A new year brings with it ample opportunity to revamp your wardrobe. If ever there was a time to invest in new pieces to make a fashion statement, 2026 is it. While many people are still spending most of their time in comfy loungewear, some are going all out with outfits due to trends like old money and quiet luxury. So, what can we expect from 2026 fashion? Accessory trends! Keep reading to find out more about the top accessory trends you need to be aware of as we move into the new year.
1. Hairstyling pieces that shine
In recent years many have done the bare minimum styling when it comes to hair. Straight down, middle part, sleek locks have reigned. But the pendulum must swing back, and runways say it’s in a blingy way. 2026 will see more grownup sparkle, more jewels and more high-end hair accessories making their way onto people’s heads. Designer bags will be paired with designer headbands as we go all out to impress.
2. Accessory trends for men’s jewelry
Hair isn’t the only thing that will be glistening at the turn of the new year, men’s cufflinks will be, too. Every year we see trends of decades past make their way back into the general fashion arena, and cufflinks are set to be one of the things making a return. Shunned in recent years in favor of short sleeved shirts or shirts with a buttoned cuff, cufflinks were seen as an unnecessary expense, but now they’re a way for men to express their personalities and add some regal glamour to their wrists.
3. Ultra portable mini bags
Say goodbye to your big tote or shopper and hello to the extra mobile mini bag. Mini handbags first made it mainstream in 2019, but they weren’t warmly received and took a backseat. We’ve spent some recent time in the “ludicrously capacious” category. Mostly manufactured by brands like COACH (who is making an out-of-pocket comeback in recent history), we’re seeing more mainstream mini bags than just celebrity oddities.
They might seem impractical, but in a world with Apple Pay all you need is your phone and your keys, all of which should be able to fit inside a mini bag easily.
4. Earrings that stand out
Who hasn’t seen a thousand pairs of the same designer dupe golden drop earring? In 2026, we’re going to appreciate more uniqueness in earrings. Whether it’s one big and one small, one gold and one silver or one hoop and one stud, artfully mismatched earrings or intentional asymmetrical designs will actually be in. There are a million ways to work mismatched earrings to reflect your style and personality, meaning you can really tailor this trend to your unique preference. They add dimension and spark interest in any outfit. 2026 is the year of breaking away from beige and making style your own, while keeping it grown up and luxurious.
5. Our favorite of accessory trends: head scarfs
Fashion trends are an accumulation of times gone by, and one trend due to make a return is the head scarf from the 1950’s and 1960’s. Timelessly chic and the perfect item to cover up a bad hair day, head scarves can instantly make it look like you’ve put more effort into an outfit than you actually have. Not only this, head scarves are great for color-picking other aspects of your outfit and instantly pulling it together.
Will you be putting any of these five accessory trends to the test in 2026? Or will you continue the 2025 sleek hair and chocolate brown trends?
