Pinterest's Forecast: The 2026 Aesthetic Landscape Unveiled

Pinterest peered into the digital crystal ball for 2026, unveiling a trend report that suggests a resurgence in glitzy fashion, layered aromas, and an unexpected craze for cabbage.

Released from its headquarters in San Francisco, Pinterest's annual report draws from an extensive analysis of billions of searches and user interactions with visuals, spotlighting rising words, shades, and styles. With the aid of machine learning, their trend specialists decipher patterns through a synergy of data insights and on-the-ground observations.

Here’s an insight into the foremost trends to watch in the US by 2026:

1. Cabbage Obsession

Surprisingly, it's not clothing or decor taking the forefront in 2026 according to Pinterest, it’s cabbage. The once background vegetable is slated to become a kitchen hero as Baby Boomers and Gen X move past their cauliflower phase. Think charred cabbage 'steaks', kimchi-infused drinks, and crunchy taco wraps.

The term 'cabbage dumplings' surged by 110% from September 2024 to August 2025, with Golumpki soup and cabbage Alfredo also seeing notable hikes. This aligns with the ‘fibermaxxing’ dietary trend focusing on high fiber intake for better cardiovascular and digestive health.

2. Quirky Glam

In 2026, Pinterest anticipates the rise of 'Quirky Glam', a style embracing beauty's intentional imperfections. No longer will symmetry reign; instead, Gen Z and Millennials will adopt manicures in diverse colors, dual-tone lipsticks, and vividly contrasting eyeshadows.

Popular search terms hinting at this shift include 'eccentric makeup' and 'avant-garde makeup editorial', marking a significant transformation from the recently dominant 'clean girl' makeup ethos across social networks.

3. Retro Kid Revival

Thrifting and nostalgia seem set to captivate 2026, especially in the realm of parenting. Terms like '1970s childhood toys' and 'vintage kids fashion' gained traction on Pinterest. The upcoming year is expected to see a renewed embrace of past decades' charm with clothing inspired by previous generations and creatively repurposed baby attire. Crocheted play areas will likely be popular, creating cozy atmospheres for nurseries, while older generations thrift for diminutive fashion statements.

4. Fragrance Fusion

Moving past single-note scents, the art of combining fragrances will likely be embraced by Gen Z and Millennials in 2026. Customizing scent profiles through nuanced blends of oils and perfumes will dominate, offering a personalized olfactory experience that extends luxury in layers over time.

Trending search phrases include 'scent layering' and 'bespoke perfume combinations', reflecting this predicted inclination toward fragrance individuality.

5. Celestial Influence

Finally, Pinterest projects an influential interstellar theme resonating among younger generations. Imagery of holographic and opalescent accents, coupled with galactic-themed elements reminiscent of sci-fi narratives, will dictate aesthetic preferences.

There has been an 80% increase in searches related to 'alien core aesthetic', along with rising interest in 'opalescent' and 'futuristic' designs.

Noteworthy Mentions: Glamoratti, Pen Pals, and Gummy Allure

Loud and extravagant fashion, encapsulated in 'Glamoratti', signifies a vote for bold expressions in 2026, including extravagant gold accessories and sharply tailored outfits. The traditional practice of handwritten letters could also see a comeback through 'Pen Pals', as modern communication methods potentially lose their novelty with younger users.

Lastly, an enticing trend termed 'Gimme Gummy', featuring tactile pleasures associated with candy-like aesthetics, as seen in flexible phone cases and rubberized nail designs, predicts an intriguing sensory experience.

These forecasts underpin Pinterest's latest financial performance, demonstrating a 17% revenue increase in the third-quarter, with a notable upsurge in active users annually.