My style objective for 2026 is "Trendy, Yet Not Overly Trendy"—here are the first 7 outfits to kick things off.

      "Trendy, but not overly trendy" is my style mantra for 2026. What does this mean? Over time, my fashion sense has become much more polished and simplified. In the past, I chased every trend; however, I've now embraced a look that suits me, characterized by clean lines, neutral colors, and timeless, sophisticated essentials. I still enjoy a good trend piece now and then (after all, I'm a fashion editor covering the latest styles), but I’m much choosier about which trends I commit to. My decision-making is based on how easily I can incorporate a trend into my everyday wardrobe, typically favoring those that are elegant and minimalist. To demonstrate what I mean by "trendy, but not too trendy" in 2026, I've curated a selection of outfit ideas that illustrate my vision. These looks are saved in my mood board, and I plan to try them out as soon as the new year begins. They are also a practical way for me to gauge which trend pieces I would actually wear versus those I'm better off avoiding. Without further delay, here are the seven chic yet simple outfits I will be experimenting with first in 2026, ranging from cape coats with dark jeans to semi-sheer skirts and elegant scarves.

      **Cape Coat + Dark-Rinse Denim + Ankle Boots**

      While capes may not be the newest trend, they have been around for some time, and I am finally ready to take the plunge and invest in one. I appreciate how pairing dark-wash jeans and sleek kitten-heel boots provides a modern spin to the cape, creating an elegant everyday aesthetic that I plan to try first.

      - 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 unmistakable winter accessory these days. While my Instagram feed offers numerous styling inspirations, I adore the timeless simplicity of draping one over a wool coat and tucking it into a skinny belt. It’s a fantastic way to elevate my classic tailored coats for the colder months.

      - & Other Stories: 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**

      As I tend to avoid color, my preferred non-black shades are cream and ivory. This monochrome ensemble featuring a sweater and balloon trousers instantly caught my eye. 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**

      After Miuccia Prada made an appearance following the Prada spring/summer 2026 show in Milan, dressed in a simple car coat and a printed triangle scarf draped over her shoulders, the internet (myself included) buzzed about this effortlessly chic styling concept. Since then, I’ve been determined to recreate it.

      - 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**

      Having recently purchased a wool bucket hat from COS, I stumbled upon a stylish outfit featuring a similar hat. I adore how the all-black ensemble allows the bucket hat's shape to stand out. I would replicate this look with any black wool coat combined with a skinny belt for added dimension.

      - 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**

      Nineties minimalism will always influence my style, and as I approach 2026, I appreciate the juxtaposition of a conservative turtleneck knit paired with a more revealing semi-sheer skirt.

      - Theory: Leenda Short-Sleeve Turtleneck in Regal Wool

      - Mansur Gavriel: Gaia Leather Shoulder Bag

      **Drapey Silk Top + T