MARK OUR WORDS – FASHION’S HEADING BACK TO THE 80s

The 80s was an era of big change – culturally, artistically and politically. And while we’re glad some things got left behind (clunky VHS tapes, anyone?), power dressing has triumphed. As more women entered the workplace, clothing became all about confidence. Slick pencil skirts, sharp peep-toe heels and crisp shirts with ties. Not that we need an excuse to revive these silhouettes, but gone are the days of tepid styling and timid trends. 2026 is all about unapologetic power. Think Jenna Ortega's tailored blazer, or the emboldened shoulders and dramatic cinched waists we’ve seen on the city's most-stylish. Expect the architectural to get more abstract, the shoulders more powerful and the suiting sharper.

If powerful dressing wasn’t enough, loud textures are set to take the everyday wardrobe into statement territory this season. We’re talking leopard, zebra and deer print – whether it’s full-length coats or accessory accents. These inject a particularly delicious dose of retro when combined with crisp fabrications like the pinstripe suit. Just look at Doja Cat’s Met Gala jacket, which channelled Grace Jones in her iconic Nightclubbing era. Take this as formal permission to go wild with your wardrobe in 2026 – no rules apply.

The leather jacket started limbering up for world domination last year, when sleek bombers began cropping up at fashion week. The famous 80s favourite has been pinned on our fashion forecast since, but 2026 promises more daring alts. Think funnel necks, asymmetric fastenings and loud colour palettes. Wet-look patent leathers will brush shoulders with softened suedes, and there’ll be no shortage of hardware. Buckles, bold gold buttons, and zippers will be a statement in themselves. Bella Hadid is a purveyor of this oversized outerwear, often pairing it with feminine slips and skirts. It’s this business on top approach we’ll be moving into next season, pairing top-heavy jackets with sheer tights and heels for the ultimate 80s revival.

It may have been born in the 80s – where it was paraded by the likes of Madonna and David Bowie – but 2026 is the year draping goes mainstream. Cascades of delicate fabric have been seen on runways from Prada to Dior, enlivening classic tailoring. While the tumbling folds of sheer satin and cotton lean more feminine – lending themselves to midi skirts and statement dresses – drapery is also a great way to turn your sharper pieces on their head. Think dramatic bodysuits with emboldened shoulders and rewrites of the classic shirt.

With the internet shortening trend cycles by the day, choice overwhelm has us all feeling a little fashion fatigue. That’s why an 80s approach to dressing – one that champions individuality and creative flair – is high on the agenda. We’re talking unique flourishes that take a look from ‘where did you get that?’ to ‘how did you think of that?’. It’s as much about understanding the zeitgeist as it is having the guts to stray from it. We’re set to see lots of belts, brooches and customisable accessories – especially when used to take classic ensembles into more vivacious territory.

There’s also a new hat on everyone’s mind (or should we say, head). The pillbox style was favoured by Jackie Onassis, then Kate Middleton and now almost everyone with a penchant for outfit toppers. They might not be the easiest to style – but rest assured a few fashion rules will keep you more ‘fab’ and less ‘fez’. These jaunty little hats are the perfect companion for an 80s wardrobe, whether that’s oversized shirt dresses, cinched tailoring or sporty details like windbreakers and summer macs. We also envision modern takes on this divisive accessory – like woven textures, animal prints and softer silhouettes.