and brown sunglasses.

(Image credit: @annabelrosendahl)

Frankly, there's no better way to step into a new year than by investing in a few classic pairs of shoes for your capsule wardrobe (excuse the pun). After all, how are you supposed to achieve all your other resolutions if you're always wearing uncomfortable footwear?

Luckily, there's one shoe style that's both functional and fashion-forward: ruched loafers. Every season, loafers remain a beloved staple among the style set for their ability to elevate even the most "casual" pieces: jeans, leggings, the works.

Even beyond that versatility, what makes this specific shoe trend stick is its continuous reinvention each season—most recently in the collections of Saint Laurent, The Row, and Prada. The subtle spin on this classic silhouette in the form of a ruched toe bed reminds us that staples can feel fresh, if you're willing to step outside the box a little.

4. Scarf-Sweaters

Trendy basics atReplica Store are shown in a street style photo of a woman standing on the sidewalk wearing black sunglasses, silver earrings, a gray sweater with a built-in cape scarf, a silver cuff bracelet, gray knitted pants, a black crescent bag, and black ballet flats

(Image credit: @dawn.tan)

Like it or not, there's one undeniable truth: no winter wardrobe is complete without knitwear. Even if you're not a winter person, you can still find ways to enjoy this time of year, starting with investing in a more trend-forward sweater.

Although there are a few worthwhile knitwear trends, the scarf-sweater has cemented itself as a must-shop in the eyes of the style set. Drawing inspiration from the outerwear trend that dominated a few seasons ago, we've seen sweaters with built-in scarves and cape details that can single-handedly achieve all your resolutions.

Whether your goal for the new year includes elevating your style or being (or looking) more wealthy, you'll find that a scarf-sweater will give you the kick-start you need to achieve that aim in 2026.

5. Lace Slip Skirts

Trendy basics atReplica Store are shown in a street style photo of a woman standing on a sidewalk wearing black sunglasses, a white funnel neck jacket, a black slip skirt with contrasting white lace trim, black pointed pumps, a black frame handbag, and a white resin ring

(Image credit:  @ingridedvinsen)

Although we'll never deny that sweaters are a pivotal staple, we wouldn't judge you if you don't want to buy another winter piece (for now). When you want to pretend winter is over, consider turning to another staple: a slip skirt.

Much like knitwear, slips are the kind of staple we're all guilty of associating with specific seasons, but can actually be worn year-round. That's no more apparent than in the way we've seen the style set wear slip skirts with everything from baby tees and flip-flops to sweaters and jeans.

The styling possibilities of slip skirts alone are why they've remained a beloved staple with the style crowd, but it also doesn't hurt that we've seen them given trend-forward updates in recent seasons, too. From The Row to Reformation, labels have revitalized this staple by releasing slip skirts with delicate lace trims. It's a romantic touch that lets us all indulge in the fantasy of a new season.

6. Peep-Toe Heels

Trendy basics atReplica Store are shown in a street style photo of a woman standing in an elevator bank wearing a long black coat over a black blouse styled with a black skinny belt, black mini skirt, black sheer tights, a red clutch bag, and black peep toe heels

(Image credit: @christietyler )

Beyond investing in comfortable footwear, another thing you'll want to consider when updating your capsule wardrobe is which events are on your calendar. Whether you're planning to attend a girlfriend's wedding, a few galas, or simply want to go out more in the new year, you'll need at least one pair of shoes that can be pulled out for any occasion—allow peep-toe pumps to enter chat.

Yes, you read that right.

If you never thought you'd see the day when this semi-controversial shoe made a comeback, then you (like many of us) were proven wrong with its return in the S/S 25 collections of Miu Miu and Prada. The signature shape has slowly reclaimed its status as a must-have staple in the minds of stylish women everywhere, thanks in part to the viral pairs from Tory Burch, Ferragamo, and Alaïa, which gave the silhouette a posh update. From curved heels to sculptural wedges, there are so many variations now available that you can find a pair that suits whatever plans you have for 2026.

7. Bowler Bags

Trendy basics atReplica Store are shown in a street style photo of a woman walking down the sidewalk wearing black oval sunglasses styled with a long leopard print fur coat layered over black trousers worn with a black bowler black and black ankle boots

(Image credit: @sobalera)

Last but certainly not least, you can't really build a capsule wardrobe without considering accessories—no, we're not just talking about footwear. The bits and bobs are ultimately what can make the "boring" staples in the back of your closet feel brand-new again.

While there are plenty of accessory trends one could consider incorporating into their closet for the new year, none come close to scoring all the points quite like a bowler bag. While we've seen this style trend before, the sport-inspired shape has once again gathered a following with the release of buzzy bowler bags from The Row, Ferragamo, Jacquemus, and Coach.

Although it might be easy to attribute the revival of bowler bags to a larger part of the reboot of '00s aesthetics, in actuality, the popularity of this trend stems from it being the perfect alternative to typical commuter carryall totes. Bowler bags have a functional enough shape that you can carry all your essentials, but they still allow you to feel, well, stylish. It's no wonder, then, that bowler bags have remained a strikeout trend with the fashion set, and will likely do so well into the new year.

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Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
Jasmine Fox-Suliaman
Freelance Fashion Editor

Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a freelance writer and editor living in New York City. What began as a pastime (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a lifelong passion for unveiling the connection between fashion and culture on the internet and in real life. Over the last decade, she's melded her extensive edit and social background to various on-staff positions at Who What Wear, MyDomaine, and Byrdie. More recently, she’s become a freelance contributor to other publications including Vogue, Editorialist, and The Cut. Off the clock, you can find her clutching her cell phone as she's constantly scrolling through TikTok and The RealReal, in search of the next cool thing.