2026 Ins & Outs - A Stylist Edition
A Stylist’s Take on Human Behaviour, Identity & the Way We Get Dressed
As we step into 2026, I’ve been thinking less about garments and more about why we choose them.
How they shape our identity, our behaviours, our beliefs and the way we show up in the world.
These are a few of my INS & OUTS that I invite you to consider for your style and your relationship with yourself this year.
Getting dressed isn’t just aesthetic.
It’s a form of self-respect.
It’s neurological.
It’s behavioural.
It’s identity work.
IN
Understanding the importance of dressing with intentional identity by choosing pieces that reflect the next best version of who you’re becoming.
Understanding the power of personal style as a long-term personal brand tool. Not just for now, but for the future version of you you’re actively stepping into.
Quality over quantity for clearer self-expression and stronger decision-making.
Streamlining your wardrobe to reduce overwhelm and decision fatigue with your morning routine and pre-planning outfits.
Viewing your wardrobe as a tool for reinforcing beliefs and values. Style as a daily practice in self-trust, confidence and intention.
Repetition with purpose by leaning into your own individual style formula to build consistency, confidence and ease.
Prioritising fit as non-negotiable by investing in tailoring and alterations so every piece earns its place.
Embracing Year of the Horse energy with boldness and forward momentum by exploring something new that expands your comfort zone rather than keeping you contained.
Understanding that your style has the power to reinforce belief systems for both yourself and others (confidence, respect, focus, elevated)
Making intentional purchases that feel aligned rather than reactive, rushed or emotionally driven.
Letting go of the idea that you need to be “ready”. Wear what you love now. Confidence is built in motion.
Editing, refining and self-auditing regularly by releasing pieces tied to old versions of yourself as a form of personal recalibration.
OUT
Waiting.
Disregarding the influence your style has on how you show up and how you’re perceived.
Not prioritising another year of investing in yourself and your knowledge.
Allowing the cognitive load, decision fatigue and complete overwhelm govern state and our decision making to attend social events or not.
Overconsumption non-purposeful shopping disguised as ‘self care’.
Shopping from desperation and chasing dopamine hits or mannequin moments.
Making purchases without adopting The Rule of Four.
Purchasing trend pieces solely without consideration or prioritising wardrobe foundations/staples first.
Dressing for the version of you that no longer aligns, lifestyle, priorities or body shape.
Ignoring wearability, fabrications, fit and how clothes actually feel when worn or maintained.
Not embracing a sustainability consideration by reselling or purchasing circular by consignment, thrifting or secondhand.
Avoiding returns, alterations or edits because it feels “too hard”.
2026 is not a year for standing still.
It’s a year for bold movement - energetically, stylistically, personally.When style is approached with clarity, structure and intention, it stops being superficial.
It becomes a tool for momentum.
For confidence.
For transformation.And in a year that asks you to move forward — how are you showing up?