Fashion Trend Shift

Sleek and sophisticated, the garment features intricate detailing with elegant fringes and delicate textures, epitomizing clean fashion lines.

2026 and future years are another one of those years where the unexpected is happening. People aren’t caring as much about appearances and are focusing more on the reality of remaking clothing that they or their parents already own. Hiring small fashion designers or people whom alter clothing to redesign the clothing that they or their parents no longer wear. This fashion trend has come about since people were feeling the stress of purchasing something new just for the sake of posting on social media.

Making it a mental health issue. They are slowing down the pace of life so to speak. What is better for the person rather than what looks good socially? What can the repurpose create with what they already own? I think it’s the coming of age of social media. Maturation of socials. The reality that happens to people when they experience life and want something for their children. Social media is no longer the “trending new thing.” Social has now become a part of everyday life and their fore, people are accepting the fact that they don't have to participate in something that doesn’t financially, emotionally sustain them.

Which holds more importance: health, fashion, homestead, food, or money? The now-adult younger generation is reevaluating their concepts of reinventing everything. This shift is decelerating the social order and impacting social dress norms. Is it preferable to redesign a piece of clothing or to buy something new and return it?

Bridal gowns are being repurposed into other gowns, making some pretty cute dresses from what would otherwise sit in the closet or be thrown away. Take a long dress and turn it into a short one with a little evening coat, or a cocktail dress into an evening shorts suit. There are so many creative ways to look, dress, and be appropriate on social occasions. Now, it’s about how cheaply I can purchase designer gowns and use the fabric to make a new gown. How much of the fabric can be used to prevent waste from happening? The redesigned gown should be thoughtfully planned out, using beads and lace fabric with intention.

In a crazy world of how much to reduce waste in landfills, people upcycle last year's wedding trends to new fashions. One can easily create new fashion for prom, evening, or just casual wear by purchasing garments on sale, having a few alterations, and suddenly it's a new fashion. Save hundreds of dollars by using this method or “upscaling” one’s wardrobe. It just takes a little planning.