Fashion trends 2026 - Fashion

Party skirts, V-necks and plaid shirts – these are just some of the must-have pieces set to go fashion stratospheric in 2026.

This time last year, I wrote about the death of quiet luxury and how we were entering a more upbeat, even maximalist style era. Mattieu Blazy’s acclaimed debut at Chanel in October 2025 confirmed it; colour, joy and boldness are back. We’ll always have time for a versatile neutral, but a classic doesn’t necessarily have to be navy.

Get ready for the return of a few trusted old favourites – the V-neck over the crew-neck, and the grunge-come-cowboy plaid shirt. Glamour is also part of the fashion lexicon again – just look at the rise of oversized sunglasses, and the funnel-neckline, ideally worn with your hair tucked in (warm and stylish, a winning combination). Read on for what style insiders will be wearing in 2026.

The easiest way of giving your wardrobe a 2026 sheen is the statement skirt. The fashion press are calling it all sorts of things – main-characters skirts, cocktail skirts or flamenco skirts. Whichever way you frame it, they arrived in a big way on the SS26 catwalks, at Alaïa, Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga, but most famously at Chanel where they were worn with boxy white shirts or simple T-shirts – the perfect foil for its look-at-me energy. Look out for fringing, feathers and vivid colours and take your cues from the red-carpet contingent – Rosalia and Elle Fanning have already been seen in theirs. Make a beeline to ASOS Design for some of my budget-friendly favourites, like this blue fringed pencil skirt.

This preppy classic is back, and it’s now free of its crusty corporate image. Loewe, Prada and Dior all issued V-necks – the latter of which came plunging to reveal a hint of décolletage. For those who prefer their knitwear to provide warmth, wear them with a white T-shirt underneath – a classic pairing of Miuccia Prada, whose been modelling the look for decades, pairing her V-necks with a scholarly knee-length skirt and kitten heels. Finer styles look best tucked into denim, or high-waisted trousers, while oversized iterations work well with ladylike skirts and heels. Scottish brand Kiltane is our go-to for chunky versions, and Navygrey for cosy, layering options.

It began with Phoebe Philo and her ability to carve distinctive silhouettes that feel fresh and wearable. In 2023, the cult designer introduced a jacket with a dramatic high collar that insouciantly framed the face. It wasn’t long before multiple brands followed suit including Victoria Beckham, Khaite and Nanushka. Not only does the funnel-neck look good in an enigmatic way, but it also traps heat. It comes in different guises – on 80s-inspired leather jackets, on elegant trench coats or 90s-adjacent nylon sporty styles. Braving the cold winter never looked cooler.

The past few years have spotlit 90s-inspired mini sunglasses – you know the kind, Matrix-style rectangular versions worn by everyone in East London under the age of 35. The next 12 months will see oversized shades become big news again, injecting easy glamour to anything you wear. Go via Tom Ford’s Aviators, Celine’s Old Hollywood square frames or Bottega Veneta’s signature knot design. If you’re on a smaller budget, Le Specs offers accessibly-priced options with the same strong look.

Is it grunge or is it cowboy? The roots of the plaid shirt renaissance is unclear, but it’s a style that’s been gaining apace over the past 12 months. We predicted its popularity last year, and its continued popularity coincides with the return of everyone’s favourite cowboy, Woody, who returns to screens for the fifth Toy Story instalment in June. A low-key way of stepping into the world of print, plaid brings a utilitarian edge to all outfits. For maximum impact, consider styling with unexpected fabrics such as leather or faux fur. God’s True Cashmere, masterminded by xctor Brad Pitt, and spiritual healer Sat Hari, does luxurious cashmere styles, while With Nothing Underneath offers more mid-priced designs.