I’ve worked as a stylist for 12 years—here are 5 wardrobe tips that fashion insiders will endorse in 2026.

      January blues can be difficult to overcome, can't they? With the festive season now behind us and the cold weather settling in, it’s understandable that staying motivated can be challenging. However, with over 12 years of experience as a stylist and fashion editor, I firmly believe that clothing can significantly influence your mood. Whether it's through dopamine dressing, finally snagging a sale item you've been eyeing, or merely anticipating the arrival of spring/summer, this time can actually bring a sense of excitement for your wardrobe. Personally, even though the chilly temperatures urge me to bundle up in jumpers and puffer jackets, I’m not inclined to purchase any more knitwear or coats. Instead, I’m focusing on transitional pieces that can be worn now—with some clever layering—and again in spring, minus the layers. I promise you, there are numerous quick and easy styling tips you can use to rejuvenate your wardrobe for the upcoming year without needing to invest in spring-ready items that will sit unused for months.

      Got a new plaid shirt for 2025? The fresh way to style it will involve even more checks, so consider pairing it with a contrasting checked skirt or layering a jacket on top. If animal prints have been your go-to, they’re sticking around this year—wear a single printed piece to enhance a monochromatic outfit. And if suede dominates your wardrobe, you’ll be happy to hear it’s still in fashion; expect colorful versions to emerge. Eager to refresh your look without splurging on every new trend for spring/summer 2026? Here are some simple wardrobe updates to consider.

      **2026 Easy Wardrobe Updates:**

      1. **Checks 2.0**

      

       **Style Notes:** Plaid shirts (tied at the waist), kilt skirts, and coats were staples in 2025, and they continue to be relevant in 2026. The new styling approach? Pair them with a double-check effect—think a checked skirt and top or a printed jacket over a printed shirt, as illustrated by Marianne above.

      

       - **Shop Checks:**

       - **ASOS DESIGN**: Drape Detail Maxi Skirt (a chic color combo).

       - **DÔEN**: Alamere Checked Silk-Satin Mini Dress (pair it with a checked shirt tied around your waist).

       - **COS**: Checked Flannel Shirt (this blue shade will be trending for SS26).

       - **Damson Madder**: Felix Jeans Over Dye Check (I adore these jeans).

      2. **Supersize Shades**

      

       **Style Notes:** Sunglasses can enhance any outfit regardless of the season, but a new shape can define your style. While slim frames have dominated in recent years, 2026 is all about oversized aviators—approved by brands from Loewe to Free People.

      

       - **Shop Big Sunglasses:**

       - **Free People**: Cruise Oversized Aviator Sunglasses (available in seven other colors and prints).

       - **LOEWE EYEWEAR**: Anagram Oversized Aviator-Style Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses.

       - **Alaïa Eyewear**: Mask D-Frame Leather and Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses (don't miss these).

       - **Stradivarius**: Retro Tortoiseshell Sunglasses (I love the green tint).

      3. **Add Animal Prints**

      

       **Style Notes:** The spring/summer 2026 runways confirmed that animal prints are here to stay, so avoid tossing them out in your new year wardrobe refresh. Instead, incorporate one printed piece—whether it’s a top, trousers, or an accessory—with a monochromatic outfit, as demonstrated by Caroline.

      

       - **Shop Animal Prints:**

       - **ZARA**: Animal Jacquard Cardigan (pair with jeans and a matching printed bag).

       - **Topshop**: Angel Heeled Court Shoe in Tiger Print Hair on Real Leather (tiger print will be key for spring).

       - **KHAITE**: Simona Leather-Trimmed Zebra-Print Calf Hair Shoulder Bag.

       - **adidas**: Adidas Originals Denim Loose Trousers (vintage look track pants are trending).

      4. **Wear A Watch**

      

       **Style Notes:** Resin bangles and stacked bracelets have been in vogue for several seasons, but it's time to change your wrist accessories. Sleek, polished watches will be the must-have accessory for 2026, and Anouk shows us how they can enhance any outfit.

      

       - **Shop Watches:**

       - **CARTIER**: Tank Louis Cartier 16.5mm Mini 18-Karat Gold and Alligator Watch (a timeless piece).

       - **Silence + Noise**: Clean Cuff Watch (this one still resembles a bangle).

       -