By Carina Pepene
We don’t know what 2026 has is store for us, but I can tell you what we’ll see in stores.
Monday, the 27th of January marked the second and final day of Modefabriek, the Dutch trade show with a tradition of over 22 editions. This year, more than 200 brands exclusively showcased their Winter ’25 womenswear collections. Fashion insiders didn’t just come to buy, but also to learn from industry experts. The talks kicked off with the notorious Dutch trend forecaster Lidewij Edelkoort, who was named one of BoF’s 500 most influential figures shaping the industry.
Lidewij Edelkoort opened her talk, “Flowers, Fluidity and Fun”, on a dark note. The unstable state of the world with uncertainties on all horizons—- politically, environmentally, socially— reflects itself in every aspect of our lives, including fashion. While the title of her talk seemed playful, Edelkoort made it clear that the trends of 2026 will emerge almost as an escapist response to a chaotic society in which the disparity between social classes becomes evident.
“Fashion is becoming more traditional—- that is the sign of the times”
This is Edelkoort’s verdict, drawn as a response to the tumultuous, incisively more conservative political climate that we live in. She further pointed out how street-style in menswear is rapidly being replaced with fluid tailoring and classic silhouettes. Outerwear is also becoming more sophisticated, with drawstrings, a multitude of pockets and yearns which make it possible for the body to be pulled in any way. Hoods are becoming designer pieces.
The past will be reflected in the collections to follow, making particularly visible the influence of the neo-antique era reflected in tones of gold and silver, flowy silhouettes and hair embellishments. Another trend to look out for are transparent garments—- blouses and shirts, designed both for men and women, for the latter as an expression of their femininity.
Ice cold, fluidity and the “new body”
There is a shift towards a ballerina-esque ideal body, the Dutch trend forecaster observed. After years of the curvaceous build dominating the mainstream, a more petite figure seems now to be desired. This “new body” will now be captured in intriguing ways through the lens of photographers, as Edelkoort expects “you cramp the body unto the shape of the photo”.
White-on white looks, with elements stemming from ballet and an overall nonchalant, yet sharp vibe in styling will be present. An influence of Japanese-inspired silhouettes as well as embellishments will make an appearance. Another crucial chromatic trend will be the baby blue. Hair will become an accessory, with jewelry pieces designed for it or even on its own styled in new, poetic, flowy ways.
Craftsmanship, flowers, fluidity
Fashion will embrace a renewed sense of craftsmanship, where human touch and organic inspiration become central. Botanical influences—pistils, leaves, and landscapes—will be merged with narrative-driven design. Shades of purple, green, and pink will dominate, often reflected in intricate details like cute buttons and collage-style embellishments. “Outsider art”, with its raw, unpolished aesthetic, further shapes this movement, celebrating imperfection and individuality in a world driven by artificial intelligence and overconsumption.
Fluidity will play a defining role, with fashion drawing inspiration from the movement of water and other aquatic elements. Expect shimmering iridescence, natural materials such as shells and pearls, and the airy elegance of sheer fabrics. Tulle and mules will embody a sense of ease—adaptable yet poetic. Meanwhile, raffia is set to make a strong comeback, bringing with it grass skirts, layered accessories, and woven baskets that celebrate the artistry of handmade craftsmanship.
As a symbol of dark times and sadness, black is set to be one of the dominant colors for Spring/Summer 2026. Edelkoort connects this shift to the established favoritism toward men in creative industries, reflected most recently in the turnovers of creative directors at big fashion houses, where women remain underrepresented in top positions. On the runway, we can expect to see long, flowy black dresses alongside sheer garments, paired with bold black statement shoes—an overall vibe that mirrors the industry’s somber mood.
As we move towards 2026, fashion is set to reflect our collective desire to escape, to create, and to reclaim individuality in a world that constantly shifts abruptly. In a time of uncertainty, the industry is finding refuge in nostalgia and creativity—stepping into an era of fluidity, craftsmanship, and nature’s timeless beauty.
