Love them or loathe them, the trend cycle never stops ticking. After a year dominated by Labubus, butter yellow, Oasis band tees, five-finger shoes and polka dots, predicting fashion’s next obsession can feel like a guessing game.

But trends don’t exist in a vacuum. Fashion has always mirrored the cultural mood, and as we head into 2026, that mood is shifting faster than ever. From global tariffs and economic uncertainty to the rapid rise of AI and evolving political and social attitudes, the fashion industry is responding to a world that looks quite different from a year ago.

With these cultural undercurrents shaping everything from production to aesthetics, trend forecasters have mastered predicting the next craze – pinpointing how fashion is set to evolve in 2026.

So whether you’re looking to get ahead of the curve or simply curious about what’s next, read on for the most surprising trends forecasted for the year ahead.

julia roberts wearing decorative brooch pinned on a jacket, showing intricate design and detail — *Source: Gilbert Carrasquillo*

Close-up of a decorative brooch pinned on a jacket, showing intricate design and detail — *Source: Balenciaga*

Brooches

Time to raid your Grandma’s jewelry box, because brooches are the next It accessory in 2026. Following the growing hunger for personalisation and the 2025 ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ Met Gala, brooches were featured in Pinterest Predicts 2026 Trend Report as the “new way to wear your heart on your sleeve”. As wearable trinkets, they can instantly jazz up a simple outfit while showing off your personal style. Plus, maybe they will become family heirlooms that your grandkids will end up fighting over.

Model wearing a colorful oversized apron with ruffles and 60s mod-inspired prints on the runway — *Source: MiuMiu*

Model wearing a colorful blue oversized apron on the runway — *Source: MiuMiu*

white lace apron fashion — *Source: tetebonnet*

Aprons

Maybe it is the influence of TikTok Tradwives or Carmy from The Bear, but 2026 is said to be the year when aprons will be worn out of the kitchen. In October, MiuMiu transformed the apron from a symbol of domesticity to a chic and glamorous garment in their S/S 2026 collection, featuring oversized aprons with large ruffles, bright colours and 60s mod inspired prints. With a bit of reinvention, the apron takes serving looks quite literally.

Playful jelly-inspired bracelets and 3D jewelry in bright colors, reflecting a nostalgic kidult aesthetic — *Source:BonBonWhims*

Playful jelly-inspired shoes and 3D jewelry in bright colors, reflecting a nostalgic kidult aesthetic — *Source: Pinterest*

Jellification

Leading consumer trend forecasters WGSN have predicted a rise in playful “Kidult” aesthetics in fashion, including jellified textures, a direction echoed in Pinterest’s latest trend report, which also highlights gummy-inspired design. Seeing more adults buying blind boxes and Jellycats, it’s clear that Millennials and Gen Z are craving a return to simpler times — and few things feel more nostalgic than jelly shoes, colourful 3D jewellery and gummy bears.

deer fawn patterned fur coat displayed on model — *Source: Sandy Liang*

model wearing blouse and zebra pants — *Source: Khaite*

girl wearing polka dot dress dalmation print — *Source: @yuki_injo*

Alternative Animal Prints

Although leopard remains a tried-and-true classic, other animal prints are ready to knock it off its pedestal. Trend reports repeatedly highlight the growth of alternative prints, predicting that cow, zebra, fawn and dalmatian patterns will gain traction in 2026. From statement coats to funky shoes, these fresh takes on animal prints prove that fashion’s fascination with the wild is far from slowing down.

runway model in corset with white ruffle dress — *Source: Jean Paul Gaultier*

woman in pink corset and flowy white pants — *Source: Free People*

Piratecore

Say ahoy to piratecore, bringing a treasure trove of ruffles, military jackets, slouchy boots and structural hats. Think of it as the edgier, adventurous younger sister of 2025’s fisherman aesthetic. Already making waves in the mainstream, piratecore has been spotted this summer, with scarf belts and baggy pants emerging as standout pieces. 2026 is looking like the year of the seadog, me hearties.

Fringe

Fringe is a standout feature of 2026 collections, appearing across jackets, dresses, and skirts. Building on the boho and Western resurgence, fringe brings drama and playfulness into the minimalist-dominated aesthetics of recent years. Say goodbye to quiet luxury and understated silhouettes; 2026 is all about movement, texture, and being bold.

Hands

Once detested by the masses, 2025 was the year when tabis and five-finger vibrams became freaky-cool-girl footwear. It is only a matter of time before fashion turns its attention to the body’s toe lookalikes: fingers. Gloves and phalangeal shapes have been circulating around for a while, with hands serving as a longstanding Schiaparelli motif and Prada showcasing neon leather gloves on their 2026 S/S runway. But will 2026 be the year where the hand takes centre stage? Fingers-crossed.

fashion model wearing diamond joker clown print inspired outfit — *Source:MadoMorpho*

Clowncore

Yes, you read that right—clowns should be on your 2026 fashion moodboard. This trend is mainly expressed through the costumey prints and exaggerated silhouettes seen on runways this year, from harlequin and jumbo polka dots to dramatic ruffle necks. Clowns capture humour and theatricality, but also a wide range of emotions, making the aesthetic surprisingly fitting of today’s unpredictable and unsettling cultural mood.

bella hadid on runway wearing 80s inspired orange leather jumpsuit — *Source: LaunchMetrics*

model close up wearing an 80s inspired business suit fashion — *Source: Pinterest*

80s Revival

The 80s called saying that oversized shoulder pads, pussybow blouses, chunky jewellery, big shades and funnel necks are coming to stay in 2026. Key to this trend is the concept of power dressing, which is all about wearing bold silhouettes and accessories that demand attention. This trend celebrates excess and attitude, capturing the unapologetic, high-energy spirit of the decade. One thing’s for sure: 2026 is all about a bold return to maximalism.