Australian designer Karla Špetić has declared that the era of 'obvious trends' in fashion may be coming to an end, with 2026 set to usher in a more restrained and intentional approach to dressing. After a decade dominated by microtrends, 'cores', and algorithm-driven aesthetics, consumers are pulling back from loud, performative style in favor of pieces that feel refined and long-lasting.
A Shift Towards Considered Dressing
'I think we're moving away from obvious trends a little bit and more towards a considered way of dressing,' Karla told the Daily Mail. 'People seem to be looking for pieces that feel refined and long lasting rather than very seasonal statements. It feels less about what's 'in' and more about how something fits into your wardrobe over time.'
This prediction marks a significant shift for an industry fueled by rapid-fire online aesthetics, from quiet luxury and coquette dressing to balletcore and mob-wife glamour. Instead of chasing entirely new identities every few months, shoppers are becoming more intentional and resistant to disposable clothing.
From Provocative Runways to Timeless Craftsmanship
Karla's comments may surprise given her own boundary-pushing runway shows. At 2022 Australian Fashion Week, she sent models down the catwalk wearing sex toys styled as jewellery for her Oasis Resort 23 collection, pairing them with sleek monochrome silhouettes. In 2024, she stunned audiences with sheer lace slips, visible lingerie, and garter belts layered over full-length skirts. However, she insists her work has always been grounded in craftsmanship, silhouette, and construction rather than fleeting trends.
'There's a growing awareness around consumption, so people are naturally gravitating towards simplicity and quality rather than excess,' she said. 'It's not so much about looking expensive, it's more about feeling resolved in what you're wearing.'
The Rise of Quiet Luxury and Exhaustion with Trends
Fashion insiders attribute the growing popularity of 'quiet luxury' to consumer exhaustion after years of relentless trend cycles accelerated by TikTok and fast fashion. Many are gravitating towards clothes that feel timeless, adaptable, and easy to wear repeatedly. For Karla, the key to an elevated look has little to do with logos or expensive accessories.
'It always comes back to fit and proportion,' she explained. 'A well cut blazer, a great trouser, or anything that defines the waist can completely shift how something feels.' She advises shoppers on a budget to simplify their wardrobes rather than constantly adding to them. 'Editing is the biggest thing. Keeping your palette quite consistent, focusing on fit, and not over styling. Even simple pieces can feel really elevated when they're worn with intention.'
Tailoring as a Long-Term Investment
Tailoring remains one of the smartest investments, according to Karla. 'A well cut blazer or structured piece is something you can come back to again and again, and it really anchors everything else.' As 2026 approaches, the fashion mood is shifting away from loud aesthetics towards something quieter, sharper, and more deliberate. 'Trends will always shift,' Karla concluded, 'but what tends to last is proportion, fabrication, and how something is constructed. Pieces that are considered in that way don't really feel tied to a specific moment.'
