A new year signals a new chapter: a moment to reset and reinvent. While, sure, the focus may usually be on a set of career goals or sticking to fitness habits, but if you’re anything like me, it has a lot (okay, maybe more) to do with style, too. It's a time to decide which trends we’re walking away from, whether it be light-wash denim or texting your ex, and elevate our wardrobes to better align with what’s to come. You can’t properly welcome in the new without making space by getting rid of the old, right?
So when deciding which trends you should buy for 2026, take a beat to evaluate. Looking to manifest more money? Opt for quiet luxury trends like loafers and sophisticated dark-wash denim. Or maybe you’re embracing your boldness? You’ll want to check out ‘80s-influenced trends, like chunky jewelry and look-at-me hues. Either way, there’s a trend or two to try, no matter what your personal and style goals are in 2026.
Ahead, I’ve rounded up the top seven ready-to-wear and accessories trends that you’ll want to consider adding to your style portfolio in 2026 and which trends they’ll be replacing from this past year. Out with the old, in with the new! With a refreshed look, there’s no way that 2026 won’t be your best and most stylish year yet.
In: Dark-Wash Denim, Out: Light-Wash Denim
Even if quiet luxury isn’t quite your thing, using dark-wash denim as the base of your outfit will automatically upgrade your look. While light-wash denim leans casual, making it tough to style after the sun goes down, dark-wash denim is ideal for every time of day and who doesn't want to live in their favorite pair of jeans?
In: Capri Blue, Out: Burgundy
As a red lover myself, it breaks my heart to say burgundy is on the way out. After a strong reign of reds both cherry and burgundy in 2025, the trend cycle is shifting toward cool tones. As the key color of 2026, capri blue think oceanic cobalt blue to cerulean is what you’ll want to lean on when opting in for pops of color.
In: Chunky Jewelry, Out: Dainty Styles
The runways proved bold jewelry is the move for 2026, leaving dainty pieces behind in 2025. Designers like Tory Burch, Michael Kors, and Ferragamo were purveyors of stacked statement bracelets and a variety of pendant necklaces, offering up an array of charms to let personality shine.
In: Snakeskin, Out: Leopard Print
While leopard print is undoubtedly perennial, every now and then we need a palette cleanser after a trend cycle peak. Following the shift toward cool tones in the market, snakeskin is slithering its way back to the top of the print food chain. Try it in a cool shoulder bag or knit dress.
In: '80s, Out: '70s
There’s no doubt that bohemia defined 2025, but the spring 2026 runways slowly nudged us up a decade towards the '80s and we can only expect this to expand even further once the fall 2026 shows begin in February. Consider suiting with a tailored emphasis on the waist and shoulders, silk blouses, eye-catching jewel tones, and nostalgia accessories like A-frame handbags and pumps.
In: Minimalist Loafers, Out: Sweet Ballet Flats
When it came to sneaker alternatives, ballet flats were the It item of 2025 typically seen with sweet bows and mesh but this past fall proved that loafers are emerging as the footwear trend to watch. They offer a sophisticated undertone that feels more elevated than your typical ballet flat.
In: Asymmetrical Hemlines; Out: Bubble Hems
From skirts to tops, asymmetrical hemlines bring an unexpected element of whimsy that's hard to resist. A marker that a trend is here to stay is if it can be adapted to multiple style aesthetics, and this certainly can; you’ll find asymmetrical hemlines on both grungy, distressed pieces as well as paired back to lace or pleats. Case in point, the bubble hem couldn’t be worn in a multitude of ways, for a multitude of people, and it’s officially been replaced for 2026.
