Last Updated on December 18, 2025 by Eve Dawes
What’s out of style for 2026 and what to wear instead
Outdated fashion trends don’t mean ditching your whole wardrobe. I’m keeping most of mine on rotation but there’s a few fashion trends I’m leaving behind for these fresher looks for 2026. As much as I love my platform heels and any way to add height to my 5’2″ frame, classic slingback heels have always had my heart. I’m also loving that brooches and statement jewelry is back in style. So I’m definitely embracing the Dynasty aesthetic that I was too young for the first time around. Here’s what is out of style for 2026 that’s hitting my storage and what’s getting added to my closet for 2026.
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1. Outdated fashion trends Crystal jewelry | In style for 2026 2 tone jewelry and sculptural pieces
As a former Mrs Nevada and Mrs England I’m never going to completely ditch my crystal chandelier earrings but I also adore the 2 tone jewelry, colored gemstones and sculptural earrings trending now.
Love it or hate it, quiet luxury is phasing out and wearing more unique pieces of statement jewelry is more in style. Think less Van Cleef Alhambra and Cartier Love bracelets and more unique pieces that express who you are. As seen at Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta, and Ferragamo.
In style:
2. Out of style : daint chains | In style for 2026: brooches
I love my dainty pendant necklaces but we’re really not seeing much of them at all for 2026. A bigger trend is extra-long tassel necklaces and brooches. I’m not the biggest fan of tassel jewelry, it’s a bit too boho for my aesthetic but I do love a good brooch. Whether that’s a crystal Chanel brooch, YSL logo brooch or gold Versace safety pin brooch. I actually have a Versace safety pin dress I use the pins off of rather than buying more.
Brooches are timeless and can be worn for every season. If you’re looking for something to update your look this season, these are a good place to start.
For 2026, don’t just think designer or logo pins. A bit like the jewelry trends for 2026, also work in sculptural pins anywhere! Whether that’s fastened to your blazer, coat, or thigh high leg slit.
3. Out A-Line | In leather skirts
I’ve never really worn A-line skirts, as a petite, they’re not the most flattering style so I’m happy they’re out of style this year.
For 2026 it’s luxe feeling leather column midi or maxi skirts that are replacing A-line skirts. It’s a trend I’m fully embracing as they feel fresh, polished and luxe. The trick is to find a length that works best for you. Whether that’s a midi or maxi. Think of column skirts as their more elegant sister. For the most on trend styles for 2026 look for rich browns, burgundy, or black.
4. Outdated fashion trends bulky shoes | In style for 2026 slingbacks
While bulky shoes and lug soles might be an outdated fashion trend, there’s still a place for them practicality wise in Winter. However, for a more on trend look, we’re going sleeker and more feminine and gravitating more towards slingback heels and classic pumps.
I’m definitely more of a classic style girl which is why the return of slingback shoes of all heel heights from flats to kitten to stiletto heels makes me happy. Just don’t forget a callus removing pedi since this is the only part of your foot you’ll see.
Prada, Versace, Saint Laurent, and Dior have some of the best slingback shoes around for 2026 but Steve Madden, Sam Edelman and Tony Bianco also do some really good more affordable luxe for less styles. Including metallic slingback heels which checks off both the metallic and slingback shoe trends for 2026.
5. What’s out of style for 2026 neons | In style metallics and crystal embellishments
If you’ve read my blog for a while you’ll know my style ethos is the more glam the better. So give me all the metallics and crystal embellishments.
While neon is out of style for 2026, metallics, sequins and crystals are most definitely in style. Don’t save these looks just for the night. 2026 is the year to wear them for everyday too.
What’s out of style for 2026
By all means don’t throw out all of your favorites just because they’re out of style right now! Either rotate in the pieces that are more in style or save them for the next time they’re back in style.
- Out: Heavily distressed and ripped jeans. In: solid wash jeans.
- Out: Baggy jeans. In: Slim and straight cut jeans.
- Out: A line skirts. In: Column and pleated skirts.
- Out: Crystal jewelry. In: Mixed metals.
- Out: Geometric sunglasses. In: Super thin rim, petite styles.
- Out: Chunky sole shoes. In: Sleek heels
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