The shape of style: Fashion trends for 2026

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

With the arrival of January, the fashion scene springs to life, eager to predict what will fill the streets and cafés from Paris to Tokyo, New York and Berlin. We spoke to some of the DACH region’s (Germany, Switzerland and Austria) most influential fashion brands and designers to find out more about their take on the core fashion trends for 2026.

2026 is not simply about a seasonal shake-up; it is shaping up to be a year of true transformation. This time around, it is nostalgia colliding with fresh ideas, as comfort, style, and technology blend together in unexpected, exciting ways. Let us take a look at the main fashion trends for 2026.

Photo: BOGNER

The Y2K renaissance

Among the standout fashion trends for 2026 is the resurgence of Y2K aesthetics. If the past few years gently flirted with Y2K (the abbreviation for Year 2000), 2026 will be a full-blown affair. Designers are digging deep into the turn-of-the-millennium archive, resurrecting shapes and silhouettes that once defined a generation. Low-slung trousers, cargo pants with utilitarian pockets, shimmer-infused crop tops, and micro-mini skirts have all walked back onto the runways, but this time, they are more than just a nod to the past. Sustainability is the buzzword, with earth-friendly fabrics and ethical manufacturing overshadowing fast fashion’s excesses. A new breed of denim – recycled, upcycled, and surprisingly soft – has emerged as the year’s hero piece, paired with playful, figure-hugging knits and jackets that balance attitude with ease. In this resurgence, comfort is paramount. Gone are the days when style demanded discomfort. Instead, clothing is structured around the needs of real people – pieces that move, breathe, and adapt to the rhythms of daily life. The result is a wardrobe that is as versatile as it is expressive, ready to transition from a day at the office to a night out with nothing more than a change of shoes or the addition of an eye-catching accessory.

Photo: MARC AUREL

Dopamine colours: from fresh summer nuances to warm winter tones

Colour is taking on an emotional role in the fashion trends for 2026, as fashion is as much about feeling as it is about looking. This year, designers are leaning into the emotional power of colour, choosing palettes that spark joy and confidence, hence the term dopamine dressing. Expect to see brilliant pinks, zesty oranges, lush greens, and electric blues dominating collections, both in clothing and accessories.

Texture plays a central role in this sensory revival. Fuzzy faux furs, glossy vinyls, and buttery leathers invite touch, while shimmering sequins and metallic threads catch the light and turn heads. These tactile elements go beyond aesthetics, forging a deeper connection between wearer and wardrobe. The idea is simple: what you wear should lift your spirits, even on the greyest days.

BOGNER, a long-standing German luxury ski brand, sets the tone for 2026 with a commitment to “lightness, comfort, and sporty-luxurious style,” according to marketing coordinator Anna Eder. She describes the Spring/Summer colour palette as “fresh, summery accents: Fresh Green, Azzurro Acqua, Navy, Burned Amalfi, Golden Amalfi, complemented by neutral shades such as Off White, Light Almond, Marzipan, Dark Oat, Vetiver Green, Bast, and Black, with playful highlights like Rose Touch.” This vibrant mix is grounded by innovative fabrics such as power stretch, nylon, tech wool, CloudTouch jersey, and broderie anglaise, designed for “optimal freedom of movement, a luxurious feel, and modern silhouettes.” Come autumn, BOGNER shifts to “dark denim tones, black, grey mélange, neutral natural shades, and shiny satin and nylon accents,” uniting opulence with functionality.

Some of the core colours that MARC AUREL, a German fashion brand founded over 50 years ago, uses in its 2026 spring/summer collections are fresh, light and bright yellow, green, and pink tones that are combined with cosy naturals such as crème, beige and reed. In autumn/winter, on the other hand, “warmth and structure take centre stage: brown and black swap roles, joined by plum, dusty pink, rosewood, and green shades ranging from wasabi to forest,” according to Thekla Ahrens, team lead at MARC AUREL’s design department and Thomas Molitor from the design team at MARC AUREL’s knit department. “Tweed, corduroy, flannel, faux fur, and leather define the materials, refined with Lurex, coatings, and rhinestones. Scuba, double-face fabrics, and 3D textures add depth, while animal-inspired elements and denim in new colours underscore a strong fashion statement.”

Photo: MARC AUREL

Men’s fashion travels to Italy

For men, 2026 takes inspiration from Italian influences, according to Mey & Edlich, one of the leading German online shops and brands for stylish and sustainable men’s fashion. “Italy plays a special role in the world of menswear,” the brand notes. “While Great Britain perfects the gentleman look and France stages haute couture, Italy combines joie de vivre with an unrivalled sense of good style.” Its spring/summer 2026 Interseason collection is infused with “noticeable Italian feeling,” featuring “exceptional shirts, waistcoats, and suits” crafted from “the finest fabrics, rugged denim, and ideas rooted in Italy that resonate worldwide.” This connection to heritage and artisanship sets its approach apart, blending tradition with global influence.

Photo: Mey & Edlich

Maximalist accessories and statement pieces

If 2026’s clothing trends are about comfort and confidence, accessories are anything but understated. Chunky platforms tower over city pavements, sculptural jewellery frames the face, and oversized bags become movable canvases for self-expression. The era of ‘quiet luxury’ is taking a backseat and this year, it is all about celebrating personality, embracing boldness, and refusing to blend in. Statement sunglasses, whimsical hats, and even belts with digital displays are popping up everywhere. The message is clear: accessories are no longer afterthoughts; they are the exclamation points that punctuate an outfit, often stealing the spotlight in street style galleries and on social media feeds.

For MARC AUREL, 2026 is all about fearless individuality too. Team lead of design, Thekla Ahrens, and knit department’s Thomas Molitor outline a vision where “every model, whether simple or extravagant, plays with the idea of being a true highlight.” The brand’s mantra ‘statement pieces everywhere’ is reflected in spring’s “casual, light, and structured” looks – think summery pinstripes, jersey, shiny Tencel-satin, and new silhouettes like short blazers and sporty maxi skirts. Autumn, meanwhile, sees a turn towards the “opulent and cosy,” with “faux fur and leather in focus, ranging from glossy to textured, while skirt suits, statement coats and waist belts set fashion accents.” Individuality, expression, and boldness seem to be the orders of the year.

Photo: Mey & Edlich

Integrated fashion: where style meets innovation

As wearable technology edges into the mainstream, 2026 marks the year it truly collides with style. Smart fabrics, capable of regulating temperature, monitoring health, or changing colour with a tap on your phone, are being woven into everything from athleisure to evening wear. Fitness trackers and smartwatches have evolved beyond mere utility, now designed as chic bangles or sleek cuffs that would not look out of place in a jewellery box.

Beyond these practical innovations, designers are experimenting with augmented reality in clothing, allowing wearers to project digital patterns or even change the look of their garments with a swipe. Imagine attending a party where your dress glows in sync with the music, or where a jacket displays animated art. What sounded futuristic five years ago is, in 2026, part of the everyday wardrobe.

Photo: Unsplash

Sustainability: the invisible thread

If one theme quietly weaves through every major trend, it is sustainability. The conversation is no longer just about what we wear, but how it is made and where it ends up. Brands are ramping up transparency, sourcing organic materials, and investing in circular fashion models, where clothes are designed to be recycled, repaired, or repurposed. Rental services and clothing swaps are gaining traction, offering fashion lovers new ways to experiment without contributing to waste. Eco-conscious choices extend to dyes, packaging, and even runway shows, which are increasingly staged with environmental impact in mind.

For MARC AUREL, for example, this means that sustainability is considered holistically, from material selection and packaging to the style itself. “We rely on recycled fabrics, Tencel, and BCI cotton to conserve resources and produce responsibly,” explain Ahrens and Molitor. “We also make sure that packaging and transportation are reduced to the essentials and designed to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Furthermore, the longevity of our products plays a central role: high-quality materials and careful craftsmanship ensure that our styles remain wearable across multiple seasons. We combine timeless designs with modern trends – for fashion that is stylish, premium, and sustainable at the same time.”

Photo: BOGNER

Fashion for all

A defining feature of the main fashion trends for 2026 is inclusivity. Brands are expanding size ranges, featuring models of all backgrounds and abilities, and celebrating diversity in every campaign. The focus is on wearable art that feels authentic to a wider range of stories, bodies, and identities.
Hometown designers and small ateliers are making waves, leveraging social media to bring unique visions to a global audience. The result? A vibrant marketplace where individuality is celebrated and the rules are ever-evolving.

Photo: MARC AUREL

Denim is here to stay

Last but not least, denim stands out as a cornerstone of 2026’s fashion narrative, making its mark across wardrobes in both time-honoured and innovative forms. Designers are reinventing classic jeans, jackets, and skirts with experimental washes, oversized fits, and unexpected details. Think contrast stitching, patchwork, and subtle embellishments. Versatile and enduring, denim is being paired with everything from tailored blazers to casual tees, reflecting its ability to bridge comfort and style. This season, look for dark indigo and faded blue hues, as well as eco-friendly denim crafted using responsible dyeing and recycling techniques, ensuring the fabric’s relevance in a sustainable future.