The Evolution of Fashion: A Glimpse into '25-'26

By: Sienna Karatosic

Fashion has shifted more in the last few years than it did in decades before. Trends move fast, inspiration is everywhere, and the way people dress changes constantly. Instead of runways or magazines controlling what is popular, fashion now spreads through celebrities, influencers, designers, athletes, and TikTok creators who set trends overnight. Because of that, the evolution of fashion feels ever-growing.

Today’s biggest fashion icons like Bella Hadid, Timothée Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, and Hailey Bieber constantly influence what ends up trending. They mix pieces in unexpected ways, switch between styles whenever they want, and introduce looks that catch attention immediately. One week everyone is recreating Bella’s vintage inspired streetwear looks, and the next week Hailey’s clean girl style is everywhere. Whatever these icons wear instantly becomes part of the larger fashion conversation.

Vogue Magazine, Courtesy of Backgrid

The brands of this era also show how much fashion has changed; Chrome Hearts helped push luxury streetwear into everyday outfits, and Golden Goose made worn sneakers a staple. Maison Margiela introduced pieces like Tabis that became conversation starters. ALO turned athletic wear into something people style outside the gym. Off White blurred the line between street fashion and high fashion. These brands changed the face of designer clothing. It is no longer about formal outfits but about a mix of comfort, quality, and design.

What sets today's fashion apart from the past is how much people mix different styles. Streetwear blended with designer pieces, athletic wear paired with everyday basics, and vintage finds mixed with modern brands now stand at the forefront of today’s hottest trends. Fashion is now constantly changing, driven by a range of overlapping influences.