I’ve worked as a stylist for 12 years—here are 5 wardrobe tricks that fashion insiders will endorse in 2026.
The January blues can be tough to overcome, right? With the festive season fading into memory and the temperatures dropping even lower, it’s understandable if maintaining motivation feels challenging. However, as a stylist and fashion editor for over 12 years, I strongly believe that clothes can significantly influence your mood. Whether it’s through dopamine dressing, discovering a sale find you’ve desired for a long time, or simply anticipating the arrival of spring/summer, this can be an exciting moment for your wardrobe. Personally, while the cold weather urges me to bundle up in chunky jumpers and puffer jackets, I don’t want to add more knitwear or coats to my closet. Instead, I’m focusing on transitional pieces that can be worn now with some smart layering, and later in spring without layers. There are numerous quick and straightforward styling hacks you can implement to revitalize your wardrobe for the coming year, allowing you to avoid investing in spring-ready items that would just gather dust for the next few months. Thinking about a new plaid shirt for 2025? The fresh way to style it will involve even more checks, so pair it with a contrasting checked skirt or throw a jacket over it. If you’ve been into animal prints, they’re still in vogue—this year, aim to wear a single printed item to bring intrigue to a monochromatic look. And if suede occupies a large portion of your wardrobe, you’ll be happy to know it’s still relevant. Expect to see colorful variations making an appearance. Ready to refresh your style without indulging in every new trend for spring/summer 2026? Here are some effortless wardrobe updates worth considering.
**2026 Easy Wardrobe Updates:**
1. **Checks 2.0**
*Style Notes:* Plaid shirts (worn tied at the waist), kilt skirts, and coats remained essential for 2025, and they continue to be popular in 2026. The new styling method? Go for a double check approach—think a skirt and a 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 combination.
- **DÔEN**: Alamere Checked Silk-Satin Mini Dress - Add a checked shirt around your waist for this one.
- **COS**: Checked Flannel Shirt - This shade of blue is expected to be trendy for SS26.
- **Damson Madder**: Felix Jeans Over Dye Check - I'm fond of these DM jeans.
2. **Supersize Shades**
*Style Notes:* Sunglasses can enhance any outfit throughout the year, but a new shape can redefine your appearance. While slim styles have been popular recently, 2026 is about oversized aviators—and brands like Loewe and Alaïa to Free People endorse this trend.
*Shop Big Sunglasses:*
- **Free People**: Cruise Oversized Aviator Sunglasses - Available in 7 other colors and prints.
- **LOEWE EYEWEAR**: Anagram Oversized Aviator-Style Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses.
- **Alaïa Eyewear**: Mask D-Frame Leather and Tortoiseshell Acetate Sunglasses - Too good to miss.
- **Stradivarius**: Retro Tortoiseshell Sunglasses - I'm a fan of the green tint on this style.
3. **Add Animal Prints**
*Style Notes:* The spring/summer 2026 runways confirmed that animal prints are sticking around, so avoid discarding them during your New Year wardrobe clear-out. Instead, style one piece—whether it’s a top, trousers, or an accessory—alongside a monochromatic outfit, as Caroline demonstrates.
*Shop Animal Prints:*
- **ZARA**: Animal Jacquard Cardigan - Pair it with jeans and a matching printed bag.
- **Topshop**: Angel Heeled Court Shoe in Tiger Print Hair on Real Leather - I suspect tiger print will be a hit this spring.
- **KHAITE**: Simona Leather-Trimmed Zebra-Print Calf Hair Shoulder Bag.
- **adidas**: Adidas Originals Denim Loose Trousers - Vintage-style track pants are another mini trend.
4. **Wear A Watch**
*Style Notes:* Resin bangles and stacked bracelets have been trendy for several seasons, but it’s time to revamp your wrist accessories. For 2026, sleek, polished watches will be the go-to accessory for everyone, as Anouk shows how they can elevate an outfit effortlessly.
*Shop Watches:*
- **CARTIER**: Tank Louis Cartier 16.5mm Mini 18-Karat Gold and Alligator Watch - A classic timepiece.
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I’ve worked as a stylist for 12 years—here are 5 wardrobe tricks that fashion insiders will endorse in 2026.
Whether you're changing the shape of your sunglasses or opting for a bold double print, these simple wardrobe updates for 2026 will be favored by fashion enthusiasts to refresh their style.
