Industry Speaks: How Emotion, AI and Micro-Culture Will Shape Fashion in 2026

“Fashion trends are no longer about seasons, occasions or big trends; they are about emotion. People wake up and dress for their mood, not for what is socially expected. AI fits perfectly into that shift because it can read patterns faster than we can,” says Sonaal Goel, co-founder of Salty, while discussing what drives trends today and how AI is helping to determine them.

Speaking about jewellery positioned as Korean-inspired products, he adds, “The next big shift will be towards AI becoming a mood reader. Instead of telling you what is trending, it will understand how you are feeling that day and suggest pieces that match that energy. We will see AI-powered try-ons that feel genuinely personal rather than robotic. You will be able to pick up your phone, try on a pair of shades virtually, and see the vibe adjust based on your expression, lighting and even your music. AI will also push micro-aesthetics into the mainstream.”

The brand, which uses AI to understand customers’ fashion preferences, believes that “tiny internet subcultures, random memes and niche colour palettes will suddenly become design directions because AI will catch them early.” “People will be able to generate their own versions of products, rather than simply choose from what already exists. Fashion in 2026 will therefore not be about following trends; it will be about building a personal aesthetic, with AI quietly helping people express themselves better.”

Explaining the factors behind this shift, the co-founder says, “Culture today is shaped by micro-communities. AI learns from these small pockets of influence—from the way people text, comment and experiment. In the end, AI is not changing fashion or trends. People are. AI is simply the first tool that actually listens.”

AI in fashion will soon enter a more advanced phase, says Rohan Manthani, co-founder of Streamoid, highlighting its growing influence on retail and B2B decision-making. “With better product data and smarter automation, retailers will scale AI tagging, attribute enrichment and catalogue creation to keep collections specific and trend-ready. Brands will also rely on real-time trend prediction and demand insights to reduce waste and improve speed to market. The need for clean, structured data lies at the very core of these changes.”

Emotions, the new role play in outfits

According to fashion digital content creator Esha Shetty, dominant fashion trends in 2026 will be shaped by two major shifts: “quiet individuality” and “cultural fluidity”. “Consumers are moving away from loud, logo-driven looks and leaning towards pieces that feel personal, intentional and emotionally expressive,” she says.

She argues that these shifts will lead to a continued rise in “elevated basics, clean silhouettes and high-quality fabrics”, across both Western and ethnic wear. “At the same time, cultural fluidity will heavily influence Indian fashion. We will see ethnic and Western wear blend more seamlessly—think fusion silhouettes, modern drapes, metallics combined with Indian craftsmanship, and pieces that transition easily from day to night,” she adds. Shetty also notes that Gen Z’s preference for comfort will push relaxed fits, luxe athleisure and soft tailoring further into the mainstream, while sustainability will no longer remain a niche, with upcycled fabrics and seasonless clothing becoming expectations rather than trends.

Sustainability entered the mainstream largely during the COVID-19 pandemic, which gave a boost to several sustainable brands not only in clothing but also in accessories such as jewellery, bags and footwear. “People want wardrobes that look effortless but still feel unique, so expect micro-customisation, statement accessories and capsule dressing to gain prominence,” Shetty adds.

Designer and couturier Rohan Pariyar echoes these views. “Sustainability will no longer be a trend but a ruling force, guiding design decisions, material innovation and long-term wardrobe value,” he says.

Speaking in detail about fabrics and colour palettes, Pariyar notes that designers are likely to see “a confident shift towards bold, earthy hues such as burgundy, electric fuchsia and golden acacia, balanced with calming neutrals and layered shades of white”.

“Fabric choices will be consciously strategic, with organic denim, organic velvet and suede emerging as key power materials. Silhouettes will move towards structured yet wearable forms, featuring trouser saris, sculpted puff sleeves and cropped blazers. These will complement the strong return of the corset as a defining element. The corset will add shape and elegance without sacrificing comfort, reinforcing a modern sense of femininity,” he adds. Corsets have already emerged as a major defining trend in the current year.

'Elevated basics' likely to hit the 'menswear' as well

Echoing similar predictions for menswear, Harshad Panchal, lead designer at XYXX, says, “Next year’s menswear will lean into elevated basics, softer structures, performance-led fabrics and functional layering. These trends reflect how men are living today; they want clothes that feel comfortable, look put-together without much effort, and move with their day.”

The designer also notes that the industry is seeing a rise in grounded neutrals, earthy tones and mineral-inspired colours, “because they’re easy to repeat, look polished without effort, and align with a more mindful approach to buying. Subtle textures, soft washes and quiet utility details are replacing overt logos as men look for depth and functionality rather than loud statements. Above all, there’s a growing preference for wardrobes that can be mixed, layered and relied on through multiple seasons. These trends exist because men today want comfort, longevity and versatility, without compromising on a sense of personal style.”

On heavy groom looks for the year, Jitendra Chauhan, chief managing director of Jade Blue, says, “For 2026, the ethnic wear trend will see consumers exploring more variations in traditional looks. The 50+ age group will gravitate towards subtle styles. Grooms will increasingly prefer heavy embroidery for their wedding ensembles, along with modern Indo-Western silhouettes. Bling will remain in strong demand, and bandhgalas will continue to hold their position as an evergreen classic.”

However, regarding Western wear, Chauhan paints a slightly different picture. “Consumers will increasingly gravitate towards sustainable fabrics such as hemp and linen, especially for shackets and blazers. Three-piece suits will see a rise in demand, while four-way Lycra will dominate the trouser segment, and cotton-Lycra blends will be preferred for shirts.” He adds that, for prints, subtle and mild patterns will be favoured over bold designs. “The ‘Modi jacket’ will also gain popularity for its blend of elegance and comfort,” he notes. In the past two years, Modi jackets have emerged as a statement piece widely discussed in the industry.

Revival in focus

Amol Kadam, General Manager of Design at Spykar, says that checks could see a revival. “Checks are set to dominate because they strike a rare balance between classic and contemporary. With consumers gravitating towards patterns that feel familiar yet expressive, checks offer endless versatility—from subtle micro-checks for workwear to bold, oversized grids for street fashion.”

Kadam also points to the influence of celebrities, frequently spotted in airports, shoots and casual outings embracing puffers, as a factor sustaining the trend. He adds that global weather shifts are another key driver. “Puffer jackets remain on the rise due to practical weather changes and a global movement towards functional fashion. As winters become more unpredictable, people want outerwear that is warm, lightweight and stylish. Puffers tick all those boxes,” he says, noting that with new silhouettes, glossy finishes, quilting variations and colour experimentation, puffers are evolving beyond mere utility into full-on statement pieces.

In addition, Amol Kadam, aligning with others, reiterates a move towards balanced silhouettes-"structured enough to look sharp, but relaxed enough for all-day wear". "These fits work across work, travel, and downtime, making them the most versatile choice ahead."

Eyeing the eyewear - a personalisation touch to see

Speaking about accessories such as eyewear, Priyanka Gupta, Director of Brands at GKB Opticals, says, “The focus will shift towards the non-functional and the personal in the future, moving into the domain of conscious consumption, comfort and personal expression. As consumers combine lifestyle requirements with style choices, the category is evolving towards lighter, smarter and more fashion-conscious designs.”

Among her predictions are lightweight, minimal frames designed to be worn for long hours without pressure, offering an ultra-light experience. “Clean silhouettes are becoming an increasingly important necessity,” she says. Discussing colour trends, she adds, “The trend of quiet luxury remains strong in eyewear, with soft nudes, clear acetates and neutral palettes.” Gupta also highlights a continued focus on the retro look: “Large, oversized frames instantly elevate your style, making it bold and expressive. They combine a retro vibe with a very contemporary outlook.”