Fresh, New Year Fits: Latest Styling Advice

It’s that time of year when we try to predict what the trends may be for 2026, and advise on how you can twist these mainstream ideas into your own unique styling! On the spring/summer ‘26 runways, we could see an instant dichotomy between the rise of more conservative fashion and attempts to break away in a sexy, vibrant explosion of big and bold prints, silhouettes and colours. In this blog, we’ll break down our 2026 trend predictions, what you guys might love about the upcoming year, and what you could replicate and twist into your own look.

First, we want to delve into a trend we have also seen this autumn and winter season: fur. Faux fur jackets made a big comeback at the end of this year, and we can admit that we’re suckers for these super-soft and super-warm jackets in the winter. We’ve also stocked some new faux fur styles (with alternative prints and gothic colours), and we can’t see this fabric disappearing anytime soon. However, as we roll on into spring, we may see a shift into fringe. You’ve undoubtedly noticed the western revival of the 2020s, and cow prints and cowboy aesthetics seem to be here to stay for the remainder of the decade.

 

However, we see your cowboy revival, and we raise you: gothic piratecore glam. Flouncing sleeves, military jackets, and leather boots all culminate in an adventure-ready style that’s just as good for the high streets as it is for the high seas. One particular item that has made a comeback is the Napoleon Jacket - these embellished military jackets (particularly popularised by Kate Moss in her ‘anti-fashion’ era when she dated The Libertine’s Pete Doherty) have decorative braiding and/or embroidery around the buttons, and typically a rather close cut. The Blue Banana Faux Fur Military Jacket embodies both of the above trends; this bold fur jacket features large, silver braiding as embellishment for the buttons. This jacket takes inspiration from the best of the runways and combines them in a new, breaking style. 

   

Here’s how you can achieve a pirate-inspired look:

• Blue Banana Faux Fur Military Jacket - We’re working our way inwards, and starting off with this gorgeous outer layer. Although faux fur may not scream pirate, we’re up for a little creative interpretation - this really helps define the look as yours, and not copy-pasted. The Napoleon-inspired naval braiding decorations on this jacket add the perfect, subtle callback to the sea.

 

 

• The brand new Visxxsin Revel Leggings - These leggings are simply perfect for highlighting the edgier elements of this pirate-themed fantasy. These dramatic leggings bring the gothic drama that we so love at Blue Banana, with studs, straps, mesh cutouts, and buckles galore. 

 

 

• Poizen Industries Katayun Dress - Ready to take on the world? This gorgeous gothic dress has flouncing lace sleeves; pair this dress with our Wide Waist Twist Clasp Belt or the Vixxsin Steam Siren Corset to add some more military-inspired detailing to your look. Layering up your buckles, sleeves and skirts is a great way to add more volume and play with different textures between fabrics.

 

 

• Another option is the flowy Jawbreaker Flared Sleeves Top - This top perfectly balances the laid-back styles of the boho revival and gothic drama. The lace-up v-neck is the perfect finishing touch for a lowkey pirate-inspired look. 

 

 

Speaking of different fabric textures, lace has been popular this year, and from what we can see, it’s definitely sticking around for 2026 - great news for us, as we love the glamorous, soft-goth lace look. Many are turning towards dramatic and impactful fabrics such as lace and velvet for an effortlessly put-together and elegant appearance.  Lace and velvet are always popular fabrics at Blue Banana, offering a romantic, vampiric finish to every look. In 2026, we can see more people leaning into this dark and dramatic aesthetic for an elegant yet non-conformist outfit. 

 

Get dressy next year with these gorgeous velvet and lace dresses. Bring out your inner sorceress with these flowing sleeves and eye-catching, witchy maxi dresses. Vampire fashion may be a new trend for the fashion girlies on TikTok, but we’ve been here over at Blue Banana, so there are plenty of options for you to choose from. Our vampire romance highlights include: 

• Jawbreaker Velvet Lace Collar Dress - The perfect mix of delicate fabrics and a rogueish cut, this velvet mini dress is perfect for when you want to revamp your alternative style. The drop waist soared in popularity in ‘25, but it still brings a fun and vintage silhouette to your wardrobe, ideal when you want to cosplay as a vampire from the 20th century.

 

 

• Innocent Twilight Lace Corset - This Twilight Lace Corset is perfect to wear on its own or layered over other tops and dresses. Create a romantic gothic appearance by pairing this corset with a lacy or frilly, ruffled top. Intertwining different textures is likely to be big in 2026, and eye-catching layering is the perfect way to keep your style unique and experimental, but modern. 

 

 

• Banned Lucinda Velvet Mini Dress - Join the coven; we’re obsessed with Banned’s latest drop of dresses and their gorgeously witchy and gothic style. This alternative mini dress has a dark and occult print embossed into the fabric, adding an eye-catching gleam to your look. 

 

 

• Banned Amara Velvet Maxi Dress - Ethereal elegance in the form of a gothic velvet maxi dress. Channel your Morticia Addams energy with this slinky and sexy gown. Featuring a corset-inspired drop waist that instantly gives dark-fantasy princess vibes, you could wake from 100 years of sleep in a coffin and still look fantastic in this alternative velvet dress!

 

 

• Banned Malefica Maxi Dress - Simply seductive, this maxi dress combines lace with an austere, high neck reminiscent of Victorian night gowns. With corset detailing in the centre, this gothic dress combines delicate, floral-pattern lace with structured lines and tight lacing. This dress has long sleeves that end in a ruffled hemline, and a silver cross charm that hangs from the pointed neckline. 

 

 

• Hell Bunny Mourning Dress - This burgundy Hell Bunny Mourning Dress once again combines velvet and lace in this short-midi tea dress silhouette. With a deep red velvet fabric and edgy lace accents, this alternative dress is perfect for a vampire or witch look, with a gothic, spooky vibe that would fit perfectly on a windswept moor.

 

 

Pair your lace and velvet dresses with another texture, such as a leather harness or belt, to add even more edge to your look. Blend the line between goth glamour and vampire hunter by stacking up your accessories. These dresses all give us that stunning gothic romance vibe, but with a pair of killer military boots and an intricate harness over the top, you can harden up your outfit. 

 

We’ve spoken about how new and contrasting textures are likely to be big in 2026; what about patterns? 2025 saw a real revival in patterns, drifting from dedication to animal prints and spreading the love to polka dots, stripes, and tartan. Next year, we can see that like the standout textures of fringe, fur and velvet, prints are going to take it another step up. Bigger, bolder patterns that call for attention will take centre stage. 

   

Here at Blue Banana, we’ve always been partial to a punky bit of tartan. Although we’ve seen a few braver influencers experiment with tartan, particularly in maxi or mini kilt-style skirts, this print is definitely still loud enough to put some people off. From smaller tartan accessories to boots, to mini-dresses, we’ve got a few pieces we know you’ll love to add to your wardrobe. Add a fresh and exciting new element to your outfits with these punk and gothic pieces: 

• Blue Banana Tartan Braces - These suspenders are in a traditional blue and red colour, with adjustable straps and sturdy clips. These braces are a great, subtle accessory to add to your collection; peeking out between layers or as the centre piece over your shirt, these tartan suspenders are a fantastic way to introduce a bold pattern to your look. 

 

 

• Dr Martens 1460 Tartan Boots - Unmissably bright, these hot pink tartan Dr Martens will instantly elevate any outfit. Bearing all the hallmarks of Dr Martens’ DNA, including their trademarked Goodyear Welting and grooved soles, these woven shoes are a revamp of the classic 1460 boots style. 

 

 

• Hell Bunny Harley Tartan Dress - Make it punk, but pretty; this tartan dress in vibrant red will certainly catch the eye of those around you, with its lace-up corset style front, lace, and tulle accents. This dress would look fantastic with some ripped-up tights or fishnets (why not layer both?) and stomper boots. The gothic red and black tartan covers the entirety of this Hell Bunny dress, including the straps.

 

 

• Hell Bunny Nihilist Trousers - Also red tartan, these punk jeans have large cargo pockets and a unique hanging strap design. These tartan trousers are the perfect base for any outfit if you want to bring some bright prints into your wardrobe; these punk trousers add an edge to any fit. 

 

 

From smaller accessories to the main component of an outfit, adding a bold pattern to your look, like a vividly coloured tartan, is the best way to incorporate the runways into your own sense of alternative style. 

 

If you liked this breakdown of our trend predictions and tips on the best way to incorporate these designer elements into your own fashion style, let us know over on Instagram! We hope that all of you have a happy holiday, and we can’t wait to meet again in 2026, rejuvenated and ready for a new year of alternative news, festivals, and fashion.