The 2026 trends you'll actually wear...

2026 Style Trends: Confidence, Colour and more Joy!

Each year fashion shifts its mood and 2026 feels like someone has flung open the windows and let joy, creativity and freedom back in. Probably as an antidote to the uncertain and scary times we’re living in. It’s no coincidence there’s energy, personality and a fabulous sense of permission to enjoy and be creative with your style. What I love most about the trends emerging now is that they aren’t about following rules - they’re about expression, confidence and making clothes feel like your own story.

Here are a few of my favourite and most wearable trends, along with practical how to wear it tips. Let me know what trends you discover sitting in your wardrobes…

The 80’s Returns, Unapologetically

Think power shoulders, oversized tailoring, bold jewellery and a sense of indulgence stepping firmly into the spotlight. This is confidence dressing that takes up space and isn’t afraid of being seen.

The beauty of this trend is that you don’t have to go all in. A strong shoulder, a sculptural earring or a sharply cut blazer is often enough to capture the spirit without feeling like you’ve stepped onto a retro film set. Although if like me, you loved the opulence and drama of the 80’ jump right in! Dallas anyone?!

Style Tip: Choose one exaggerated element and keep the rest simple if you feel the 80’s is a decade you don’t want to revisit. Charity and vintage shops are going to make excellent hunting grounds for this trend if you don’t have anything already in your wardrobe, especially if you want an authentic feel to your look. Large, over the top earrings will do the the trick if you prefer more subtle nods to trends.

I love this French ad from the 80's - look at those epic shoulder pads and the bold make-up. In fact is that Cindy Crawford?!

Brooched

Brooches have returned, but they’re no longer polite finishing touches. They’re expressive, layered and sometimes delightfully unexpected. I’m seeing them on knitwear, blazers, scarves and even bags, often worn in clusters rather than alone.

I’ve loved brooches since I was 14 and it definitely wasn’t cool then! I got ribbed at school for my ‘Granny’ style but Grandma knows best and was simply ahead of the trends! I love how a brooch can personalise a simple look and are often the talking point of an outfit.

Pieces that feel collected rather than newly manufactured tend to have the most charm, the kind that look as if they’ve lived a life already and have plenty of stories to share!

Style Tip: Pin a brooch or three somewhere you wouldn’t normally and don’t be afraid to go bold with unusual shapes, colours, designs and textures. You’ll find fantastic options at your local charity shop - the more unique, the better!

PS. Did you know all the brooches I wear are animals?! My most recent brooch purchase was found in a little antique shop and is a sparkly panda - he’s gorgeous!

Go Bold

Block colour is set to dominate spring and summer and it’s a welcome burst of brightness, especially after all the gloom and rain of this winter. These bold hues are worn confidently, often head-to-toe, sometimes in striking contrasts, creating energy and optimism in equal measure.

Colour has a powerful effect on how we feel, it’s a mindset tool I love sharing with clients so I’m excited to see how people translate and experiment with colour blocking this year.

Style Tip: If head to toe colour-blocking feels too much for you, why not consider tonal dressing. Tonal is similar colours paired together - such as mint green and pale blue. It looks really intentional yet less attention grabbing than bolder tones.

Fashion With Feeling

Texture becomes the emotional heartbeat of

fashion in 2026.

Feathers, fringing, tassels, ruching and layered fabrics are bringing movement and expression everywhere, from trousers to handbags.

This is one of the easiest trends to interpret in real life because texture can be introduced in small, wearable ways that still make an impact, such as a tassels in a jumper or the hem of a scarf.

Style Tip: This is a perfect trend to use with accessories, particularly handbags and clutch bags to add texture, movement and interest to a simple look. Expect to see tassels and fringing everywhere particularly as we hit the warmer weather and festival fashion comes to the fore.

Gimme Gummy

Playfulness is moving from novelty into design and is a trend championed by Gen Z and Millennials . Think jelly textures, glossy finishes, 3D jewellery and tactile accessories which are appearing in both fashion and beauty. There’s humour and lightness here and it feels refreshing and fun with a youthful and curious energy.

Style Tip: This is as much about texture as anything else and is a great trend to translate to accessories. Often the easiest way to explore this look is through accessories such as jewellery, handbags, phone cases, nail art or glossy make-up.

Literary Chic

Polished, thoughtful and intellectual, this look blends classic silhouettes with a slightly preppy feel. Midi skirts, knitwear, layered shirts, gloves, belts and practical bags all play a role with this librarian meets fashionista trend which has a timeless, bookish elegance to it. Layering is where this trend really comes alive, especially when mixing textures and subtle contrasts.

Style Tip: Look at clever layering with what you already own to replicate this trend and make it your own. Think of cropped cardigans or knitted vests worn over contrasting shirts and a textured pencil skirt. Consider adding unexpected pops of colour to add a more contemporary feel to the look.

Loud Luxury

Maximalism is stepping forward with confidence. Rich colours, dramatic volume, statement jewellery and luxurious fabrics are taking centre stage. This is about presence, personality and enjoying the drama of dressing up. Plus you don’t have to embrace every element; one striking piece is enough to transform an outfit.

Style Tip: If bold colour feels daunting, look at the overall impact of your outfit - can you add more volume and texture to it, a statement necklace or a bold shoe? Think beautifully cut blazer worn over a bold, bright, full skirt or dress that swishes and moves when you walk. Talk about making an entrance - gorgeous stuff!

The Thread Running Through It All

If there’s one theme weaving through 2026, it’s this: style is becoming more expressive, more individual and far more enjoyable again. Trends are always fascinating and seeing how the High Street translates them and then what grabs the attention of the public is always insightful - remember buttercream yellow being everywhere last year?! I find the real magic happens when you interpret trends in your own way and take inspiration from them, rather that it feeling like you're being dictated to. That’s where confidence grows and where style stops being about clothes and starts being about identity and self expression.

What trend are you going to try in 2026 and can you reimagine it from what you already own? I'd love to know your thoughts, drop me a line at hello@storieswithclothes.com.

Abbey x