List #63 - Cultural trends I’m watching closely
Predictions and thoughts I have on what’s next!
The normalization of resale shopping and decline of trends
Resale shopping in general seemed to hit its zenith in 2025, thankfully, and I hope will continue to grow in popularity and be normalized from here on out. I believe we have Gen Z to thank for this. However, I am watching to see how trend cycling changes with the attention on resale. Hopefully, we’re about to enter an age where trends feel almost irrelevant and style becomes more and more individualized and unique.
Emergence of comfort creators as escapism
I first heard the term “comfort creator” last year and quickly identified a few of my own. I believe we’ll start to find more and more of our social media attention paid to our comfort creators and there will be an increase in algorithm curation because we’ll be picky with how we spend our time on social media. This is a good thing.
Cooking and restaurant dining will become more rustic and simple
It seems even the restaurant critics of the world are on their wellness journeys. No longer are we in the foodie world obsessed with a 10-course tasting menu that makes our stomachs hurt. We’re about simple, great cooking that makes us feel good as well.
Handbags, coats, and shoes will be indicators of success
Yes, a high-end skincare routine will always indicate some disposable income. I believe in 2026 we’ll see an emphasis on longer-lasting pieces like bags, jackets, and shoes, that will indicate how someone has chosen to spend their money. Shirts and pants will go further to the wayside in favor of statement pieces that feel like bigger investments.
Coach will continue to have its moment, but 2026 is the year of Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Bottega Veneta
I mean, when is a year NOT the year of these three brands? At least in my book.
I believe in 2026 we’ll start to see more texture and color at play, along with YSL’s quiet luxury statement that still feels glam.
