Though major trends do most of the work when it comes to deciding the direction that fashion will go in any given year, I'd argue that the micro ones—the styling tricks, statement accessories, and small-but-mighty details—are what really define good style. Everyone knows about the big, viral trends that debut on runways and trickle down to Instagram and TikTok, but you have to get creative and follow the right people if you want to discover those ever-influential micro-trends capable of making you stop on the streets of London or NYC to snap a discrete photo or take a screenshot on your phone to reference later. And in 2026, it's the eight specific micro-trends below that are sure to have that effect. In fact, they already do.
This year, if you want to look like you work on the inside of the fashion industry, you'll want to invest in a few things, starting with, well, anything that features fur accents, from a fur-collar jacket to a faux-fur scarf. From there, switch things up using mismatched earrings à la Margaret Qualley at Chanel's Métiers d’Art show in NYC or a cummerbund, one of the year's top accessories thanks to Andrea Ricci's brand, Atelier Jéa. Before I give everything away, though, keep reading. Your guide to looking chic from now until 2027 is just a scroll away.
2026 Micro-Trends
1. Fur Accents
If you want your outfits at the beginning of 2026 to feel relevant, they should basically all include at least one faux-fur accent, whether that's a well-placed scarf, some plush cuffs, or a cool collar. It automatically adds a richness to every ensemble.
2. Alpine Cardigans
Whether you buy a new viral option from Polo Ralph Lauren or Dôen or try something vintage from The RealReal or Etsy, there's no bad route when it comes to adding an alpine cardigan into your early 2026 wardrobe. These look excellent with jeans and will perfectly transition you from deep winter into early spring.
3. Layering Turtlenecks
The trick to making your sweaters look chic in 2026 is to layer a thin turtleneck underneath, kind of like people did in the '80s. Play it safe with two solid-colored knits, or go daring by trying a white turtleneck under a Fair Isle sweater.
4. Cummerbunds
Cummerbunds are one of those 2026 micro-trends that you'd only notice are blowing up if you follow, hang out with, or attend events with the best dressed people in any major fashion city. This winter, many are styling theirs over outerwear, but trousers, skirts, and dresses will surely take over as spring starts to show itself.
5. Mismatched Earrings
Mismatched earrings were destined to reemerge in fashion the second Margaret Qualley decided to wear a pair to Chanel's recent Métiers d'Art show in an abandoned New York City subway station. Paired with a gold tweed jacket by the house's new creative director, Matthieu Blazy, the unexpected baubles added just the right amount of whimsy to her elegant topper.
6. Satin Shirts
From Helsa to Aligne, so many brands are leaning into silk and satin blouses in 2026, especially ones in bright jewel tones reminiscent of Tom Ford's time designing at Gucci. Sorry to all those white button-down shirts you bought between 2020 and now, but this bolder alt is coming to take their spot.
7. Eel Prints
Apologies to leopard, snake, and tiger prints, but eel is the It girl in 2026. It's slowly been rising to the top, often in the form of shoes like the loafers by The Row, which have been spotted on everyone from Scandinavian influencers to NBA athletes.
8. Ornate Scarves
Next time you're feeling lazy when getting dressed, throw on an ornate scarf, be it vintage or new, and drape it around your chest like Paris-based stylist Sylvie Mus did above. Kendall Jenner recently followed suit with some elastic-waist black pants and a tank top, and it instantly elevated her outfit.
