The Surprising Items Fashion Insiders Say Will Be Huge in 2026
Photo Credit:@aaliyahjay
If you think next year’s trends are just rehashes of what we wore in 2025, think again. The fashion world is leaning into evolutions that feel quietly bold — things you might already have hiding in your closet (or should start keeping an eye out for). From belted tops to hybrid fabrics, insiders are calling these items “under-the-radar” must-haves for 2026.
Here’s what’s going to pop — and how to style it without feeling like you’re playing dress-up.
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1. Belted Blouses & Dresses (Thin Belts Return Strong)
After seasons of oversized shapes and boxy layers, insiders are predicting a shift back to cinched waists. Skinny or mid-width belts over blouses, dresses, and even outerwear are showing up on runways and street style during S/S 2026.
Why it’s surprising: Belts used to feel restrictive. Now, they’re reimagined as the finishing touch — something to define instead of confine.
How to wear it:
Try belting a silk or satin blouse over wide-leg trousers.
Use a narrow belt over a slip dress for shape.
Belt your trench, cardigan, or blazer to take even everyday layers from good to intentional.
Mari Jacket
Camila Coelho
$299
Amazon
Long Sleeve Ruched Bodycon Turtleneck Dress
$42.99
Amazon
Black Belted Blazer
$54.99
2. Liquid Tailoring Tops
Soft fabrics with structure. Tailored yet fluid. This hybrid top concept has been floating in trend forecasts for 2026, especially in blouse collections.
Why it’s surprising: Because tailoring has typically meant stiffness or rigidity. “Liquid tailoring” blends ease with elegance.
How to wear it:
Pair a fluid tailored top with straight-leg jeans or trousers.
Use it as your “dress-up-but-not-overdone” option over denim for dinners or brunches.
Tuck or half-tuck it to control the shape.
Meshki
CharleyStructured Tie Denim Top - Indigo Blue
$139
Amazon
Straight-leg jeans
$36.99
Meshki
AbelDenim Button Up Top - Dark Blue
$89
3. Pendant Necklaces That Make a Statement
Minimal jewelry feels so 2024. In 2026, moodier pendants — chunkier chains, gemstones, quirky shapes — are making a comeback. Bella Hadid was spotted wearing one at Paris Fashion Week, and insiders are flagging this as a jewelry trend to watch.
Why it’s surprising: Because pendant necklaces feel almost vintage, and fashion often leans minimal. This is a nod to jewelry as personality, not background.
How to wear it:
Let your pendant be the hero piece and keep other jewelry minimal.
Wear it over a plain tee, blouse, or a tucked sweater to let it stand out.
Mix it with layered chains for texture — but keep the tones complementary.
Amazon
Cross Necklace for Women
$13.99
4. Headscarves & Hair-Top Accessories
We’re not talking full head wraps or dramatic turbans (unless that’s your thing). The trend that’s gaining traction is smaller, expressive hair accessories — scarves, knotted bands, even silk ties — topping off looks with a finishing note.
Why it’s surprising: Because accessories sometimes trail behind clothing trends. This time, they’re stepping forward as focal accents.
How to wear it:
Tie a silk scarf in your hair or around a low pony.
Use it over a hat or fedora for layered interest.
Let the pattern or color echo elements of your outfit (shoes, bag, or print).
Amazon
Square Head Scarf
$9.99
5. Shrugs & Bolero-Style Layers
Enter the comeback shrug — cropped, armhole-revealing, or sculptural. Big fashion weeks have seen it sneak into collections, paired over dresses, tops, and even sweaters.
Why it’s surprising: Shrugs used to feel overly formal or costume-like. Reworked, they’re becoming dynamic layering tools.
How to wear it:
Wear a shrug over a sleeveless dress for coverage without bulk.
Layer it over a tee + jeans combo for architectural interest.
Use cropped styles to avoid hiding your waist or proportions.
Amazon
Open Front Knitted Crop Cardigan
$19.99
Amazon
Cropped Bolero Shrug Open
$28.99
6. Fringe Bags & Textural Accessories
Fringe is no longer just for coachella. Bags with motion — fringe, tassels, chain drapes — are getting renewed attention in accessory forecasts.
Why it’s surprising: Because fringe often feels boho or costume-y. Now it’s being reinterpreted with polish.
How to wear it:
Let the bag be the statement in a neutral outfit.
Keep the rest minimal so your fringe doesn’t compete.
Pair it with structured items (like a blazer) to balance the movement.
Givenchy
Voyou Medium Shoulder Bag in Fringe Leather
$3,100
7. Low-Heel, Block-Style Footwear
Stilettos are taking a breath. In 2026, walking-forward shoes — think low block heel, sculpted flats, or net-muted platforms — are rising in runway circulation.
Why it’s surprising: Because edgy fashion often gives us wild heels first. This is a pivot toward comfort without compromise.
How to wear it:
Tuck straight-leg pants or jeans into the shoe for uninterrupted lines.
Pair with a midi skirt or dress so the shape sits balanced.
Choose footwear in bold finishes (metallic, patent) to let them shine without shouting.
Amazon
Kitten Heels
$49.99
8. Oversized Pendants & Statement Jewels
Accessories aren’t subtle in 2026 — they’re expressive. Oversized pendants, chunky rings, sculptural earrings are being used to bring personality to minimal outfits.
Why it’s surprising: Because minimalism has dominated for years. This feels like style flex layering.
How to wear it:
Keep the rest of your outfit simple so these pieces can breathe.
Match one statement piece per look (don’t overload).
Consider metallic or sculptural shapes that echo your vibe.
Amazon
Chunky Pearl Rings
$9.99
Amazon
Chunky Gold Bangle Bracelets
$17.99
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