Key fashion trends for the ladies in 2026!

Belinda
7 days ago
5 min read

Put the kettle on and get cosy — we’re diving into the key fashion trends for the ladies in 2026! ✨

As the new year begins, it’s the perfect time to take stock of your wardrobe, reset your style, and have a little fun with what’s new (and what’s making a comeback). 👕👖🧣💃 Now don’t worry - you don’t need to embrace every trend. This is about inspiration, not imitation. Choose the ones that light you up, reflect your personal style, or simply make getting dressed feel exciting again.

Style, after all, should feel fun. It should feel like you.

Getting dressed is a chance to feel empowered, express yourself, and show the world a little of who you are — without saying a single word.

So, with that in mind, here are 8 key trends to explore this year…

1. The colour white 🤍

Pantone's colour of the year is ‘Cloud Dancer’. This soft white is described as ethereal, calm, and serene, and symbolises a fresh start, simplicity, and a blank canvas.

White is an easy, fresh colour to add to your wardrobe. Make sure the item is clean and crisp, and retire any items that are stained or muddied from lots of wear and washing. It’s a New Year, and you deserve items that are crisp and clean and radiate fresh energy.

Currently, it’s on-trend to wear all-white outfits. This trend is elegant and exudes confidence. The white you wear doesn’t have to be stark white. Consider ecru, off-white, and cream, which will give the same impact but may be more flattering on your skin tone.

Women wearing stylish white outfits, sunglasses, and carrying bags in urban and outdoor settings, exuding a chic and sophisticated vibe.

Woman in white dress holds a beige tote with yellow flowers. Stands against a gray brick wall, wearing sunglasses and green sandals.

Stylist tip- white outfits can be made more interesting by combining different textures.

Combinations to try-

White denim jeans with a silk camisole or shirt.
Off-white silk bias-cut skirt with a linen tee shirt.
White crepe pants with a brushed cashmere or mohair jumper or cardigan.
White or off-white is an easy colour to embrace in the coming year, and especially during the summer months.
A fresh white dress with a tan bag and shoes is a great way to incorporate this trend right now.

White vest, shorts, sunglasses, brown bag, scarf, heels, and gold earrings on white backdrop. Text: Department of Style. Minimalist vibe.

Belinda from Department of Style in a white pinstripe suit stands confidently with arms crossed. Neutral background, smilling, gold jewellry.

2. Dark denim 👖

Indigo denim is still trending as the preferred wash for 2026. Clean dark blue denim (no whiskering or fading) offers a clean, polished aesthetic for jeans and other denim items such as jackets, shirts, and skirts.

Dark denim is more sophisticated than lighter washes, making it a great choice for going out or casual Friday dressing at work, where you still want to maintain a professional vibe.

Five women in wide-leg jeans and dark tops, posing indoors and outdoors. Backgrounds include a dark wall and urban streets with bikes.

Here are some styling ideas to incorporate dark denim

Fashion collage with six outfits featuring plaid, stripes, denim, and neutrals. Accessories include sunglasses, bags, and jewelry. Label: Department of Style.

3. Pops of Blue 💙

Move over red, as a pop of blue is the new way to add a hit of colour to your outfit.

Consider adding a bolder blue pair of pants or a skirt to your wardrobe and pairing it back with lighter neutral shades of blue, white or grey.

Feeling brave or need to stand out (public speaking or going to a job interview) Wear an all blue (monochromatic outfit) from head to toe.

Add your ‘pop of blue’ using accessories such as a bag, scarf (silk for summer, wool for winter), shoes and jewellery.

Blue is an easy colour to wear, and there is a shade of blue to suit everyone. This trend is easy to embrace and have fun with.

Fashion collage featuring women wearing stylish blue outfits and accessories, set in urban environments. Emotions are confident and trendy.

4. Silk scarf 🧣

A silk scarf can be worn throughout the year. Add a scarf to your tee shirt or wear it under a crisp white shirt. It’s a great way to add some colour and personality to your outfit. Try a scarf worn in the traditional way around your neck.

Women wearing stylish scarves in various colors and patterns, paired with chic outfits. Settings range from outdoors to indoor office.

To keep it current, try wearing it as a triangle at your waist with jeans, trousers, skirts or dresses. Keep the rest of the outfit simple and neutral so that the scarf can be the feature piece.

Woman on a beach, wearing sunglasses, white shirt, patterned blue scarf, layered necklaces. Clear sky, trees, ocean in background. Relaxed mood.

Feeling a bit braver with the silk scarf trend? Wear the scarf as a top or as a headscarf. Head scarves are trending, too.

There are so many different ways to try the silk scarf trend. Consider buying your scarf secondhand at thrift stores or on Depop, or raid your mum's or grandma's wardrobe.

Four women wearing printed headscarves. Settings include a runway, urban background, beach, and close-up with sunglasses. Various patterns and colors.

5. Brooches ☀️

As fashion moves away from more minimalist looks, it’s time to embrace a bit of whimsy and sparkle.

A brooch can be added to the lapel of a jacket or blazer, added to a cardigan or even to a tee shirt.

Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

Stylist tip- opt for second hand finds or treasures from your great aunts wardrobe over new items (unless you’re totally in love with this trend and the item) a heirloom piece or one with an interesting story beats new almost every time.

Fashion collage of women wearing stylish brooches. Outfits include white and beige tops with statement pieces. Elegant and chic vibe.

6. 80’s Silhouette 👤

Move over quiet-luxury dressing; bolder styles are on the 2026 fashion horizon. The 80’s influence will be seen with blazers with exaggerated shoulder pads and cinched in waists, pencil skirts and high-waisted tailored pants. This trend is bold and perfect to embrace for work, particularly if you are in a creative industry and want to be noticed.

Stylist tip- turn your current boxy blazer into an ’80s style one by adding oversized shoulder pads and defining your waist with a belt. Complete the look with bolder jewellery.

Women in stylish blazers and suits pose confidently. Neutral tones dominate, with bold accessories and elegant settings enhancing the chic mood.

7. Romantic Boho ⚘

This softer, more feminine style will feature in 2026. The overall aesthetic is whimsical and laidback with a fluid silhouette. Think blouses and dresses that flow and drape and blow in the breeze.

Fabrics include - lace, light cotton with embroidery, silk and patterns that are floral or have ethnic aesthetic. If you are a romantic at heart, this style is for you. ❤️

Four women in different stylish outfits: jeans and blouse, off-shoulder dress, lace top with skirt, and blouse with denim, all holding woven bags.

8. Polka Dots •••

This pattern is all about fun. If you’re not usually into prints, polka dots are an easy, approachable way to dip your toe in.

If you’ve been a fan of stripes for work, try swapping in a polka dot shirt with your work pants or blazer. It’s a small shift that can make a big impact on style.

Black and white is always a classic combo, but don’t stop there. Navy and white, brown and white, and even red and white are all stylish and versatile options to explore.

Not sure if you’re ready to go all-in? You can ease in with polka dot accessories - think scarves, earrings, or even shoes. Feeling brave? A polka dot dress is bold, feminine, and totally statement-worthy.

Stylist tip: Polka dots already bring the energy, so keep your accessories neutral to let your dotted piece be the hero of the look.

Women in brown and white polka dot outfits are posing stylishly outdoors and indoors. Accessories include hats, bags, and sunglasses.

Brown polka dot dress, straw hat, brown sandals, tortoiseshell sunglasses, brown bag, gold hoop earrings. Text: Department of Style.

Polka dot top, jeans, tortoiseshell sunglasses, brown bag, gold necklace, hoop earrings, sandals. Text: Department of Style.

Brown swimsuit, polka dot skirt, woven bag, sunglasses, watch, earrings, and sandals on white background. Department of Style text.

There’s no pressure to overhaul your entire wardrobe, just notice what sparks curiosity or excitement for you. Maybe it’s the romantic float of a boho blouse, or the crisp elegance of a white-on-white look. Maybe it’s just a brooch with a story that makes you smile.

Use these key fashion trends to inspire, not dictate. Let them guide you back to your own personal style, not pull you away from it. 💃

Belinda, Department of Style with client laughing in Karrinyup shopping centre Perth, holding branded bags with "Veronika Maine" and "CUE." Bright and cheerful atmosphere.

And if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just a bit bored with your wardrobe, a Wardrobe Makeover is the perfect way to start fresh. Together, we’ll:

✨ Declutter what’s no longer working

✨ Discover your true style personality

✨ Nail down your best colours (yes, it makes shopping easier!)

✨ Learn how to accessorise like a pro

✨ Understand the silhouettes that flatter your shape

Ready to feel excited about your wardrobe again, I invite you to book a Wardrobe Makeover. Clear the clutter, define your style, and make getting dressed fun again. 🤗

Book Wardrobe Makeover

So here’s to a stylish 2026, where getting dressed feels fun, fabulous, and totally you.

Have a wonderful day.

Bel :) xx