As some eat 12 grapes underneath their table, others light fireworks and some surround themselves with family, waiting for the clock to turn to 12 a.m.. And of course there’s the handful that are sleeping through the new year. But as we all enter 2026, there is hope for the upcoming year, after what 2025 felt like a struggle.

I manifest 2026 will be whimsical, bold and refreshing. Here are my predictions of trends that will make an appearance.

Polka Dots / Patterns

At the end of 2025, we saw the rise of polka dots, so it’s safe to assume it will continue into the new year. Inspired by Jessica Day from New Girl, the in is twee fashion, a style of dainty clothing. Examples of twee would be Mary Janes, Peter Pan collars and colored pattern tights. Other patterns like plaid will also be in style, and even maybe zebra print.

Bold Pop Colors

Letting go of the sad beige colors, 2026 will be a pop of new funky colors. In fact, two colors I believe will be top on the list are chartreuse, a bright green-yellow and a deep royal purple. I think people will start to realize instead of having their homes look bland and basic they will want color. I also do hope parents start to bring color back into their children’s life. But back to my prediction, bright bold colors will be in.

Decline of social media, especially influencers

With the mass influx of TikTok influencers and their brand deals, viewers will grasp that the influencers don’t actually care about the products they are pushing. I also do believe people will get bored of the same content of getting ready with me and the identical products promoted. Smaller, niche and messy influencers will gain more recognition like how Alix Earl was in the beginning, where she showed her apartment being filled with laundry. Viewers like to watch someone they can relate to and feel connected with.

LetterBoxd

Letterboxd, is a platform where users can review movies, and follow their friends. Basically like how adults leave google reviews. Right now I wouldn’t say it’s that huge, but as more are making TikToks about it, it will become the new app Gen Z will use, like how BeReal was. The feature of seeing what your friends watched and their reviews does make it entertaining and inspires you to watch (or not watch) movies.

Disappearance of silk backs

While I was not a victim to this, I don’t think anyone will do slick backs. Let’s be honest it makes people look like potatoes and only works with a small percent of people. But the clean girl will leave, and the fun messy girl will be in. Trends will be either big blowouts or short hair, like bobs. But both are cute either way.

Funky big statement pieces

This year will be full of huge statements pieces, using art to showcase how others are feeling. Jewelry, especially thrifted jewelry will be a huge hit. Forget dainty and simple, chunky and bold is here.

Pinterest

While Pinterest has been massive, more and more will use it, and even some will upload their own photos. As that happens, more DIY will emerge. More people will get crafty, using the app as ideas for handmade gifts, fashion, totes, art and decorations.

Headbands

We saw the rise of zigzag headbands, but there’s more to come. Maybe headbands that have buttons, or even polka dots. But they will be fun and pretty obviously.

Wellness

Not a shock, every year getting healthy and eating better is on the list of goals. But I believe more influencers and celebrities will start making their own brands (already is happening) but with a huge increase. Like Khloe Kardashian with her popcorn, Khloud. I think more companies will start selling their “organic, exclusive, one of a kind” products, making their prices insanely high to make as much profit as possible.