2026 Fashion Trends: What Industry Experts Are Loving This Year

Another year has come where we have witnessed the evolution of fashion. From new styles and returning favourites to a mix of both in between, it’s safe to say that modern fashion has moved far beyond rigid rules and hierarchies, shifting instead toward a more individualistic and inclusive sense of freedom.

But that doesn’t mean there are no sets of trends to follow. Knowing the trends helps us understand what fashion lovers and industry experts are currently embracing and experimenting with. As fashion is all about having fun and looking good, the 2026 fashion trends forecast may also spark new inspiration and ideas on how to dress better through your existing wardrobe, especially through trends and styling approaches we may not have discovered before.

So, here are several of 2026 fashion trends we’ve gathered for you to know…

Blue Is the Colour

While brown was the colour of 2025, we are seeing blue take over for 2026, and it is a fitting progression following the broader shift in fashion trends. This gorgeous and versatile colour has appeared across multiple fashion runways from Prada to Tom Ford, signalling its growing influence and even pointing toward Spring/Summer 2026 collections. From deep navy and cobalt to softer powder and sky blues, designers are incorporating blue for its emotional depth and timeless appeal.

According to UK’s Cosmopolitan, the renowned artist Yves Klein Blue is set to be a focal point in 2026, inspiring fashion lovers to explore richer, more saturated shades. This bold blue tone reflects a desire for optimism, creativity, and confidence, making it a standout choice across tailoring, eveningwear, and statement pieces. So, if you’re looking for a brand-new colour inspiration to update your wardrobe with, then blue is the warmest colour there is.

Maximalism is Back

We have seen it coming, and we must say that we are glad maximalism is back in a big way. Of course, as every good fashion student knows, maximalism has been making its return for years now, especially since we saw Alessandro Michele’s previous collections for Gucci. While the virtuoso is keeping things more restrained in his new role, other fashion houses, like Fendi for instance, are following the same route and bringing maximalism back with a bang for 2026.

According to the BBC, next year is all about embracing bold colours such as blue, yellow, and red, among many others, particularly for upcoming Spring/Summer collections, as seen on the runways of Dior and Fendi.

Along with bold colours comes a renewed embrace of loud luxury and maximalist dressing, where voluminous dresses and skirts, luxurious fabrics, and chunky jewellery take centre stage. Not only that, textures like feathers, tassels, and fringe are also making a strong comeback, reinforcing the idea that more is, once again, more. So, don’t be afraid to dress up next year!

Preppy & Literary Chic

Whether it’s Pinterest predicting “Poet Core” as one of 2026’s rising trends or the return of Literary Chic we have been seeing over the past couple of months, being preppy once again is shaping up to be the hip thing to do. This renewed preppy wave, however, feels softer, more romantic, and far less rigid than before. Think less corporate uniform and more creative intellectuals.

Drawing inspiration from writers, artists, and academia, while blending nostalgic elements with modern styling, you can copy the look by incorporating a few items. Start with relaxed tailoring such as oversized blazers, wool trousers, or pleated pants, paired with button-downs, V-neck sweaters, or billowy shirts where you can shop from brands like Jil Sander, Emporio Armani & The Row.

And don’t forget that layering is key, whether it’s adding a scarf, a waistcoat, or a long coat for that whimsical feel, along with accessories like leather Celine’s satchel bags, loafers, lace-up boots, or even wire-frame glasses help complete the look. We’ve got a feeling that Blair Waldorf would approve!

Shop your next brand-new, 2026 fashion trends exclusively at MAYFEYR.