The best 2026 fashion trends aren’t complicated, they’re all about proportion, accessories, and a little personality.
The trend cycle has shifted again, away from “nice top” dressing and back towards silhouettes and styling tricks that feel more expressive. Pants are exaggerated, accessories are doing more, and the 2016 mood is quietly creeping back in, from military-leaning outerwear to slimmer denim. If you’ve been itching to update your wardrobe without reinventing it, these five trends are an easy place to start.
Fun pant silhouettes
We used to live by the jeans and a nice top formula, where the shirt did all the heavy lifting. Now, it’s all about what’s happening down below. From the barrel-leg silhouette that isn’t going anywhere, to wide-leg and balloon styles, 2026 is officially the year of statement pants, with proportion dialled all the way up.
How to wear it: If you like a balanced look, pair a strong pant with a simple top such as a tank or a favourite tee that hits neatly at the waist. If you’re more into oversized ensembles, don’t be afraid to go all in with a big button-up or a men’s-style tee. The trick is to add just a touch of shape: cuff the sleeves, push them up to the elbow, or do a half-tuck at the waist to keep the silhouette intentional.
SHOP THE TREND
Porter James Dart Knee Pleated Trousers, $249
Assembly Label Lola barrel Pant in Military, $120
A 2016 renaissance
A decade has passed, and the energy of 2016 has stormed back onto our feeds. If you’ve been online in the past two weeks, you’ll have seen it everywhere, but what does it mean, fashion-wise? Think a return to sharper, slightly military-leaning outerwear, plus slimmer-leg denim (not skinny, but slim). It’s also the perfect excuse to get serious about secondhand shopping as op shops and designer consignment stores are the best places to hunt down Napoleon jackets, military-style parkas, biker jackets and pieces with that slightly nostalgic feel.
How to wear it: To keep the vibe modern, wear 2016-inspired jackets with a more current pant silhouette (hello, barrel leg). Slimmer jeans, on the other hand, pair beautifully with volume up top like chunky textured knits, a roomy coat, or a dramatic shirt. Once again, balance is everything.
SHOP THE TREND
Zara Faux Leather Biker Jacket, $119
Levi’s 501 Original Jeans, $179
Sweaty Betty Guide Waterproof Parka, $479
Bandana scarves
We’ve seen silk scarves folded and worn as belts for a while now (and that look still slays), but tying a scarf around the neck has never felt more chic. A silk scarf is the ultimate transeasonal styling trick and it can elevate even the simplest outfit. When winter arrives, knitted triangle scarves will be everywhere too, and can double as a softer, more elegant alternative to a beanie.
How to wear it: Yes, you can go down the TikTok rabbit hole and learn a hundred ways to tie one but honestly, the more unfussy it looks, the better. A simple knot is perfect for a smaller scarf. If you’re working with a larger square, it’s worth experimenting with a few folds to find what flatters your proportions and feels like you.
SHOP THE TREND
Dark Hampton Mulberry Silk Scarf, $169
Artifact Glade Silk Scarf, $299
Leather sock-style ballet flats
Ballet flats are nothing new but the 2026 versions are simpler, sleeker, and more sock-like than ever. Expect less fuss, less toe cleavage, and more coverage across the top of the foot, often in buttery-soft leather with a super-slim sole. And while black will always be a classic, this year’s most tempting shades are the delicious ones: wine, baby blue, and bright red.
How to wear it: Perfect with Bermuda shorts to add a feminine counterpoint, great with jeans to make a basic outfit feel polished, and even convincing with a tracksuit for a quick coffee run, there’s basically no outfit that doesn’t benefit from a sleek ballet flat. Consider them the new “it” shoe for people who want to look put-together without trying too hard.
SHOP THE TREND
Assembly Label Andrea Leather Ballet Flat, $170
Camper Casi Myra Ballet Flat, $260
Essen The Label Foundation Flat, $614
Beaded jewellery
Continuing the theme of playful accessories, beaded necklaces, bracelets, and statement earrings are having a moment, and whether you’re in a big spending era or watching your budget, there’s something for everyone. Minimalists can go for beads in a single colourway and wear one piece as the hero. Maximalists, it’s your time to shine: think bold combos, quirky charms, and a layered, collected look.
How to wear it: A multicoloured necklace looks brilliant with a full-colour outfit as the cherry on top, but there’s also something quietly chic about a simple beaded choker with jeans and a tee. For bonus points, this trend is made for DIY. Find your local bead shop, rope in a friend, and spend an afternoon making something completely unique.
SHOP THE TREND
Bold By default Cleo Strand Necklace, $219
Vania Cute But FUN Necklace, $239
Neon Collective Iggy Necklace, $99
Silk and Steel Aurora Bracelet Tiger’s Eye + Gold, $69
Whistle Accessories Boho Drop Earrings, $16
Lace and fringing, brooches (talk to your nana!), bag charms, clashing prints and more colour are all going to be big for 2026 too, so it’s time to lean in to expressing yourself and making these trends work for you – not the other way around.
