Summer 2026's Most Outdated Trends You Won't Want To Be Caught Wearing

There have been a lot of claims that 2016 is the new 2026, but is it really? We know that fashion is cyclical and that nothing stays in or out forever — the question is, what is trending for summer 2026, and what is dated? That's where New York–based stylist Upasna Singh comes in. Singh is the founder of U-Glam, and her approach to style is about blending what is relevant with what allows people to express themselves. This is also a key part of learning how to be kinder to your body this summer, without looking outdated or frumpy.

At the start of our exclusive chat, Singh revealed that one of the most prevalent trends for the upcoming hot girl season is pretty far removed from one major millennial-led 2016 trend. "As a stylist, one of the clearest shifts I'm witnessing heading into summer 2026 is the move away from ultra skinny silhouettes," she says. According to her, Gen Z seems to be revolting against the restrictive clothing millennials favored for more relaxed and customizable options. This is great news, whether or not you're on board with Gen Z's sense of style. Banishing skinny silhouettes leaves a lot more room for comfortable styling, and in our opinion, many of these outdated trends have overstayed their welcome.

Blame it on the sheath-dress-loving politicians or on the controversial male gaze fashion aesthetic, but bodycons are one outdated trend you should avoid for summer 2026. It's no loss, really. Bodycon dresses only favored curvy and skinny body types, leaving all others feeling out of place, which is one reason they aren't as popular anymore.

Another reason stylist Upasna Singh pointed out during our exclusive interview is the natural fashion cycle. "I think the industry is moving away from figure-hugging fits toward more relaxed shapes, and that shift feels long-term." If you're mourning the death of bodycon silhouettes, you probably appreciated outfits that clung to your figure in the right places, or simply like dresses.

The good news is that there are trendier dress styles that can better complement your figure. Drapey dresses, for one, are an elegant and trendy way to elevate the bodycon style. While bodycon 'fits loudly demand to be noticed, drapes draw attention in a more subtle but powerful way, especially if the fabric is high-quality, like silk. Another trend worth investing in is drop waist dresses. Go for dresses with subtle drops that are just below the natural waistline, as opposed to the exaggerated ones. They work for many body types, and the flare is perfectly summery.

There's been enough skinny jeans slander across the internet, so you probably know that these are out for summer 2026 and the foreseeable future. According to stylist Upasna Singh, this bad rep is already affecting sales. "People aren't really buying new skinny jeans. They're mostly working with what they already have in their closets, and I've seen this come up several times recently with clients."

But if you really loved skinny jeans, you might be wondering why they're out, and if you're glad they're gone, you're wondering what else is in. During our exclusive chat with Singh, she revealed that this shift away from skinnies is probably because there's more interest in "expressive shapes and how people actually want to wear them day to day." Clearly, skinny jeans don't make the cut, and distressed jeans, which are similar, are another outdated denim trend to ditch in 2026.

On the bright side, this shift has opened the door to more interesting possibilities in the denim world. "We have a lot more to work with," Singh says. "Wide leg, flared, straight, barrel, and cigarette cuts. These newer styles offer more structured variety and allow people to be more expressive with their styling."

A lot of the minimalism versus maximalism conversation is driven by personal preference, but there's no doubt that one camp is usually more popular at a given time. For summer 2026, maximalism has the upper hand, not in the loud everything-together style, but in a modern glamour way. This ties exactly into stylist Upasna Singh's analysis during our exclusive interview, about the trendier outfits being the ones that make "everyday dressing easier and more fun."

In other words, cookie-cutter boring pieces are out for summer 2026. Instead, we're livening it up by accessorizing to glamorize. Think bougie sunglasses, ties, silk scarves, fun prints, and clothing that doesn't hide away. Fringe is another great example, and netted bags have always worked well for the sunny months.

Summer 2026 is also the perfect month to shop or display your boldest jewelry. Statement beads, brooches, and bangles are just some of the options you have. This maximalist shift also means the beige aesthetic is dead and buried for the summer. Go for livelier colors that take advantage of the warmer weather and bright sunshine. The new trends for the summer encourage expression, so with a bit of thoughtful styling, you'll be sure to find your unique groove.