Kailani Fountaine 3/9/26 Kailani Fountaine 3/9/26

My Favorite Trends for 2026

A Few 2026 Fashion Trends

With trend cycles evolving more frequently, it is no surprise individuality in trends is on the rise. With this in mind, I wanted to share my own personal take on 2026 fashion trends and what I am most excited to see. I recently took a trend forecast class where I learned how to analyze past, future, and current fashion and how they influence what we wear. After I finished this class, I was encouraged to do my own research and contribute that to my personal style as well as keep that in mind when I get to choose clothing companies that work with me on brand deals. Last week I had the opportunity to attend MAGIC Fashion Convention and was able to sit in on a few lectures and look at some new fun merchandise coming to retail stores later this year. There are so many different aspects and angles of fashion for the next year. Here are some that stood out to me and I am most excited for.

Color and Bold Pairings

Within the past few years, minimalistic aesthetics from fashion to home decor were on the rise, but now it seems that people are ready for color to reenter the picture. The palette for 2026 can be seen as earthy and almost dull, especially with the color of the year being a shade of white. The styling and pairings of colors are what brings garments to life. Nostalgia is reentering fashion spaces, which is not so surprising with media trends in recent months. Media and television have been reimplementing nostalgic looks with color and fabric for at least the past year. 1980s fashion played a big role in this and is blending with the 2016 Tumblr era. These nostalgic elements can be translated to day to day wear with the 2026 color pallet paired with bright colors not typically worn together being styled in a unique way. It combines a soft almost a boho earthyness with a loud and bold silhouette, similar to color blocking. Designers are promoting new color displays on velvet, leather, and silk or satin to really make colors glisten on fabrics. Some of my favorite unique color pairings I have seen so far this year are plum purple and butter yellow, muted brown and teal, coral orange and sage green, orange red and light pink, and baby blue and burgundy. What is so fun about bold color pairings is how unique an outfit can become and how they encourage ways to wear clothing and style truly everything in your closet. I tend to lean more into one bright color styled with black or white, but this year I want to step out of my comfort zone and see what new outfit pairings I can come up with.

Mesh and Lace

Mesh and lace are somewhat timeless, specifically in spring and summer, however this year we can already see both fabrics being made into long sleeves and layered underneath sweaters and button-ups. It is such a simple way to add elegance to an outfit and feel chic without seeming like you are trying so hard. What’s becoming so popular about these two fabrics specifically is how easily they can be layered and worn in warmer seasons. In Southern California, seasons are less defined as they may be in other states. Having fabrics and garments that work year round and can be styled simply but also realistically is ideal for not just others living in this area, but people who are conscious of their purchasing habits and garment waste. I keep seeing this picture on Pinterest of a blue sweater with some sort of long sleeve top peeking out of the bottom and sleeves, however I cannot figure out where to buy something like that. I have also enjoyed seeing lace tank tops worn with a colorful bra or bikini underneath. Some brands are taking a similar approach by making very thin cotton or knit sweaters to almost mimic traditional mesh. Another angle of why I think lace is becoming more popular is due to its association with femininity. Women are stepping into male dominated fields more than ever, causing them to find ways of subtle self expression. On the runway, sheer fabrics were utilized with large bulky leather jackets and beading for the fall season. Fashion influencers have already started implementing this into winter fashion to get ahead of the trend.

Florals, Roses, and Femininity

Keeping with femininity in fashion, floral prints, specifically roses are expected to be a major trend in the coming months. Roses in chokers, jewelry, details in lace, and embroidery have been slowly creeping into all of our wardrobes. These details have given garments an understated confidence that feels whimsical and romantic yet powerful. Florals aren't just seen in patterns, but also draping. Draping of fabric in ruffles and curves gives garments the illusion of the layers of flowers. It creates movement and a story.

Tying in florals and rose elements, vintage looking small floral brooches are making a comeback and really make an outfit stand out with a pop of color. They add texture and layers to a garment that was previously lacking. Personally, I have added broaches to my bag straps similarly to a bag charm and am obsessed with how it looks.

Tailoring for Intentional Structure

Intentional tailoring of garments are so important and will make the entire outfit this year. Soft structure in forms of a belt cinching in the waist of a baggy dress or a blazer that conforms to your shape instead of restricting. I have even seen this on the runway earlier this season with a women’s power suit that fits to enhance body shape instead of creating a more boxy silhouette. It's redirecting excess detail in print or design and moving it towards structure. While oversized garments will continue to be a staple for some, refinement and polished outfits are making their way in. When garments are tailored intentionally, these small adjustments in fit completely elevate even the most minimal look.

Polka Dots, Polka Dots, and More Polka Dots

Last year polka dots were majorly trending, which I was a huge fan of, however I was not expecting to see them continue the way they are. Polka dots are in constant recycling dating back to the 1950s. When I was at MAGIC last week, I saw polka dot print garments at almost every booth. Some were in the classic black in white similarly to last year, but many others had prints in yellow and brown or light blue and brown, incorporating color trends. This print is transitioning to be more universal, moving from garments to accessories, and even upholstery. Something unique about this wave of the polka dot trend is how small and dainty the circles are. After seeing the influence such a classic print had over buyers at the convention, it is clear they are here to stay for the rest of the year.

Additional Thoughts

Pinterest as usual is such a great place to look at trends, however it is always interesting to look into other people's 2026 fashion perspectives. Each trend can be adapted to each person's closet and their individual style. As I continue incorporating these trends, I am looking forward to seeing them more on social media, the runway, and out in the real world.

Are Trends Dying in 2026?

Last week I discussed how social media influences the way we dress, which led me to question the direction of current trends. I keep hearing everyone saying trends do not exist in 2026, from classmates, blogs, to Emma Chamberlain’s podcast, Anything Goes. I listened to her 2026 trend predictions a few weeks ago, where she went in depth about how she hopes one day trends cease to exist. While I am a huge fan of her and agree that she has a major influence over the direction of fashion, my immediate reaction disagreed with her statement. Fashion reflects not just what is popular or who is wearing what, but the economic status of individuals and the state of the country. Trends have not disappeared, yet they have simply evolved due to social media, sustainability concerns, and changing ideas around personal style in current times.

History of How Trends Began

Fashion trends originated from higher up nobles or kings and queens having access to better quality fabrics and more colorful options. Not only did commoners want to be like the royals, but they were limited. People wore outfits to represent their social and economic status almost as a uniform.

While there are many theories as to who exactly sets the standard for trends, the most prominent one is the trickle-down theory. This theory suggests that fashion is influenced from, at one time, royalty and even the church, to now celebrities or people with status. People see someone they deem as being of higher value than them and want to replicate their style or wear what they are wearing to feel more valuable.

Modern Influences on Trends

Designers play a big role in this in the present day, as brands the average person shops at copy from famous designers after a new season drops. Another explanation, the trickle-across theory, proposes that fashion influence starts with a small, nonspecific group and spreads from there. Today, this theory is increasingly relevant, as everyone can potentially have social media virality. Anyone is in control of the direction of trends and trend cycles. Trends are coming and going so fast that they do not necessarily have true influence over mass groups the way they used to.

Another Perspective: Trickle-Up and Individual Style

The trickle-up theory describes trends starting from a group seen as lower status. The most popular example today is denim as it was originally worn by the working class, but now a key staple in everyone’s closet. These three theories show that trends have always been influenced from different angles and will continue to.

What people often mean when they say trends are dying is the perceived lack of originality in style and everyone wanting to dress for themselves instead of for a specific aesthetic. This seems to be an effect of everyone being chronically online instead of getting dressed for what they are doing that day, leading to a trend in personal style, originality, and authenticity.

Buying Habits and Sustainability

Buying habits play a large role in this shift. People are exhausted from buying something just to wear it once. With a rise in sustainability awareness, it seems that Gen Z, a generation deeply embedded in online culture and conscious consumption, is starting to care more about the environment than following a specific trend. Consumer behaviours like prioritizing sustainability over fast trend cycles are reshaping what “popular fashion” means.

That being said, there are still many trends emerging heading into 2026. Next week I will go over my favorite up and coming 2026 trends and what that means for our outfits later this year.

Other Readings & Inspiration

To get more information about how shopping habits and trending fashion culture, read the two links below that helped me form this blog post:

Vogue Business — How Gen Z’s Shopping Habits Will Shape the Future of Retail — By Madeleine Schulz, Vogue Business (2024). How Gen Z’s Shopping Habits Will Shape the Future of Retail (Vogue)
Medium — Style Burnout: Why We’re Tired of Trends — Fatima Jabbar, Medium (2025). Style Burnout: Why We’re Tired of Trends (Medium)

Kailani Fountaine 1/14/26 Kailani Fountaine 1/14/26

How Does Social Media Influence the Way We Dress?

Before social media, people were exposed to fashion through everyday outings such as work, school, or even the grocery store. People also saw fashion in magazines with crazy headlines and on television shows. Now, fashion is everywhere we look. From TikTok to Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Pinterest, and any other platform I forgot to mention. Additionally, we still see traditional forms of media influencing fashion, but now it almost seems like there is too much.

Social media has completely changed the way we consume fashion and the way we dress.
How much of fashion is actually being controlled by what we scroll past?

Fashion Before Social Media

It seems like most people who grew up with so much technology and social media long for the time when we could get all our inspiration from a physical magazine or the latest television show. For fashion lovers such as myself and others with similar ideals, social media can be a great way to have easy access to inspiration and knowledge. On the other side of this, fashion is so prevalent that it can be overwhelming, promote unrealistic standards, encourage overconsumption, and take away from the art of fashion itself.

Increase Societal Pressure

Like many other Gen Z, I find myself scrolling for hours, whether that be aimlessly scrolling through random funny videos, analyzing runway shows, or watching my favorite influencers’ outfit-of-the-day posts. While it is so easy to see the latest trends any time I would like, it leads to societal pressure of never feeling like what I am wearing is trendy, stylish, or truly feels like myself. Even with the ability to wear whatever I want, it can be overwhelming when you consider everyone else’s outfit decisions.

I may put on an outfit I love and open Instagram a minute later to take a mirror selfie, showing off my clothes, just to see someone else’s post of them wearing something better and trendier. What was once my perfect outfit now causes me to feel insecure and question whether the outfit represents me or if it is just another way to get more views. This leads to a never-ending cycle of who is wearing the best outfit and causes your brain to spiral. Because fashion is not longer about the garment itself, but it is fitting into a specific aesthetic and worrying how it will look on your Instagram feed.

Not only can social media affect trends or what I may be wearing, but it can also affect a sense of personal identity. Feeling like we are in an identity crisis adds to the trends we are leaning into and why. As a society, we are now jumping from one trend to the next at such a rapid pace. This vicious cycle contributes to the rise of microtrends.

Why Microtrends?

Microtrends are essentially niche trends that become so popular on social media that they quickly become “uncool” or “cheugy.” These trends can last only weeks to months and heavily influence fast fashion. An example of a microtrend is the “old money aesthetic” or “European summer.” For whatever reason, these trends always have some crazy name, but that only adds to how unhinged the concept of a microtrend truly is.

When a microtrend blows up, people buy those garments that match the aesthetic of the trend immediately. Typically, these are purchased from somewhere that sells them cheaply, since they just spent all their money on the last microtrend. By the time the garment comes in the mail, you wear it once and then realize there is already a new trend you need to be purchasing for.

While social media gives brands the ability to better analyze their customers and communicate with their audience, it also pushes marketing tactics directly into our faces. It raises the question: Are we dressing to express ourselves or just to keep up a public image?

What Does This Do To Fashion Today?

Even high fashion designers are affected. Where we used to see only two seasons a year, we now see designers creating multiple collections to keep up with social media demand. Quality is decreasing, and the craft of creating and designing a garment is slowly disappearing.

As someone who loves to sew and enjoys learning about the construction of clothing, it is disappointing to see poor stitching and bad quality fabric when I am out shopping or get sent PR. Overproduction and how quickly clothing is being designed makes clothing start to blend together. No design or garment starts to stick out when you are scrolling through social media because it all starts to be the same, which makes me question if trends are on their way out.

Next week, I will discuss whether trends are truly dead.

Other Readings & Inspiration

To learn more about how social media shapes fashion, trends, and aesthetics, feel free to read other sites that inspired this post and furthered my knowledge:

How Social Media Influences Fashion Trends — Fashinnovation (on how platforms accelerate trend cycles and impact fast fashion) Read the article (Fashinnovation)
Social Media in Fashion: A Deep Dive into Trends, Inspiration, and AI-Powered Styling — Glance (on how digital platforms redefine fashion discovery and personal style) Read the article (Glance)
The Aesthetics, -Cores, and Microtrends That Defined 2023 — Vogue (on the rise of named microtrend aesthetics like old-money and Europecore) Read the article (Vogue)

Kailani Fountaine 1/7/26 Kailani Fountaine 1/7/26

My Go To Guide For Putting Together an Outfit

Wearing an outfit that feels like me can be challenging to sustain daily, especially with school and managing social media. As a college student, I wanted it to be easy to tell what my major was based just on my outfit. With this in mind, there can be a lot of pressure to put together the perfect outfit. For years, I have always been proud of having outfits planned and ready for any occasion, which is why I decided to write my first article on how to put together an outfit. People always ask me how I have a cute outfit ready to go, so this is exactly how I do it.

This guide breaks down the system I use to plan outfits ahead of time, find inspiration that works for my closet, and feel confident getting dressed without overthinking the creative process.

How I Build Outfits Ahead of Time

Whenever it is laundry day or I have the free time, I lay out all of my clean clothing before sorting them into piles of long sleeve shirts, t-shirts, shorts, skirts, jackets, etc. From there, I put together outfits purely based on my imagination. Right now, I have class a few days a week, so I want outfits that will be comfortable while still being stylish enough to post on social media. For you, this could be outfits for work, class, meetings, or even going on a morning walk. I like to keep the intentions of what I will be styling for in mind throughout the entire process. If I know I have an event coming up, I will put outfits together specifically around that. Some days I am only able to put together one or two outfits, whereas other days I may have no trouble creating as many as my wardrobe will allow me.

Using Social Media as a Styling Tool

Once I feel stuck on what garments to pair with each other, I open up Pinterest and go to my clothing boards. I organize my boards mostly by weather and season to make it easier to find outfits that are appropriate for the current climate. I have a few other boards for moods if I am looking for something more specific or custom. An example of this is “An All Black Serve” and “Colorful/Funky.” I personally enjoy giving all my boards fun names instead of just fall, summer, winter, or spring. When I am doing my daily Pinterest scroll, I often think about the clothing I already own so I can save outfits that reflect pieces already in my closet.

Organizing Outfits So Getting Dressed Is Easier

Next, I start putting clothing into a pile of what each outfit will be, and I move the Pinterest post that inspired that look or was recreated from that look into a new folder called “Current.” This makes it so much easier in the morning when I am not sure what shoes, hairstyle, makeup, or accessories I want. I can just open up the “Current” folder that has all the outfits I have layed out together for that period of time. Additionally, I have a folder specifically for accessories, shoes and purses to make styling even more seamless.

Outfit Examples Inspired From Pinterest Posts

Additional Steps That Can Add to an Outfit

For those of you who do not know, I am a fashion merchandising student at CSULB in my senior year. Recently, I did a project on self color analysis, body shape, face shape, and what garment cuts and silhouettes look best on me. While the project I had for school broadened my perspective on personal styling, it did not change the process of how I choose to style outfits. Instead it furthered my fashion knowledge to be more intentional with my styling. I enjoy incorporating these elements when styling a new look. Everyone is unique and learning about what looks best on you can help with feeling more put together and confident even on days when you feel like a hot mess.

Problem-Solving & Real Life Styling

When an Outfit Doesn’t Work

I am sure we have all had those days where we have an outfit idea in our head we are obsessed with, and then we try it on and absolutely hate it. This can happen more often when you are styling directly from an image of someone else without taking into consideration your own body type and color palette.

Additionally

Doing your own research on your body shape and coloring can help you identify garments that suit you best before laying out all your clothing and making a giant mess of your closet. At the end of the day, the perfect outfit isn’t about following trends or copying someone else’s style—it’s about building a system that makes getting dressed feel easier, more fun, and more like you. Regardless of what you’re wearing or how you style it, what matters most is confidence and adding a personal touch that makes it feel like you.

Thank you for reading my first blog post. I’m excited for you to read next week’s post about how social media influences the way we dress. New posts every Wednesday.