It’s time for a wardrobe update as the fashion wheel spins from the ’90s to the ’80s, from pristine to worn-in and loose to fitted.
Get ready to thrift, buy or borrow these hits from past decades that are ready for a 2026 revival.
Hello: Power ’80s dressing. Goodbye: Cool ’90s
Like blue Gatorade on beige carpet, the standout trends of the ’90s can’t be erased and will linger forever. You can still get wear out of baggy jeans, flannelette shirts, slip dresses and cargo pants but start easing yourself out of your Reality Bites grunge era and tune into Dynasty ’80s glam.
Dua Lipa in New York on December 9 wearing ’80s-inspired Gucci spring/summer 2026 pieces by new creative director Demna.Credit: Getty Images
Padded shoulders on the runway at Saint Laurent, alongside logo mania and pussy-bow blouses at former Balenciaga designer Demna’s debut collection for Gucci, signalled a return to loud and proud ’80s luxury. Acid-yellow work blouses with fitted purple suede skirts and pink peep-toe heels at Valentino cemented the commitment of luxury labels to excess aesthetics.
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Make your mantra “more is more” when accessorising or contemplating animal prints (tiger is the new cheetah).
Hello: Silk scarves.Goodbye: Big belts
Raid the closets of prim relatives because silk scarves are making a comeback. Once reserved for flight attendants and the late Queen Elizabeth’s outings in her Land Rover, the silk scarf was the breakout star of Michael Rider’s debut show as creative director of Celine.
In the northern hemisphere, summer silk scarves were worn as bandanas and draped across shoulders, but the most popular trend was tying them around the waist, following a sighting of British trend barometer, model Alexa Chung, wearing hers with jeans and a white T-shirt.
Model and presenter Alexa Chung in London getting the scarf trend rolling.Credit: Getty Images for GUCCI
They won’t keep your pants up like statement belts, but this simple styling trick gives the most basic ensemble an instant upgrade.
Hello: Fitted jackets. Goodbye: Boxy blazers
Every year, designers try to persuade women to abandon the security of oversized blazers, which have become the equivalent of a Snuggie in the working wardrobe.
A stand-out trend on the spring 2026 runways was the precisely tailored hip length jacket, seductively skimming the waist. Givenchy, Loewe and Mugler all showcased the versatile hourglass shape that complements trousers and skirts.
In basic black or bold red, it’s ready for the office, while embellished versions are redefining evening chic.
Nipped waists unbox blazers on the runway at Loewe.Credit: Getty Images
Hello: Teacher’s pet. Goodbye: Tech bro
The working-from-home wardrobe of plain T-shirts, hoodies and chinos is slowly being superseded by back-to-school specials.
Collared shirts, ties and louche suits are easing men back into the preppy trend. If you’re determined to retain a sense of rebellion, take the scruffy styling approach seen at Jonathan Anderson’s debut as creative director at Dior, loosen your tie and untuck your shirt. Leave wearing your tie backwards to the professionals on the runway.
Schoolboy style is in at Dior, spring 2026, menswear collection.
After hours, the preppy trend gathers speed, with polo shirts making a strong return in fitted silhouettes and collars standing to attention.
Hello: Beaten-up bags. Goodbye: Micro bags
Take a break from coveting pristine Birkin bags from Hermes or attempting to carry more than your lipstick and smartphone in a micro bag, because the latest look in handbags is rough and ready.
Ironically, Jane Birkin may be to blame for this trend shift, with the style icon and actress’s original well-worn bag from Hermes fetching $15.3 million at auction in July.
Backing over last season’s Oroton handbag won’t help you get the look. You’re after a handbag with creases and worn hardware, like Balenciaga’s Le City, recently seen under the arm of singer Sabrina Carpenter.
Burberry, spring 2026, London Fashion Week.
With its studs and leather pulls, Le City is an update of the 2001 Balenciaga Motorcycle bag, which co-starred with Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan in countless noughties paparazzi photographs.
The Paddington bag from Chloe, with its oversized padlock, also fits the bill – and your purse. Daniel Lee at Burberry jumped on board the trend at London Fashion Week, with bags slouchy enough to acquire a relaxed patina in months.
Hello: Strappy clogs. Goodbye: Chunky loafers
Those chunky loafers that you’ve been wearing since 2023 can be left outside to air. If you must slip into a loafer, Italianate embellished styles and those with ruched edges still cut the Dijon mustard, but strappy clogs are picking up pace.
In season three of The Bear, Carmy, played by Jeremy Allen White, put the Birkenstock Tokio back on the fashion radar. It’s essentially a more secure version of the classic Boston clog from Birkenstock, worn by nearly every Hollywood starlet with a yoga mat.
Miu Miu’s take on the strappy clog at Paris Fashion Week.Credit: Getty Images
At Miu Miu, Miuccia Prada delivered her own high fashion version of the functional footwear, with a sturdy sole and chunky low heel. It’s smart enough to take out of the kitchen and wear with straight leg jeans or a mid-length skirt.
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