We've been deep in discussions about where fashion is headed in 2026 at the Who What Wear offices, whether that has been researching the most impactful looks on the spring/summer 2026 runways or charting the rise of early trends on the fashion set. The year has just begun, but we have already seen some clear shifts in the direction that style is taking—in large part due to the creative-director shifts at the top of the biggest fashion houses and the new ideas that are percolating as a result.
How will this wave of change translate to what the fashion set is wearing this year? To get a early look, I tapped WWW's team of editors for them to weigh in on the trends they're adopting first to dress ahead of the curve. Below, see 2026 trends fashion editors predict will be big in 2026 and are already adding to their personal wardrobes.
A Focus on Color
"Whether by pairing contrasting hues or adding a pop of color to a dark neutral, color was a defining element across the spring/summer 2026 collections. In the year ahead, I'm excited to draw inspiration from these runway moments and infuse more color into my wardrobe. I will especially be looking to Loewe's collection for inspiration, as I love how the brand thoughtfully and tastefully played with color by layering different-colored button-down shirts and sweaters, then juxtaposing them with a black jacket on top to make the look feel polished and wearable. I'm eager to experiment with this styling approach, particularly since my wardrobe largely consists of black garments." — Nikki Chwatt, associate editor
Textured Bags
"I'm a bag person. I live for a gorgeous silhouette to carry my essentials. For 2026, I'm into the beautiful textured styles, like this stunning suede iteration from Chanel. I adore my classic leather bags, but a bold suede style will elevate any look I'm wearing." — Bobby Schuessler, shopping director
All-Out '80s
"I've been thoroughly enjoying the '80s motifs that have floated down the runways lately. Most notably, Chloé, Saint Laurent, and Alaïa are all backing this era and its reintroduction into society. Who doesn't love a good dose of nostalgia? I plan to try out bold color combinations, heavy-shoulder jackets, and punchy blouses in the new year." — Sierra Mayhew, editor
Two-Tone Heels
"I can't get all of the two-tone heels out of my head from Matthieu Blazy's first two collections for Chanel. The modern iterations he dreamed up are undoubtedly the 2026 version of Chanel's signature cap-toe shoes, but the two-tone heels that went down the runways of the fashion house were just as timeless as Chanel's traditional cap-toe slingbacks and ballet flats." — Allyson Payer, senior editor
