2026 Trend Report

A curated take on what’s coming next.

Jan 20, 2026

January has been my deep-dive month into 2026 trends. I’ve read, collected and connected so many reports that my brain might just be full. Lucky for you I have done the homework and collected all this in one space, so you don’t have to.

Let’s dive in!

COLORS SCHEMES

Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 is Cloud Dancer, described as “a whisper of tranquility and peace in a noisy world.”

Meanwhile, Scandinavian trend institute Pej Gruppen names Thistle as their color of the year.

“Thistle is moving from being an aesthetic trend to a strategic tool across fashion, design, architecture, technology and visual communication. This muted violet hue captures a zeitgeist defined by calm, presence, and sensuality - signaling a shift toward more conscious choices, genuine quality and emotional intelligence in an increasingly complex digital world.”

Finally, Pinterest’s annual color drop adds more intensity to the mix: Cool Blue, Jade, Plum Noir, Wasabi and Persimmon.

My personal bet is on plum which in fashion is already being named as the new “pop of red” that we saw a lot during 2025.

CONSUMER TRENDS

AI & Agentic Commerce

If you work in retail or e-commerce, this one’s hard to ignore as agentic commerce is all the conversation right now. AI agents that don’t just support discovery and research, but actually complete the purchase from product selection to shipping, discounts and payments.

With Google rolling out the UCP protocol last week, this isn’t future talk anymore. It’s already here. And honestly, this is one of the areas I’m most excited to see evolve in 2026.

Nostalgia

Nostalgia isn’t new and we saw it in campaigns and content during 2025, but all signals point to it continuing into 2026.

Google highlights The rise of the nostalgic remix as one of their key digital marketing trends and Pinterest echoes this with Throwback Kid. Driven by searches for vintage-inspired toys and products rooted in childhood memories.

I expect brands to lean into this emotionally in 2026 and hope to see some interesting brand partnerships and product relaunches. Tap into this trend by going through your archives and reuse old campaigns, logos and concept that feel iconic for your brand.

Comfort & Wellbeing

In a world that feels increasingly unpredictable, people are craving products and experiences that make them feel grounded, reassured and in control. Euromonitor calls this trend Comfort Zone and it’s showing up across categories.

This goes hand in hand with Google’s insight that consumers are prioritising present wellbeing over long-term goals. And this makes sense. In a world shaped by economic uncertainty and constant change, consumers are looking for immediate rewards and present wellbeing.

LIFESTYLE

Offline Is the New Luxury

This trend is everywhere and across categories, but it isn’t just about less screen time. It’s about human connection.

Pinterest predicts a letter-writing renaissance, Condé Nast talks about conversation and community in bathhouses and grandma/grandpa-inspired getaways focused on traditional activities like reading and games.

Vogue Business summed it up perfectly in a November headline:
“How unplugging became luxury’s most valuable currency.”

We’re also seeing clubs and events adopt no-phone policies, encouraging guests to fully engage with the moment and with each other.

Maximalism Is Back

Goodbye quiet luxury. In 2026, fashion and interiors are embracing maximalism with Art Deco emerging as a key reference point.

Harry Archer describes The Art Deco Dresser as one of The Editorialist’s trend personas, and Pinterest backs it up with predictions like Glamoratti, Scent Stacking, and Fun Haus (circus-inspired home décor).

Bold, playful and unapologetic expressions are back!

The Period Drama Effect

Period dramas are very present during 2026 across film and TV with new adaptations of classics like Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility premiering throughout the year.

This cultural moment is already spilling into fashion. Victorian revival (say hello to corsets) is predicted as a key trend this spring. Pinterest reinforces this with Laced Up and Brooched named as two of their 2026 trends.

Even travel is feeling the impact. Condé Nast Travel highlights period drama set-jetting as a 2026 travel trend, proof that this isn’t just about aesthetics, but also about escapism, romance and storytelling.