Outdated To Outstanding: The Chunky Look Is No Longer Cheugy In June 2026

Welcome to the first edition of Outdated to Outstanding, a monthly column where we discuss the trends that are clawing their way out of obscurity and back into the mainstream. 

With the arrival of June 2026, summer is nearly in full swing, and we're updating our summer style with several fun returning trends. What do they have in common? They're all chunky and oversized. 

Maximalism has been out of style for a few years now. After 2020's Y2K revival, which continues to impact fashion to this day, the trend cycle pivoted sharply to minimalist aesthetics centered on "quiet luxury" and simple, understated looks. Even though TikTok began to reject the so-called "clean girl aesthetic" for grittier looks, luxury brands like Khaite and Toteme continue to prioritize classic silhouettes in neutral colors. 

Perhaps as a reaction to the fashion industry's years-long focus on minimalism, June 2026 is seeing a rise of chunky everything, from jewelry to sandals and even hair dye. In particular, the chunky shoe trend experienced a cool, but short-lived, revival in 2023, but they're set to come back in full force this summer (and stay through the fall). Overall, chunky accessories from head to feet have been outdated for the past few years, so we're glad to see them making their way back into the trend cycle.

Like wedge mules, one of the warm-weather shoe trends you won't be able to avoid for summer 2026, chunky wedge flip-flops are a chic, refined take on a classic shoe, and they're taking over for the delicate, kitten-heeled sandals that have been on-trend for the past few summers. Flip-flop wedges are a more modern approach to a summer classic, but the 2026 version is less over-the-top than the Y2K-inspired chunky platform flip-flops that dominated summer 2021. You'll likely see them in more muted colors, but they strike the perfect balance between dramatic and streamlined thanks to their exaggerated size. 

Designers have reinvented the chunky sandal with wedge heels made from leather, suede, and vinyl, giving them an upscale, modern vibe that can help dress up almost any outfit. For example, try pairing them with satin midi skirts, stylish capri pants, or wide-legged jeans to elevate your look — unlike pencil-heeled mules, a heel trend that's incredibly outdated in 2026.

Chunky highlights went out of style last summer in favor of the blended balayage, but Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu is bringing them back. Liu's distinct hairstyle is called "halo hair" by her stylist thanks to the chunks of blond locks looking like halos (via Allure), and fans of the overnight figure-skating sensation have been taking inspiration from the trend themselves. To get the look, stylists lighten hair in horizontal layers that wrap around the head.

Chase Kusero, co-founder of IGK Haircare, spoke to Teen Vogue about why the chunky alternative look is having a comeback in 2026. "We're in a moment where personalization is everything. Clients don't just want highlights, they want intentional placement that feels expressive," Kusero said. "It taps into the Y2K revival energy, it gives that editorial edge without committing to a full-head transformation." He's right: Chunky hair colors are endlessly customizable. While Liu opts for a brown-and-platinum look, other icons like Billie Eilish have put their own twist on the trend, with the "Birds of a Feather" singer previously incorporating chunky strips of green and red into her black hair. Plus, you can add chunky highlights to any hair type or texture, so it's fun for everyone.

Like chunky highlights and platform sandals, chunky sneakers went out of style a few summers ago, with trend followers ditching their Fila Disruptors for sleeker, more streamlined Adidas' Sambas and Puma Speedcats. While slimmer shoes are still very much en vogue, chunky sneakers are making their way back into the trend cycle. Throughout spring 2026, celebrities and taste-makers like Bella Hadid have been spotted wearing chunky athletic sneakers from brands like Coach and Salomon, and this trend seems to be reaching its crescendo in June.

Chunky sneakers are an easy way to tap into streetwear vibes, as pairing them with loose-fitting cargo trousers or track pants can give any look a cool, trendy edge. Or, if you want to serve model off-duty looks like Hadid, try pairing them with spandex shorts and a tank top. Chunky sneakers, while oversized and definitely a statement shoe, are much more versatile than you'd think. From athleisure to streetwear and even Y2K-inspired outfits, chunky sneakers have you covered this summer.

Chunky jewelry is having a moment in summer 2026 thanks to folks embracing its over-the-top vibes as an alternative to minimalist trends like "quiet luxury" and the "clean girl aesthetic." While simple, delicate hoop earrings and thin chain necklaces have been the standard set by many fashion brands over the last few years, we're all about expressive baubles now. Chunky accessories like gaudy rings made of resin, colorful bangles, and fun earrings are back, and we couldn't be happier about it. Just look to the models and influencers attending events like the Cannes Film Festival or walking the streets of style hubs like Berlin in the weeks leading up to June (pictured above, respectively). 

An easy way to to embrace a maximalist aesthetic is through oversized accessories that can jazz up any outfit. One such accessory is the chunky necklace, which we saw make a particularly widespread comeback in autumn/winter 2026 couture shows. Extravagant necklaces with multiple layers of large beads or bulky chainlink pieces can be worn to stylishly incorporate chunky jewelry into your wardrobe this summer.