My style goal for 2026 is to be "trendy, but not excessively trendy"—and these 7 outfits are my starting point.

My style goal for 2026 is to be "trendy, but not excessively trendy"—and these 7 outfits are my starting point.

      "My style motto for 2026 is 'Trendy, but not too trendy.' What does that mean? My style has evolved over the years to become more refined and simplified. I used to chase every trend, but now I’ve found an aesthetic that suits me, focusing on clean lines, neutral colors, and elegant, timeless pieces. That isn’t to say I don’t enjoy incorporating trend pieces occasionally (after all, I'm a fashion editor keeping up with the latest), but I'm now much more selective about the trends I embrace. My choices are based on how easily I can weave these trends into my daily wardrobe, typically opting for those that embody elegance and minimalism. To illustrate my interpretation of 'trendy, but not too trendy,' I've curated a selection of outfit ideas that convey my vision. These looks have made it to my mood board and are what I plan to experiment with at the start of the new year. They also serve as a way for me to distinguish which trend pieces I would genuinely wear from those I should probably skip. Here are seven straightforward yet chic outfits I will be trying first in 2026, ranging from cape coats with dark denim to semi-sheer skirts paired with elegant scarves.

      Cape Coat + Dark-Wash Denim + Ankle Boots

      Capes might not be the latest trend, but they have been around for a while, and I'm finally ready to invest in one. I adore how dark-wash jeans and sleek kitten-heel boots give the cape a modern feel, perfect for an elegant everyday look, and that’s the initial combination I’ll be testing.

      COS

      Double-Faced Merino Wool Scarf Cape

      

      Madewell

      Relaxed Fit Bootcut Jeans

      

      KHAITE

      Arizona Leather Ankle Boots

      Wool Coat + Faux-Fur Scarf + Skinny Belt

      Faux-fur scarves are an essential winter accessory this season. While I see numerous styling ideas on Instagram, I appreciate the classic and timeless approach of draping one over a wool coat and tucking it into a skinny belt. It’s a simple way to elevate my tailored coats for winter.

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      Belted Wool Wrap Coat

      

      KHAITE

      Tania Ribbed Wool-Blend Top

      

      J.McLaughlin

      Camel Solid Nova Faux Fur Scarf

      

      Good American

      90s Relaxed Coated Jeans

      Cream Sweater + Cream Trousers + Black Accessories

      Since I tend to avoid bright colors, my preferred non-black shades are cream and ivory, which is why I was instantly attracted to this monochromatic ensemble featuring a sweater and balloon pants. The highlight? A stunning tassel pendant necklace, which is one of the chicest jewelry trends right now.

      J.Crew

      Relaxed Crewneck Pullover

      

      Bardot

      Alira Soft Balloon Pant

      

      LE SUNDIAL

      Venice Opera Tasseled Onyx and Silver Necklace

      

      J.Crew

      Drawstring Pouch Bag in Leather

      

      Reformation

      Inez Ballet Flat

      Trench Coat + Scarf + Kitten Heels + Lady Bag

      When Miuccia Prada took her bow at the Prada spring/summer 2026 show in Milan, she wore a simple car coat with a printed triangle scarf draped over her shoulders. The internet buzzed with excitement over her effortlessly chic styling idea, and I’ve been determined to recreate it ever since.

      LESET

      Kyoto Cotton Trench Coat

      

      MANGO

      100% Wool Geometric-Print Foulard

      

      MANOLO BLAHNIK

      Maysale 50 Buckled Velvet Mules

      

      Saint Laurent

      Small Gaia Bag

      

      Calzedonia

      Sheer Totally Invisible 20 Denier Tights

      

      Lié Studio

      The Magda Silver-Tone Earrings

      Black Coat + Rope Belt + Bucket Hat

      I had just purchased a wool bucket hat from COS a few days earlier when I stumbled upon this stylish outfit featuring a similar hat. I love how the all-black ensemble allows the silhouette of the bucket hat to stand out. I would recreate it using any black wool coat and a skinny belt for added flair.

      Rue Sophie

      Iana Collarless Handmade Coat

      

      COS

      Felted-Wool Bucket Hat

      

      Old Navy

      Mid-Rise Wow Baggy Wide-Leg Jeans

      

      COS

      Polished-Leather Loafers

      Turtleneck Tee + Knee-Length Skirt + Mules

      The influence of nineties minimalism will always resonate with my style, and as I step into 2026, I appreciate the contrast between a conservative turtleneck knit and a semi-sheer skirt that shows a bit more skin.

      Theory

      Leenda Short-Sleeve Turtleneck in Regal Wool

      Mansur Gavriel

      Gaia Leather Shoulder Bag

      Drapey Silk Top + Trousers + High-Vamp Heels

      I'm constantly seeking ways to refresh my black trousers, and I was immediately drawn to

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My style goal for 2026 is to be "trendy, but not excessively trendy"—and these 7 outfits are my starting point.

Basic yet elegant combinations.