Over the course of my fashion sourcing days, forecasting trends and being ahead of the curve has become my thing, and if you’re still watching trend cycles the way you did five years ago, you’re already behind. Why? Because it is 2026, and being ahead of the curve isn’t a strategy anymore, it’s a necessity.
Written By Precella Ishac
The digital surge of constant fashion trends, labels, and aesthetics reaches a point where personal growth and representation become essential. Say goodbye to strict TikTok ‘clean girl’ aesthetics and say hello to working on bettering whatever aesthetic you want.
This does not mean I am saying ditch the everyday essentials we all know and love, like classic neutrals and denim baggy jeans. It means say hello to more personality, colour, and maximalism.
The resurgence of pop superstar Zara Larsson in mid-2025 not only showed us what it means to have a never-ending summer, but also a revival of early-2000s celebrity style. Think colour again. Think makeup again. Fashion, re-energised.
Zara Larson Outfit Inspiration we are bringing in 2026 - Via Instagram
Tracing themes behind different colour schemes, show after show, Larson plays with different silhouettes, fabrics, and patterns, which is a nod to fun everyday wear. Something I guarantee all of us will incorporate as 2026 comes in, and boy, do I have a tip for finding vibrant, sequins, and alternative-shaped garments.
Thrifting, what else can I say? 2026 is all about how you express your own style, whether you follow trends or not, but if you need furs (faux or preloved, of course), fringe to add on jackets, lace to add on your denim or wear as a head piece, plaid or polka dot patterns, and even beads and buttons to sew on your garments. You are most definitely likely to succeed at an op-shop, secondhand store, or a vintage boutique.
2026 FASHION ESSENTIALS
1. SEQUIN SHEER ANYTHING (TOPS ARE CAUSING A STIR)
Hailey Bieber is known for starting trends, and when you see her wearing something, it's only right for the fashion girls to follow. An effortless yet striking element to an outfit. Sheer and sequin are having their own moment right now, even on the runway,
Hailey Bieber Sequin, Sheer Top, Image via Instagram
2. Patterns
Think Emilio Pucci, Vivienne Westwood, and Roberto Cavalli. If you come across any of these pieces preloved, snatch them up. From Pucci’s playful, kaleidoscopic designs on skirts, shoes, or bags, to symmetrical designs by Vivienne Westwood, and even the wild, maximalist animal motifs that Roberto Cavalli offers. That is peak fashion for 2026 if you ask me…
Vivienne Westwood Tartan Bag, Image by Farfetch via Pinterest
Roberto Cavalli Animal Print, Image by Dolce Vita Hub, via Pinterest
Pucci Kaleidoscopic Outfit, Image By Partywithbee Via Pinterest
3. LAYERING AND SHAPING
To achieve the perfect silhouette, layering and shaping garments can be the perfect element for your outfit. Whether it is layering using scarves over bottoms, or adding exaggerated shapes to your blouses. Styling a basic outfit can be easy when you have the added accessories and motifs to create new elements to your fit, making it more edgy and different.
Layering and shaping using different silhouettes, by Dolce & Gabbana, via Spring 2026 Ready to Wear Runway.
Layering by FashionVerse, via Pinterest
2026 isn’t about buying into the next aesthetic; it’s about curating one that already exists, waiting to be rediscovered.