Photo: Unsplash
THE SHAPE OF STYLE FASHION TRENDS FOR 2026 2026 is not simply about a seasonal shakeup; it is shaping up to be a year of true transformation. This time around, it is nostalgia colliding with fresh ideas, as comfort, style, and technology blend together in unexpected, exciting ways. Let us take a look at the main fashion trends for 2026.
THE Y2K RENAISSANCE Among the standout fashion trends for 2026 is the resurgence of Y2K aesthetics. If the past few years gently flirted with Y2K (the abbreviation for Year 2000), 2026 will be a full-blown affair. Designers are digging deep into the turn-of-the-millennium archive, resurrecting shapes and silhouettes that once 12
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Issue 137
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January 2026
defined a generation. Low-slung trousers, cargo pants with utilitarian pockets, shimmer-infused crop tops, and micro-mini skirts have all walked back onto the runways, but this time, they are more than just a nod to the past. Sustainability is the buzzword, with earth-friendly fabrics and ethical manufacturing overshadowing fast fashion’s excesses. A new breed of denim – recycled, upcycled, and surprisingly soft – has emerged as the year’s hero piece, paired with playful, figure-hugging knits and jackets that balance attitude with ease. In this resurgence, comfort is paramount. Gone are the days when style demanded discomfort. Instead, clothing is structured around the needs of
real people – pieces that move, breathe, and adapt to the rhythms of daily life. The result is a wardrobe that is as versatile as it is expressive, ready to transition from a day at the office to a night out with nothing more than a change of shoes or the addition of an eye-catching accessory.
DOPAMINE COLOURS: FROM FRESH SUMMER NUANCES TO WARM WINTER TONES Colour is taking on an emotional role in the fashion trends for 2026, as fashion is as much about feeling as it is about looking. This year, designers are leaning into the emotional power of colour, choosing palettes that spark joy and confidence, hence the term dopamine dressing. Expect to see brilliant pinks, zesty oranges, lush greens, and electric blues dominating collections, both in clothing and accessories.
TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF
With the arrival of January, the fashion scene springs to life, eager to predict what will fill the streets and cafés from Paris to Tokyo, New York and Berlin. We spoke to some of the DACH region’s (Germany, Switzerland and Austria) most influential fashion brands and designers to find out more about their take on the core fashion trends for 2026.