Top Aussie Stylists Predict Six Fashion Trends for 2026 – Here’s How To Wear Them Now

In fashion, the word “trend” usually signals the need for something new. But in 2026, it takes on a different meaning.

It’s less about novelty and more about borrowing from decades past. Grandma’s lacework is cool again, ’80s nostalgia shows up in bolder colour, and craftsmanship matters more than ever.

That means rummaging through second-hand stores and family wardrobes isn’t just welcomed – it’s encouraged. And when buying new, the focus shifts to local designers such as Albus Lumen, Perple and Anna Quan, whose pieces prioritise quality, durability and thoughtful design – each made to last and eventually be passed on.

Here are six stylist-backed trends to watch.

Enter: the maximalist era

“After the last several years’ obsession with quiet luxury – a calm, understated and neutral approach to dressing (think capsule wardrobes, elevated basics and timeless staples) – I predict 2026 will see us leaning into maximalism and making bolder choices in the way we shop, dress and present ourselves.

I expect to see a lot more colour (perhaps in protest to Pantone’s colour of the year Cloud Dancer – a soft white), as well as prints and texture. More importantly, I think we’ll see a renewed embrace of personal style and a more flawed approach to dressing – less emphasis on clean, polished perfection, and more on layering, styling and wearing the pieces we love, accessorised in ways that reflect our personality.

Key pieces include Romance Was Born’s granny bag, Bul’s crocodile-print co-ord, Lucinda Babi’s bow-motif T-shirt, Perple’s mirrored armour top and Saint Stella M’s ultra-padded frock.”

– Stuart Walford, Melbourne fashion stylist and creative consultant 

Laced with love

“Lace is back in a big way, but we’re seeing it used more as a feature. Think skirts with lace trims and dresses with lace accents. It’s a modern approach to romanticism that brings lace into a more relaxed, everyday context.

This trend has staying power because it introduces the fabric to a broader audience by keeping it clean and simple. Naturally, lace feels at home in a dress – Hansen and Gretel’s was made for summer, Christopher Esber’s has contemporary flair, and Aje’s delivers the whimsy.”

– Fleur Egan, Sydney fashion stylist

A return to shape

“I’m excited to see sculpted tailoring gain momentum this year. It’s trickier as we start in summer, but there’s a strong push towards more considered silhouettes, even in warmer months. For me, that looks like Effie Kats’ oversized structured shirt with barely-there shorts and heeled thongs.

It’s a natural shift away from everyone dressing oversized. Sculpted tailoring offers a more polished look – structure without stiffness. My favourite piece in this trend is the Anna Quan blazer: cinched at the waist, strong through the shoulders and familiar enough to become a wardrobe staple. For occasions that call for something bolder, I love Courtney Zheng’s blazer playsuit – modern tailoring at its best.”

– Jade Leung, Melbourne fashion stylist

Dramatic draping

“As seen at Bottega Veneta, Louis Vuitton and Coperni, artful draping is set to feature heavily at summer parties. Esse Studios does beautiful draping – this dress would make you one of the chicest in the room – as does Posse.

Drape doesn’t have to be head-to-toe. It works just as well in tops, like this P Johnson Femme style. Belts are another way to introduce movement: the Posse tassel belt and Harris Tapper pearl belt are both wishlist-worthy.”

– Ilkin Kurt, Sydney fashion consultant and stylist

Colour gets louder

“After the rise of quiet luxury, boho chic and more minimal approaches, I hope to see a return to colour and playful experimentation in the year ahead, particularly through sportier silhouettes.

Think ’90s cuts and mixing colours and fabrics you can actually be comfortable in. I love a baseball-style ringer tee – Christopher Esber’s cropped version in butter yellow, and the striped jersey tee, which feels kitsch and beachy.

I’ve been adding more colourful cotton basics to my wardrobe and love options from Bassike and Kourh. Jelly thongs are having a moment, and pairing them with a kitten heel, as Melissa has done, adds a fun edge to any outfit.”

– Katherine Rose, Sydney fashion stylist

Handcrafted treasures

“The 2026 runways highlighted a renewed focus on craftsmanship, with designers like Bottega Veneta, Alaia and Loewe showcasing extraordinary handcrafted pieces that have wow factor sewn into every seam.

There are already enough clothes in circulation to clothe the world’s population for the next six generations. With that in mind, we have a responsibility to move away from fast fashion fixes and make conscious style choices that prioritise longevity, quality and timeless appeal.

Standout pieces include Albus Lumen’s handcrafted black-tie dress; Lanvin’s one-of-a-kind piece to covet forever; Alaia’s twist on the classic leather jacket; Celine’s artisanal silk cloud coat; Magda Butrym’s reworked T-shirt; and a pop of red from Olivia Bond’s necklace.”

– Sara Smith, fashion stylist and founder of Relik Editions

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