The new year has arrived in all its glory, bringing with it immaculate moodboards, fresh exercise routines, new diets, improved skincare regimes, and—of course—fashion updates spanning head to toe. In my experience, the annual self-reinvention plan starts out strong, but dwindles down to about a quarter of my moodboard in reality, if I’m lucky. There’s just too much to keep up with!
When it comes to fashion, it’s especially hard to plan ahead—what pieces need an exit? What needs to be purchased? It’s a constant race to avoid outdated outfits. Therefore, rather than always feeling behind the trend or dashing to Aritzia the next time a sweater goes viral (only to find it sold out in your size), why not stay ahead of the upcoming trends, straight from the top designers?
In the high fashion industry, designers show their work six months in advance of the coming season. This way, trends can be set, noticed, and implemented with enough notice. So, just like smaller brands look to the runways for the trend scoop, what’s stopping you and me from doing the same? Taking direction from the Spring 2026 Ready-To-Wear Spring 2026 Ready-To-Wear runways, I’ve compiled a few of the top trends that will keep you ahead of the trend game and require you to make fewer last-minute mall dashes.
1. Cropping
Last spring and summer, the crop was embraced in full. Balenciaga’s tube top moment (as seen on Tate McRae), the embrace of the bralette, such as Dua Lipa’s British Vogue July cover, and Chanel’s fitted yet cropped tweed took to the world stage. Then, the fall/winter season took the term revealing to its pinnacle with naked dressing, embracing all things sheer—while the outright crop was scarce. Now it seems the crop is taking a modest comeback. Alexander McQueen lowered the waist to achieve his crop, marking the potential emergence of the year of the crack, and while Thom Brown feared the skin with immense layering, he still glorified the cropped vest and blazer. When searching for the ideal crop of 2026, there are surprisingly multiple options. The winning points will go to mild crops paired with low-waisted pants, layering underneath a bold crop, or embracing the crop to its full potential—a high crop paired with a low waist.
2. Bubble variations
The bubble skirt has had its moment in the sun, to say the least, being a staple of summer ‘25 from the runways to the masses. Emerging as an alternative to Christian Dior’s post-war “new look,” Pierre Cardin invented the bubble skirt back in 1954. Now, having stood the test of time through decades of trend cycles, it’s time to take the bubble beyond the skirt. Why not let this be the year to give a bubbled leather jacket, a bubble top, or bubble sleeves a try?
3. Cutouts
Perhaps in the most unexpected place is where we should now expect to find a cutout this season. Evenly spaced holes, oddly spaced holes, and holes so big there’s no fabric left are all on the moodboards this season. Just… maybe not mine. I will, however, invite the tasteful cutout here and there, like this Zara top. It seems there are very few rules on this trend, but more is certainly more—except for denim, according to McQueen, who covered up ripped jeans.
4. Drop waists/low waists
The drop and low waist aren’t particularly new this year, but we can continue embracing them with confidence! This also means it’s a safe bet to invest in wardrobe staples with larger price tags: A silk skirt and trousers were key vessels for this silhouette on the runway this season. Following alongside was Chanel’s belted skirt and oversized drop-waisted trench coats, Balenciaga’s bubble dress, and Givenchy’s feather skirt. The low and drop waists are such versatile lines that add visual interest to the most basic of outfits—perfect for experimenting.
5. Patterns on patterns
Thom Browne led this manifesto, joined by others like Chanel, both layering plaids on entirely different plaids with opposing colours. Although these exact outfits aren’t exactly transferable into everyday wear, we might take this guidance when getting experimental this year: Testing out florals, stripes, plaids, silks, and leathers might surprise you! This sheer and satin pairing is a particularly stunning (yet subtle) spin on the notion.
Whether or not you decide a bubble jacket is for you, or an unexpected cutout is in your cards, the power of trend prediction is much less a bet, and more accurately a science. Knowing what to keep in your closet and what to keep out of your closet will get you to the top of every real-world runway you walk. And remember, a great outfit does not have to cost an arm and a leg! There are so many loaded thrift shops to find unique statement pieces and timeless basics.