Additional Coverage:
- 9 items to remove from your closet before 2026, according to professional stylists (businessinsider.com)
Out With the Old, In With the Bold: Stylists Reveal What to Ditch Before 2026
As the calendar pages turn towards 2026, fashion experts are sounding the alarm: it’s time for a major closet clear-out! If your wardrobe is still clinging to “quiet luxury” and micro-bags, prepare for a style intervention. Three top stylists, interviewed by Business Insider, are dishing on the trends that are officially on their way out, and what you should embrace to step into the new year with confidence and flair.
Get ready to say goodbye to understated neutrals, everyday workout leggings, and those tiny bags that barely fit your phone. The fashion landscape is shifting towards a more expressive, personality-driven aesthetic, where rich colors, interesting textures, and practical, oversized accessories are taking center stage.
Quiet Luxury Takes a Backseat to Maximalist Flair
Remember “quiet luxury”? That ultra-minimal, subtle vibe?
Well, it’s getting a little too quiet. Kendra Sharpe, stylist and founder of Kendra Sharpe Styling & Creative, reports that shoppers are craving more personality in their outfits.
“The time of really minimal looks is kind of out, and more maximalist is in,” she explained. To inject some excitement, Sharpe suggests adding eye-catching textures like faux fur, sequins, or bold, sculptural jewelry.
Ditch the Daily Leggings, Hello Wide-Leg Knits
For those who practically live in their workout leggings, Natalie Tincher, principal stylist and founder of BU Style, has news: the era of leggings as everyday wear is fading. People are seeking comfort, but with a more polished edge.
“There are a lot of nice options that give you the comfort of your leggings, but also can be styled in a way that feels more respectful of all the settings that we’re in,” Tincher noted. Her recommended replacement?
Wide-leg or flared knit pants, offering similar comfort with a more intentional, chic look for errands or casual outings.
Slim Coats Are Out, Oversized Silhouettes Are In
Both Sharpe and Tincher agree: those perfectly tailored, slim-fit coats have seen better days. Sharpe advises swapping straight-line blazers for oversized silhouettes.
Think relaxed, roomy fits like a sized-up double-breasted jacket or a slouchy blazer. These looser shapes aren’t just trendy; Tincher adds that they’re more comfortable and ideal for layering.
Combat Boots: Trading Heavy for Elegant
Chunky combat boots are starting to feel, well, chunky. Emmy-award-winning stylist David Zyla suggests a move towards sleeker, more refined footwear.
“Something more fashion forward, such as a knee-high or slouchy leather boot, that’s just a little bit more elegant” is the way to go, he advises. These taller, softer styles create a more streamlined look and pair perfectly with the wider pants trending this season.
Mixed Metals Are Making a Statement
Remember when mixing gold and silver was a fashion faux pas? Not anymore!
“What’s going to be in is mixing your metals,” Sharpe declared. Blending silver and gold jewelry is a simple way to instantly upgrade your look.
If you’re new to the trend, start with a piece that already incorporates both metals.
Say No to Pre-Wrinkled, Yes to Intentional Texture
Pre-wrinkled clothes are a tricky business, according to Tincher. “They can look sloppy, and many times, it’s very unclear if they are purposefully wrinkled or treated.” To avoid any confusion, she suggests opting for fabrics that create texture in a more polished way, such as micro-pleats.
Light-Wash Denim: Time for a Darker, Dressier Hue
Elevating your denim game is simple: swap those light-wash jeans for a darker pair. Sharpe points out that darker denim is incredibly versatile, easily dressed up or down for any occasion, from the office to a night out. For an extra style boost, consider adding a wide-leg dark-wash pair to your rotation.
Embrace a Splash of Saturated Color
Much like the departure of “quiet luxury,” soft, basic neutrals like gray and black are giving way to a vibrant palette. Sharpe encourages leaning into bold, highly saturated shades such as cobalt blue, bright green, and other vivid tones that instantly energize any outfit. For the adventurous, try pairing a brighter hue with a complementary color to experiment with the color-blocking trend.
Micro Bags Out, Functional Totes In
Finally, those tiny bags that could barely hold your lip gloss are on their way out. Zyla confirms that the micro-bag trend is fading as fashion gravitates towards larger, more functional silhouettes. “Oversized accessories, including larger totes and clutches, are not only on trend, but they’re just really practical,” he said.
So, as you gear up for 2026, take a good look at your closet. It might be time to let go of some old friends and welcome a new wave of stylish, expressive pieces!
Read More About This Story:
- 9 items to remove from your closet before 2026, according to professional stylists (businessinsider.com)