Embrace 2026 Fashion Trends: Reviving Iconic Styles for a Fresh Look

With a new year, there is both the start of new fashion trends and the return of old ones. For anyone who is on social media, there has already been a push for a return to 2016, but in 2026 there is more than just a return to mom jeans and a Tumblr-inspired style. 2010s nostalgia On the data-based side of things, Pinterest published its predictions for 2026 fashion trends based off of user searches in 2025. Pinterest found that there was a lean toward the comforting, fun and nostalgic. The term “nostalgia toys” received a 225% increase in searches. Lace and styles that lean into the gothic and romantic were also predicted to rise in popularity, especially with the new “Wuthering Heights” movie. Abigail Anderson, a sophomore mass communication major, has a passion for fashion – especially the trends that lean toward fun and colorful aesthetics. For her, 2025 was a year of experimentation with different aesthetics, and this year, she is planning on elevating her style. “I’ve definitely found myself gravitating toward this pastel grunge, 2010s Tumblr revival with color tights, bloomers and off-the-shoulder shirts and capris,” said Anderson. Anderson’s shifting personal style is reflective of the recent rise in fun and whimsical outfits that include a lot of color and shape. One of the aesthetics from the 2010s to look at is the Twee aesthetic, which is characterized by a lot of primary colors, quirky accessories, fun glasses, short skirts, colorful tights and more. One of the pioneers of the aesthetic in the 2010s was actor Zooey Deschanel. Aesthetics like these have made their way into the cultural consciousness, and that can be seen in the rise of polka dots, Mary Janes and other novelty fashion pieces. Animal print and Y2K revival Another trend that is in the same ballpark is the return to animal print. Connected to the return of early 2000s trends, zebra, leopard and cheetah print are all back. Something very recent and new is deer print, which can be seen everywhere from Urban Outfitters to H&M adding deer-print to its catalog. For the past couple of years, there has been the consistent reintroduction of previous fashion trends. The early-2000s revival seems to still be going strong. Hollister has made a big, and successful, push returning to form with its iconic 2000s pieces, including tops, sweaters and fur-trimmed sweatshirts. Juicy Couture and Victoria’s Secret are also making a bit of a comeback, but at LSU, it’s almost impossible to go a day without seeing someone wearing an Ed Hardy suit, hat or jeans. Athleisure When it comes to fashion trends, Anderson said she saw quarter zips and baggy jeans staying in style for men. Looking at the LSU population, she noticed the long-sustaining habit of wearing athleisure. Anderson said that she dislikes the athleisure trend, but of all the trends popping up, she especially hates camouflage. “Camo everywhere. I’m tired of the camo pants, the camo shirts, sweatshirts. I’m tired of seeing those and those plaid pajama pants, especially at the gym.” Fashion as self-expression Clothing is a big thing for Anderson. Across her social media, she has posted different styles she tries, and she even makes occasional YouTube videos. The most recent one was a video all about styling jorts. “Fashion is how I [stay creative]. I love spending time making looks or I’ll imagine looks in my head and then I’ll try them out and see, ‘oh, does this work?’ And I think it’s just who I am in general. I’ve always loved to dress up,” she said. “I believe the world is a runway and life is a party, and I should dress up for it.” No matter if you stick with the status quo or decide to go out of your comfort zone this year, there is a wealth of ideas and trends to pick from. The important part is to wear what makes you happy and makes you feel like you.