Do you ever put on an outfit that used to be one of your favourites, look in the mirror and just feel a bit...off? It is something that happens to me all the time; even though I am not a slave to the trend cycle, on some level, I am influenced by the fashion and outfitting around me, and suddenly a combination that looked modern and chic a few years ago feels retro when I put it on.
It is often more subtle rather than a major shift - we are not talking about the universal ditching of skinny jeans for barrel legs here. It is not about getting rid of items from your wardrobe either, but tweaking the way you put things together for a feel that is current rather than 2010s.
After consulting You magazine's fashion director and all round style queen Sophie Dearden-Howell, I have nailed down some of the spring outfit combinations that now feel old-hat; and what to wear instead for on-trend 2026 styling.
OUT: Midi dress/Pleated midi skirt + White trainers
IN: Satin slip dress/Satin skirt + Coloured trainers
The whole midi-dress and trainers thing was so welcome when it first became a trend; finally a look that was wearable, comfortable and most importantly, did not involve high heels. However, the floral midi and white trainers combination has been done to death now, and at the very least you need to be swapping to a more colourful pump in order to stay on trend. Extra sartorial points for a midi that involves satin or lace.
OUT: Shacket + T-shirt + Mom Jeans
IN: Funnel Neck Jacket + T-shirt + Cargo pants
A decade ago, I loved a plaid shacket as much as the next girl, and mom jeans were the perfect way for me to cure my skinny jeans addiction when they first got banned by the fashion elite. However, if I put this combo on now I would definitely feel very late 2010s. All the cool girls on my Instagram feed are now wearing funnel neck jackets and cargo pants, which - joyfully - are extremely practical and work for the school run.
OUT: Long top/Long cardigan + Leggings + Knee High Boots
IN: Belted blazer + Leggings + Flip-flop Heel
A long cardigan with leggings (and probably some kind of pashmina-style scarf) was the ultimate late Noughties look - I am pretty sure it was the unofficial uniform for all females when I was at university. It looks seriously dated now though; although you do not need to ditch leggings altogether. Instead, look for a thick, structured pair and team with a longline, belted blazer (it must cover the crotch). Kitten flip-flop heels are a fashion editor's footwear of choice right now (although I would argue a practical loafer is also allowed).
OUT: Blazer + Paperbag trousers + High heels
IN: Blazer + Barrel leg trousers + Kitten heels
When I think about what was in style during my twenties, there was a general feeling of being a bit more trussed-up than we tend to go for now. Think lots of pencil skirts, tight faux leather leggings and paperbag trousers cinched in at the waist, plus many, many pairs of stiletto heels. Fashion feels cooler, looser and more easy now - hence the barrel leg - and certainly officewear has relaxed a lot. Thank god I never have to totter around in a pencil skirt again.
