Move over, quiet luxury. The fashion forecast for 2026 is set to be louder, bolder, and packed with personality, according to a major new report. While TikTok and Instagram dominate the social media conversation, it's Pinterest that has quietly become the go-to visual search engine for Gen Z and millennials seeking style inspiration.
Pinterest Predicts: The Fashion Crystal Ball
The platform's annual Pinterest Predicts report has gained a reputation for remarkable accuracy, having previously forecast trends like 'tomato-girl summer' and the quiet luxury movement. Its latest data, analysed on Thursday 18 December 2025, signals a decisive shift away from understated stealth wealth. The coming year will instead be defined by maximalist jewellery, bold 1980s silhouettes, and a fresh utility aesthetic.
To translate these predictions into wearable style, we asked renowned celebrity stylist Ellis Ranson to break down the five key trends set to dominate 2026 and explain how to adopt them without looking costume-like.
1. The Return of the Brooch & Maximalist Jewellery
Maximalism is making a sophisticated comeback, but this isn't the chaotic, layered look of the 2010s. Instead, expect a more retro, couture-inspired approach. According to Ellis Ranson, brooches are the perfect entry point to this trend, fuelled in part by Chanel's recent revival under new creative director Matthieu Blazy.
"Chanel is probably one of the best places that we see inspiration for brooches and that whole vintage retro styling that's coming back," Ranson notes. Her crucial advice is to modernise the look: avoid fussy pearl clusters and opt for polished gold or silver pieces. "Use a brooch instead of your statement earrings," she suggests, adding that pairing one with a shoulder-padded top creates a subtle, elegant finish.
2. Icy Blues & Celestial Whites: A New Colour Palette
Pinterest users are overwhelmingly saving imagery featuring frosted blues, moonlit whites, and pearlescent textures. For those accustomed to neutral greys and denim, integrating these holographic shades can seem daunting. Ranson's solution is simple: swap them for your wardrobe basics.
"Think of your basics and your base pieces," she advises. "Switch your white T-shirt for an icy blue T-shirt – rather than trying to wear a statement holographic blue blazer." If head-to-toe pearlescent feels excessive, she recommends starting with accessories like a light blue bag or court shoes to accent a simple outfit.
3. Clunky, Baggy & Bold: The 1980s Silhouette Returns
The era of strict minimalism is over. 2026 welcomes volume, from sweeping circle skirts and exaggerated shoulders to oversized belts and capacious shapes. "I am so excited that maximalism is back because I am a bit bored of the beige," Ranson laughs. However, she cautions against going fully head-to-toe.
Her golden rule is one volumised piece per outfit. "Think about your proportions," she explains. "Maybe do a big skirt but then a more slim top or a cinched blazer with jeans." She tailors this advice to individual body types, noting that taller frames like Ferne McCann's (5'8") can carry more shoulder pad drama, while more petite figures like Dani Dyer's (5'1") might prefer a cinched waist with gentler shoulders.
4. Laced Up: A Modern Take on Delicate Detail
Lace is shedding its exclusively prim and proper image. Searches for lace tights, trims, and sheer details are surging, influenced by runways from Dior and Bora Aksu. Ranson acknowledges that "lace is a tricky one – you either love it or you really don't."
Her strategy is to micro-dose the trend. Avoid full lace looks and instead opt for minor nods: a lace pocket, hem, or a camisole worn under a blazer. Lace chokers and neck scarves are also resurfacing as inexpensive tests. For contrast, she recommends pairing delicate lace with masculine pieces like an oversized blazer or wide-leg trousers.
5. Khaki Coded: The Rise of Utility Dressing
Structured, pocketed workwear, particularly safari-style jackets in earthy palettes, is poised to become a 2026 staple. However, navigating tonal desert neutrals raises a common concern: what if the colour washes you out? Ranson, who finds camel beige unflattering on herself, advocates a practical approach over rigid colour analysis.
"Whenever I wear certain colours, I'll remember what compliments I get," she says. "I think that's a good way to learn what suits you." Her advice is to observe your own reaction: Does your skin look smoother? Are your eyes brighter? If beige is draining, try olive or pistachio. If icy neutrals lift your complexion, lean into them.
This eclectic line-up of trends for 2026 reflects a broader cultural shift. Fashion is moving towards greater self-expression, a playful embrace of nostalgia, and a definitive departure from the restrained uniformity of recent seasons.
