Get Stylish for 2026

By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

 

If you feel like your style could use a bit of updating, the new year is the perfect time to refresh your wardrobe.

Kerry Jones, personal color analyst and owner of Indigo Tones in Rochester, believes it should start in color.

“Personal color analysis is one of the most searched topics on social media,” Jones said. “As an experienced color consultant with over 20 years in the industry, this is a refreshing trend. People want to look younger and fresher and are tired of the dark neutral colors that feel heavy and boring. We are looking for more color in their wardrobes, in their homes and in our lives.”

Knowing which colors to wear can help any wardrobe look better and improve appearance without worrying as much about what’s the cutting edge of style. With the right colors for the person, classic pieces look even more stylish.

“More and more clients are asking for advice about transitioning to their natural hair color and embracing the gray,” Jones said. “As we move into this stage of our lives it becomes even more critical to wear colors that harmonize with our natural coloring and with each other.”

Both men and women have embraced a style of authenticity, which Jones says is on trend now.

If you want to stay current without appearing like you’re chasing fads, Taissha G. LaReau, Albany-based wardrobe consultant and stylist, advises elevating essential pieces.

“People are moving toward high-quality basics in richer textures — think structured knits, soft tailoring and modern denim silhouettes,” she said. “It’s less about dressing young and more about dressing intentional.”

Skip “fast fashion” items that are poorly made and ill-fitting. Look for quality workmanship, like straight seams, patterns matching at the seams and firmly sewn buttons. Avoid garments made with cheap, thin fabric, flimsy notions and uneven hemlines. Even though a fast fashion item may be new, its lack of quality can make it appear dated and old.

Clothing that really compliments you fits right and is not the size or shape you wish you were. If it’s too tight, you won’t look slimmer. If you wear pants and sleeves that are too long, you will actually look shorter than if you wear clothing that is hemmed to the correct length.

LaReau also said that clothing that is comfortable and appears “put together” is on trend, such as “pull-on trousers, refined layers and supportive footwear with clean lines are huge for 2026.”

Pull-on trousers provide a defined, body-skimming line that is very complimentary, yet offer a forgiving waistband. Refined layers aren’t sloppy and can also help conceal bulges. Supportive footwear at 55-plus simply makes sense. Why feel and look miserable in flat, painful footwear? Many companies make stylish shoes with supportive arches.

LaReau also said that the clean look of tailored outfits is popular for 2026. Look for “sharp outerwear, great fit, and proportion,” she said. “When your clothing fits well, you always look modern — at any age.”

Think classic pea coats instead of the rounded shape of puffer coats. Use belts and tucking in to keep tops looking smart. If you wear something large on top, wear something narrow on the bottom. A belted tunic is complimented by a straight-legged pant or pencil skirt. If you wear something body skimming on top, wear something more flowing on the bottom. For example, wide legged pants with a slim silhouette shirt.

LaReau said that many of her clients are updating their wardrobes with more neutrals like warm taupe, soft charcoal, navy and ivory and using bolder colors as accents to unite the look.

“These options pair well with everything and instantly elevate a look,” she said.

For gents, Peter Roberti Sr., president of retail sales at Adrian Jules Custom Clothing in Rochester, anticipates seeing higher quality items that have a better fit.

“We are seeing an uptick in some formalwear as many people weren’t going to galas and special events for the last five or six years,” Roberti said. “As they look at their clothes now, they’re seven or eight years old so they want to get them updated. Sport coats and pants are a big one. You’re not seeing many ties with sport coats you will however see them with suits.”