These Low-Effort, High-Reward Closet Swaps Have Totally Refreshed My Style in 2026

If you know me, you know that I am a huge proponent of taking trends as suggestions, not laws, and always, always prioritizing personal style. That doesn’t mean, however, that I don’t love following the trends and knowing what’s going on. I generally think of fashion trends as a buffet that you can pick and choose from to find what’s to your taste and what you want to adapt into your wardrobe. I have so much fun watching the fashion week shows, getting excited about what’s coming next, and seeing how those themes can work with my own personal style.

However, that takes a lot of fashion knowledge and a real level of commitment to getting in the weeds of runways, trend forecasting, street style, pop culture, and everything else that goes into making something a moment - and I don’t expect most people to have either the time or desire to do all that. This is my job, after all! So when people ask me what’s next and how to make sure they aren’t looking out of style, I always like to frame things as suggested updates. The keyword there is suggested because if you love something, I am not telling you you cannot wear it. If I love something, I will not tell myself I cannot wear it, but what I will do is give myself the freedom to try something new.

With all that in mind, here are some of the style swaps that I personally will be doing for 2026 (all while keeping the older pieces in my closet for future reference!)

Swapping chunky sole sneakers for low-profile sneakers

A few years ago, I fell hard for a pair of chunky oversized Buffalo sneakers (the same brand that made the Spice Girls’ iconic platform sneakers) at a press preview. They were like Bratz Doll shoes made for real people, and I couldn’t think of anything better. I absolutely loved that they gave me both height and comfort. As someone who’s 5’4” and regularly walks 11,000+ steps a day, I will always happily take both! They’ve been one of my go-to’s ever since, for everything from music festivals to fashion week.

Over the last year, though, I’ve noticed a real sneaker vibe shift, and what’s trending now is the exact opposite: low-profile sneakers.

This silhouette is in line with overall trends, across footwear and apparel. (Heels have gone from huge stacked platforms to sexy, low-vamp, pointed-toe pumps. And pants with nipped in ankles call for something sleeker than a chunky sole.) And when it comes to practicality, these sneakers fit the bill just as well. So, I decided to find a new, slimmer pair of everyday sneakers, and these pink Nike LD-1000s turned out to be the ones.

Although I miss the added inches of a platform sole sometimes, I’ve found this pair to be even more comfortable and a lot lighter on my feet! The vibrant colorway is also so fun, making these sneakers ones I reach for when I’m looking to add a little pop to an otherwise neutral-heavy look. Case in point: I wore them with a structured bustier-inspired top from Warp + Weft (sold out, similar here), the most comfortable pair of athleisure trousers, and a studded faux leather jacket.

Swapping distressed jeans for dark wash denim

Jeans are one of those categories that pretty much everyone wears, so I always like to keep up with all the ebbs and flows of denim trends. Whether it’s a big vibe shift (like the 2020 rejection of skinny jeans) or a subtler switch up, it’s an easy swap that updates any look.

Silhouette isn’t the only thing to keep an eye out for. Finishes and washes can be just as crucial. For example, the light wash, heavily distressed jeans that were trending a few years ago don’t feel as fresh lately. Instead, I suggest a pure dark wash for 2026. You can go with a deep indigo, like this wide-leg denim trouser from Universal Standard, or an inky rinse. There’s also a real nostalgic charm to a dark wash bootcut or relaxed straight leg.

For this look, I went simple with a square-neck top, a faux snakeskin bag, and pale gold pumps to complement my dark-wash denim.

Swapping leopard for the whole animal kingdom

I’m absolutely the type of person that considers leopard print a neutral, so I’ll never shelve it entirely. So, this one is less of a full swap and more of an expansion. There are just so many other nature-inspired prints that deserve a moment in the sun, too.

Tiger print is primed for a major moment, and I’ve also spotted patterns ranging from zebra to python to deer to dalmatian on the come-up. Even insects are in the mix, with Matthieu Blazy sending a beautiful teal butterfly wing-inspired skirt down the subway runway at his 2026 Chanel Metiers d’Art show. The sky is literally the limit at this point.

I also love the idea of mixing multiple animal prints for a bit of power-clashing moment. I have a python print trench coat I love, and I’m currently plotting a mixed-print look with a striped animal print tee, a faux croc-embossed handbag, and dark wash jeans. If that sounds a little overwhelming, never fear: A good animal print piece can absolutely stand alone and punch up an otherwise simple look.

I wore this spotted faux ponyhair coat from Eloquii with my go-to pair of indigo slim trouser jeans and a semi-sheer blouse for a day of press previews, errands, and a brand dinner, and I got compliments literally everywhere I went.