Have you got your Pinterest board ready?
BY HARRIET CURZON, IMAGE BY PEXELS
Fashion has always been a core part of queer culture. Look back to the subtle monocle used for signalling in the 1920s which unapologetically set the tone for mainstream trends. It’s experimental, political, and individual… and 2025 was no exception.
As the year of carabiners, statement skirts and Birkenstocks draws to a close, and since Pinterest have released their 2026 predictions – highlighting aesthetics such as “Poetcore”, “Throwback kid”, and “Glamoratti” – we’re looking forward to some trend predictions for the new year. From power silhouettes to impractical accessories, in what feels like some kind of reverse Cinderella moment, early 2026 promises to impress the minute the clock strikes midnight.
Oversized power tailoring
Sharp silhouettes and oversized tailoring with exaggerated shoulders and defined outlines dominated Spring/Summer 2026 runways. Think Melanie Griffith in Working Girl, because the 80s are back with a bang. And it’s pretty clear that power dressing isn’t just for business: you can wear these pieces anywhere.
Culottes
Another silhouette-defining staple, these voluminous trousers fall somewhere between your ankle and your knee. I.e: if you took a pair of scissors to your 2020 pair of cuffed jeans and chopped another couple of inches off – that’s the length we’re looking for. They will come in various fabrics and could be paired with chunky boots or loafers.
Time to belt up
This outfit staple will take centre stage as accessories become the base from which we build our outfits. Cargo pocket belts are practical and can elevate any basic outfit, or you could take your most humble belt and double it, like key designers on Spring/Summer 2026 runways who imagined stacking two simple belts on top of one another. The additional “useless belt” signals a step away from traditional functional looks, using accessories to defy the norm.
Clarks
The Clarks Wallabee shoe has been rising in popularity for a while. Vogue called them the Ugg boot’s “slouchier sister”. They are moccasin-style, everything shoes, often made from suede, and as they fight for their place as the spring/summer unisex staple. We checked whether they had the Clarks Daisy doll in the sole of the shoe… they don’t. But they’re still classic and cool.
Political slogan tees
Connor Ives’ “Protect the Dolls” tee is much more than a trend. It was a powerful slogan of solidarity. Whilst fashion has always been inherently political, 2026 will see more clothes spelling it out for us – like Marie Lueder’s “Men are so BACK” from Autumn/Winter 2025, which served as a parodic warning about heteronormativity and, well, men.
Textures
Minimalism stays locked in the back seat as textures become the hero of 2026 outfits. From bold fringes that flow freely in suede and silk to ruffled pirate-style blouses embracing your inner Kiera Knightley or indulgent velvet peplum jackets, every look feels a little bit stronger and a little bit braver.
Poetcore
Pinterest’s Poetcore tapped into a collective desire for comfort and authenticity, as people use fashion to disconnect from our ever-dominating digital world. Soft cardigans, slouchy trousers, satchels and loose-fitting ties are giving permission to relax and take time for ourselves, while still meeting all of our 2026 life goals!
The future is neon
Travelling back to the 80s for this colour-blocking classic, neon is set to dominate many wardrobes in 2026, with a Wham style signifying a launch into spring that has an indisputable essence of Freedom. Pinterest predicts “Gimme Gummy”, a nostalgic, playful look characterised by colourful accessories like chunky bangles and rubberised 3D nail art like gummy bear nails, becoming the mark of individualism, creative freedom, but also, impracticality.
You can leave your hat on
Hats of all shapes and sizes are in, the bell-shaped cloche hat from the 1920s will appear in lots of shades and textures, Kangol hats will continue to be a streetwear staple, and many people are wearing the classic brimless pillbox hat in animal print and fur.
Brooches
Run, don’t walk, to your nearest charity shop in time for the brooch renaissance. This isn’t about simple decoration but more about making a statement through maximalist, heavy adornments on your everyday jackets and jumpers. So whether you choose upscale vintage, cheaper charity, or affordable high street, choose a piece which is as daring as you.
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