Style Essentials: What to Remove from Your Wardrobe by 2026

As a new year rolls in, it's the ideal season to give your closet a thoughtful overhaul.

With fashion trends evolving and older styles becoming outdated, it’s imperative to identify which pieces to phase out as we stride into 2026 with confidence.

To provide guidance, Business Insider consulted three fashion experts on what apparel and accessories should be on your exit list as the year comes to a close.

Maximalism Gains Ground Over Quiet Luxury

The subdued and minimalistic charm linked with understated luxury is waning as consumers shift towards more expressive and lively ensembles, explained Kendra Sharpe, stylist and the brain behind Kendra Sharpe Styling & Creative.

"Minimalism is on the decline, giving way to bolder, more eclectic styles," she observed.

To add flair and depth to your outfits, Sharpe suggests incorporating eye-catching details and textures such as faux furs, sequins, or statement jewelry.

Trade in Leggings for Wide-Leg Knits

Natalie Tincher, who leads the styling business BU Style, noted a decline in the everyday use of leggings as people search for comfortable yet versatile wardrobe options.

"There are plenty of comfortable alternatives that are stylish enough for various occasions," she shared.

Opt instead for wide-leg or flared knit pants, which offer comfort comparable to leggings while presenting a more polished look suitable for lunches, errands, and informal workdays.

Ditch Tailored Coats for Oversized Fits

According to both Sharpe and Tincher, overly fitted coats are a bygone style.

Swapping traditional blazers for oversized versions provides a relaxed and contemporary style, Sharpe noted. This relaxed fit also enhances comfort and enables easier layering, as Tincher pointed out.

Sleeker Boot Styles Take Over Combat Boots

As chunky combat boots start to feel outdated, fashion trends are heading towards more elegant and slender footwear, described stylist David Zyla, known for his book "Color Your Style."

He recommended shifts, such as to knee-high or slouchy leather boots, for a more refined, elegant appearance.

These styles help elongate the leg’s appearance and pair well with the trending wider pants.

Mixed Metal Jewelry Becomes the New Norm

Single-metal outfits, like being decked in gold alone, are a thing of the past.

"Blend your jewelry metals," Sharpe advised, explaining that a combination of silver and gold pieces can offer a trendy edge.

Consider starting with jewelry pieces that naturally combine these metals—like a necklace featuring both gold and silver elements.

Say Farewell to Pre-Wrinkled Clothing

According to Tincher, clothes with intentional crinkling can often look “messy” and leave people guessing if it’s a design or oversight.

She recommends steering clear of such materials and functionality, like micro-pleats, to ensure your outfit maintains a polished appearance.

Update Your Denim: Go Darker and Wider

Switching light-wash denim for darker jeans is an effortless way to enhance your apparel's sophistication, shared Sharpe.

Darker jeans carry well from the workplace to causal evening meet-ups. Adding wide-leg styles can keep your look both current and adaptable.

Infuse Bold Color into Your Wardrobe

As 'quiet luxury' recedes, muted colors are also being swapped out for more vivid hues that infuse personality.

Imagine enriching your wardrobe with brilliant shades like cobalt blue or vibrant green, which can transform an ordinary jeans-and-tee ensemble into an invigorating look.

One step beyond, try pairing these lively colors with complementary tones to engage in color blocking, another major trend.

Move On from Mini Bags to Larger Totes

Zyla noted that the popularity of tiny bags is diminishing, as the fashion focus shifts towards larger, bold accessories.

"Big bags and clutches not only capture the current trend but also offer practicality," he explained.