I absolutely LOVE
what I am hearing about the
2026 fashion trends!!!
Let's start with the vibes.
Y2K core
"The late 90s and early 2000s are Vintage. The new turn-of-the-century as us jonesing for a more optimistic time. We were on the cusp of "the future" and it was exciting! People born during this time are just hitting their twenties and those in their 30s are getting nostalgic."
What does this mean for fashion and the crafting industry?
- We are going to be seeing a return of low-rise/baggy denim, crop tops, mini skirts, cargo pants in playful and confident ways that have grown up a bit. The fit will be "effortlessly curated". Though it will appear that you have just grabbed your favorite pair of jeans and the least dirty top on the floor, you will be making sure that the colors flatter you and one another, They should compliment, not clash or compete. This look will be elevated with much better fabric and materials than you could afford the first time around. More consideration will be given to the overall shape of the fit as well. Avoiding all baggy and all snug or more a more structured final look.
- Think about hitting vintage shops in good areas. You will find pieces form the era that can work with your current closet without breaking the bank. Also, if they have lasted this long they are liking made out of better material.
- This is a great time to shop you (or your mom's) closet. Clothes swaps were a big thing around Y2K. Friends would get together and bring out everything they don't wear anymore and shop each other's closets. This is a practice that I feel is coming back in a big way!
- When designing new products and color schemes, think about how to trigger that nostalgia. This works in clothing and jewelry but also desk accessories (think retro gaming aesthetics), home decor and more. I think resin artists are going to have a ball with this one!
- Y2K Preppy Core - bold, thick, horizontal stripes with whites, creams, and pastels paired with bold reds, blues and greens.
- Plaid and houndstooth suiting for skirts and blazers.
- Sweater vests - but cool. It really depends on how you style it.
Not-So-Quiet Luxury
"Quiet luxury has been the dominating trend over the past few years. Very refined without being too stuffy, subtle (tiny) necklaces etc. I think we are a bit tired of this style. The industry seems to be leaning towards a more confident and expression take on luxury."
- Bolder Jewelry - tiny necklaces and plane hoops are out, chunky structured earrings, color necklaces, long pendants (elongating the torso, hitting at sternum and dangling lower), and thicker pieces (tracing the color bone) are in.
- Don't save your good jewelry for special occasions! It is no longer a faux pas to wear diamonds or pearls to the office, running errands, or to informal outings.
- Silver is back in a big way!!! Rose Gold...not so much
- Brooches<3 Not your mom's (but you can also use your mom's) brooch. These days they are being used to express personality, make a statement and draw the eye to (or away from) areas of the fit. Grouping brooches and adding them to blazers, scarves, and bags is becoming very popular as is using the brooch to fix a scarf or shawl in place.
- Speaking of scarves and shawls, these are everywhere! In hair, as belts, around purses, draped over the should of a blazer and belted in. It is that extra little touch. "I did not just by an outfit and out it on, I STYLED it!"
- The quality of the materials and fabrics is still quite important. If you have bought quality pieces in the past, they work GREAT. Now you get to "you them up!"
- A lot of people put "The Coat is the Fit" in its own category, but I feel it goes here. Having a really good, structured trench coat with some sort of standout feature like cool oversized collars is a great staple anyway. Pair it with a scarf and brooch, add a nice boot and purse, and you are good to go for first impressions!
The 80s/90s Power Woman
"GIRL! I showed my daughters the movie 9-5 and they LOVED it! Then it had me wondering...have we really progressed in this area? It seems that there are still some barriers and discrepancies... Anyway, that's for another blog. It did get me thinking about that 80s and 90s power woman...apparently others have been thinking about it too!" PS If you haven't seen Working Girl that's what I am talking about.
- Ok, we do not need super massive shoulder pads and highly flammable hair that gets stuck in the doorways...but...keeping with the not-so-quiet luxury theme, were could use a little more structure. Going for bold but balanced. Elevate the style with luxury fabrics that fit and flow or hold their shape as needed.
- Wide brown belts can give shape to previously baggy or oversized sweaters, dresses, and blazers.
- Don't be afraid of pops of color.
- Embrace the new neutrals (see below)!
Wild gone Mild
"Animal prints have been around for a while now. How they are used goes through changes, there are some really interesting changes coming this year. Less edge, more softness, these prints play well with others."
- Leopard prints are fading into fawn.
- Think fun or interesting as opposed to sexy and zesty.
- Cow, zebra, and even giraffe prints are both in.
- Snake skins are showing up as well.
- Animal are prints are also seeing some color, usually in a softer tone-on-tone application.
- These prints are showing up in shoes and accessories, especially boot!
- Leather - not your edgy black leather jacket, more refined, softer leather that is more livable and day to day. Brown leather and suede pieces are considered neutral anchors for outfits. Leathers in shades of green and burgundy or plum are stunning and can be the foundation of an amazing look!
Nature Wins
"The BoHo spirit lives on in a sweat, soft, natural way. This is a low-key comfortable yet confident aesthetic.
- Flares Jeans or Suedes - more finished, higher waist, fewer embellishments, neat hem (fold up the hem if too long or get them hemmed according to your desired fit).
- Ruffles, flared arms, peasant blouses,
- light flowy paisleys, florals (medium to small in similar tones), etc
- Tapestry vests and coats to add weight and help to add structure.
- Mix these pieces with solid pieces to curate a more sophisticated look with interest.
- Natural accessories in leather and suede especial boots - nice and long
- Lace. Add lace to ANY outfit. It can be center-stage here but it can also peek out from under a fitted blazer and high-end sweater to soften the look.
- BoHo dresses - soft sheer fabrics (either layered or backed, not transparent).
- Don't over style! Using a good quality belt can add shape and elevate the look making it more modern.
- CROCHET!!! I love that crochet is still in as a relevant way to add texture and interest to your outfit. I love long crocheted vests to bring an outfit together!
Coming Soon!
Now for the colors.
The New Neutrals
The Bold and The Beautiful
Let's talk execution.
For Our Wardrobes (& budget)
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