HOT: BIG, SCARY SUNGLASSES
The bigger, the scarier, the better. In the last few years, with the immense rise in popularity of trends like the ‘office siren’ look and the Y2K look coming back around, small glasses have taken center stage—we’re talking tiny bayonettas and super-skinny cat eyes as far as our heavily shaded vision can see.
This year, though, our extended heatwave brought with it a revival of the comically big glasses, from the runway to the sunny streets to the club. Statement sunglasses have featured in the recent shows and campaigns of brands like Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Saint Laurent, Celine, and many more, and Google searches for terms like ‘bug-eye sunglasses’ have been up as much as 5000% from last year. Forget about obscuring the sun; these glasses are all about obscuring the face!
FLOP: AI GLASSES
In the latest of a notable series of moves from big tech to establish its presence in the fashion world, both Meta and Google have recently released their own AI-powered glasses. However, seemingly in an attempt to diversify their customer base and grab the attention of a more fashionable crowd, they have each released these pieces in the form of collaborations—Google teaming up with Gentle Monster and Meta attaching theirs to Kylie Jenner. Despite their best efforts, the releases were met with ridicule and controversy. After all, how many of us are really into the frankly dystopian idea of glasses that can film anybody, anywhere, at any time, without any signal or consent? NOT HOT!
Image credits: @kyliejenner
HOT: BRALESS AND SHOELESS
Another result of our long, hot summer is the removal of unnecessary clothing items—for many, this has come in the form of shedding sweaty footwear and restrictive bras, instead opting for exposed toes and freed boobs.
Flip-flops have become the height of style, with designers like Isabel Marant, Ganni, and Diesel all releasing their own collaborations with brands like Havaianas, of flip-flop fame. We have even seen the introduction of kitten heel flip-flops this season! There is truly a flip-flop for everyone this year.
When it comes to tops, summer has been all about backless tops, halternecks, and the cool breeze of braless freedom.
FLOP: HIGH-WAISTED JEANS
The low-rise revolution has been bubbling away for a while now in the fashion world, but this is arguably the first year that the exile of high-waisted jeans has entered the mainstream. With the release of Hailey Bieber’s Gap jeans collaboration, social media was filled with girls folding away their mom jeans in favor of the low-rise life. It’s not just jeans either—skirts, shorts, trousers, and capris have all been given the low-rise treatment this season.
HOT: SHOWING STERNUM
Move over, midriff; there is a new cut in town. This year, some of the chicest and sexiest looks, on and off the runway, have featured a deep, plunging neckline. Tying back into the braless trend, this versatile look feels like a fresh and mature way to show some skin. From the sternum to the navel, the deeper the cut, the better. Best of all, this is a look that can carry you from late summer into the more autumnal styles of the coming months—think low-cut V-necklines, half-buttoned shirts, open jackets, and navel cutouts.
FLOP: AESTHETIC OVER-CURATION
In the years past, our socials have been flooded with every ‘core’ under the sun. ‘office-core’ this, ‘coquette-core’ that. This year has been about freeing ourselves from our self-imposed aesthetic boxes. Can you wear your western-style animal print boots with camo cargo jorts? Of course you can! Leave your aesthetic-driven prison and embrace the crazy world of self-expression. Wear what you like, not what ‘goes together.’ Matchy-matchy is so over! After all, the things you like will go together in a way that only you could have predicted.
HOT: BLUE, BLUE, BLUE
It couldn’t be a 2026 hot/not breakdown without including the stratospheric rise of aquamarine and electric blue. 2026 has been the year of blue, and there seems to be no sign of the trend running out of steam. Another fixture of summer street style and the high-fashion runway, the look can work for any vibe, whether you’re living your never-ending summer holiday dream or trying to look professional and cute at the office; there is something for everyone in this color. Try color blocking with red or pink for ultimate style points.
FLOP: CHUNKY BOOTS
Big, military-esque boots have been slowly moving out of style for a while now, as have the heavy platforms like the New Rocks and Buffalos we have seen in previous years. 2026 has been about putting our best foot forward and prioritizing foot health with lighter, sleeker footwear options. Instead, think ballet flats, tabi shoes, flip-flops, or even the quietly rising Vibrams. Whatever is most comfortable!
HOT: PEPLUM
Yes, you read that right. No, you haven’t time-warped back to 2012. We are starting to see the return of flared waistlines on jackets, tops, and everything in between. Dior, Alaïa, Stella McCartney, Chanel… all names that have sent their take on peplum down the runway of their most recent shows, so if you haven’t already seen it for yourself, expect to see it pick up steam as we head into the autumn/winter months.
