It’s almost the new year — are you ready to level up? We asked Her Campus readers to give us the scoop on what’s trending in wellness, fashion, beauty, and more.
The result? The 2026 It List.
Read through our ultimate guide of what’s worth your energy this year. Then, take the trends that speak to you and personalize them in your own 2026 journal. It's time to make the new year your best yet.
what's trending in FASHION
capsule
wardrobes
POLKA DOTS
mixing
metals
silk
scarves
Athleisure has ruled the style game the last few years, but now it’s time to elevate your
everyday look. In 2026, we’ll find a balance between cozy and polished (sorry, you can’t get rid of my sweat sets that easily) with some timeless, classic pieces that still make a statement.
CAPRIS
big sunglasses
deer print
Most of us aren’t taking full digital detoxes in 2026 (in fact, 75% don’t plan on it), but we’re being intentional with our scrolling, and using AI tools for actually being productive. And while we’ll always stream our fave TV shows and movies, we’re also opting for more IRL pop culture experiences.
MATCHA
yikyak for
campus intel
AI for studying
& learning
ANALOG
HOBBIES
FIT CHECKS
& DITLs
movie releases
in theaters
LIVE EVENTS
This year is all about intentional wellness and being present, so don’t feel pressured to jump into a fast-paced grind. Instead, in 2026, we’re slowing down, tuning in,
and taking care of our bodies from the inside out. Think waking up early, picking up non-digital hobbies, and bringing a sense of community back into fitness.
A splurge is great every now and then, but in 2026, we’re locking in — and swapping takeout orders for extra savings. The goal? Traveling the world and collecting experiences instead of making impulse purchases. Plus, it’s the age of monetization, so we’re using our social media skills to strategically boost our incomes.
becoming a
content creator
PEER-TO-PEER
PAYMENT APPS
budgeting
apps
NO-SPEND CHALLENGES
side hustles & freelancing
overplucked eyebrows
white eyeliner
retro makeup
blush blindness
bangs
We’re not in our full-glam eras just yet. In 2026, softer, more neutral makeup looks will still reign supreme. Hair is where beauty is getting a shake-up, though, with bangs making a comeback in the new year. As for skin care, it’s all about strengthening the skin barrier and brightening your complexion.
Take the trends that speak to you and leave the rest. Once you’ve got them, start manifesting your best year yet by personalizing your journal below and sharing it on social!
decorate your 2026 journal
Editor: Tina Kolokathis • Designer: Sumi Dey
All opinions are 100% our own. © Her Campus Media 2025
01
03
bold lip
dramatic eye
defined brows
07
05
06
02
05
04
01
03
07
06
run
clubs
gut &
hormone health
Intentional Habits
05
03
01
06
03
01
05
04
02
05
01
03
02
04
slow
mornings
02
how much was brunch again?
just sent!
no
Will tennis skirts take over in 2026?
yes
62%
37%
Click on each element to change!
Photo by Brendan Thorne/Getty Images
Back to top
THE IT LIST
@hercampus
04
02
No more chasing every microtrend. Invest in
staple pieces you love
that are made to mix, match, and repeat so
you never get bored.
Duet Mixed
Huggie Hoops
Lost Pattern Silk Skinny Scarf
See On Nordstrom
Chunky Rectangular Sunglasses
See On Anthropologie
We're describing our 2026 style as chic, comfy, and timeless.
& Other Stories
Deer Print Tote
See On ASOS
Ditch those fluffy monster keychains for bag charms that really fit your style.
Capris are
SO back.
"I love seeing my Reels/TikToks fill up with videos of relatable lifestyle content and deeper, emotional content that gets
you thinking. I also love fashion videos to help me figure out more of my own style!”
- Taylor, 21
California Baptist University
In for 2026:
Logging off and connecting with friends and family, analog style.
Shop the
HC It List Hallmark Card Bundle
Strawberry ->
Photo by Kevin
Winter/Getty Images
high-key
what slang word will
dominate 2026?
ate
crash out
clock it
aura
6-7
92%
91%
91%
81%
64%
33%
Photo by Arturo
Holmes/Getty Images
Olivia Dean & Sombr are two artists who will top the charts for Gen Z in 2026.
We’re learning how our microbiomes and hormones
impact everything from mood to metabolism — and making better choices when it comes to our nutrition, supplements, and habits.
We’re making tiny changes to our daily wellness habits — like drinking more water, moving our bodies, and eating balanced meals — to create sustainable routines.
Pilates isn’t going anywhere, but this year, expect to see a spike in other low-impact fitness trends like yoga, barre, and meditation.
Clifton 10 Sneakers
See On HOKA
Restore 3 Smart Sound Machine
See On Hatch
The key to your
best sleep yet.
SHAPE SHIFTER Massage Tool
See On OUI The People
Joy Gratitude Journal
See On Papier
How Gen Zers Are
Saving Their Money:
“Putting stuff in my cart and waiting
a week to see if I still want it.” - Leila, 21, University of Rhode Island
“Every check, 80% goes into bills and savings and you get 20% fun spending money.” - Amira, 19, Ohio University
“Using a piggy bank.” - Eva, 19, Kent State University
“Upcycling my clothes, swapping with my friends, and thrifting.” - Trinity, 21, University of Rhode Island
"A savings binder for cash and an
Excel sheet to track spending."
- Sophie, 22, University of Cincinnati
Hit pause on any non-essential purchases for a month, week, or even one weekend to save extra cash and learn more about your spending habits.
Ceramic Dog
Piggy Bank
See On Wayfair
See On Mejuri
"I love seeing my Reels/TikToks fill up with videos of relatable lifestyle content and deeper, emotional content that gets you thinking. I also love fashion videos to help me figure out more of my own style!”
- Taylor, 21
California Baptist University
See On Abercrombie
High Rise Capri Pant
In partnership
with Hallmark
what's trending in lifestyle
what's trending in wellness
what's trending in
mONEY & CAREER
what's trending in BEAUTY
We can't wait for
Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance.
LYMPHATIC MASSAGE
Want to make saving money more fun? Gamify it!
Try the 100-envelope challenge. Label each envelope with a number 1-100. Each day, choose an envelope at random. Check the number on the envelope, and then put that amount of money inside the envelope. After 100 days, you’ll have $5,050.
$100
$50
Thinking about
that impulse purchase?
Suction
phone
case
DSLR
camera
Ring light
Mini mic
External
hard drive
skin barrier
repair products
01
bangs
02
neutral
nails
03
Yes, they can
simply be a fashion
statement and not
a cry for help!
That '70s Chill
Press Ons
See On Chillhouse
Barely Bougie
Press On Nails
See On Dashing Diva
teddy makeup
04
Pocket Blush in Toasted Teddy
See On rhode
k-beauty
skin care
06
Teddy makeup focuses on bronze, toasty hues that warm up the face.
Lock in that necessary moisture your skin needs with products that both restore and strengthen.
Beauty Of Joseon Glow Serum
See On Sephora
minimalist glam
07
e.l.f. Soft Glam
Satin Foundation
See On Ulta Beauty
I trust my instincts and know my
path is the right one.
high-yield savings accounts
wait, what's happening in the library??
04
We're still streaming plenty at home, but IRL movie experiences are taking the lead this year.
omg i saw that on yikyak
The It List
Polka Flock Black
Define Jacket
See On Lululemon
You don't need to be an expert to file taxes for your side hustle. H&R Block has your back with
step-by-step support!
In partnership with H&R Block
Methodology
Her Campus Media conducted an online survey in October 2025 with 512 respondents across the United States (representation from 47 states). Most respondents identify as women (98%) and were between the ages of 18-24 (78%). Maintaining the privacy of our respondents is a top priority. Therefore, all names appearing in this article are pseudonyms.
YES
NO
vote to reveal results
ate
clock it
aura
6-7
crash out
high-key
vote to reveal results
← back
05
head
spas
I will achieve
the job of
my dreams.
I am
present in everything
I do.
I attract meaningful relationships with others.
I love myself unconditionally.
My body knows what it needs, and I listen to it.
Athleisure has ruled the style game the last few years, but now it’s time to elevate your
everyday look. In 2026, we’ll find a balance between cozy and polished (sorry, you can’t get rid of my sweat sets that easily) with
some timeless, classic pieces that still make
a statement.
what's trending in FASHION
Most of us aren’t taking full digital detoxes in 2026 (in fact, 75% don’t plan on it), but we’re being intentional with our scrolling, and using AI tools for actually being productive. And while we’ll always stream our fave TV shows and movies, we’re also opting for more IRL pop culture experiences.
what's trending in lifestyle
This year is all about intentional wellness and being present, so don’t feel pressured to jump into a fast-paced grind. Instead, in 2026, we’re slowing down, tuning in, and taking care of our bodies from the inside out. Think waking up early, picking up non-digital hobbies, and bringing a sense of community back into fitness.
what's trending in wellness
Photo by Brendan Thorne/Getty Images
Photo by Arturo
Holmes/Getty Images
Photo by Kevin
Winter/Getty Images
These treatments exfoliate
and hydrate your scalp to
help boost your hair quality.
Plus, they’re seriously relaxing.
A splurge is great every now and then, but in 2026, we’re locking in — and swapping fast food takeout orders for extra savings. The goal? Traveling the world, and collecting experiences instead of stocking up on clothes and makeup. Plus, it’s the age of monetization, where we’re using our social media skills to strategically boost our incomes.
what's trending in
money & career
We’re not in our full-glam eras just yet. In 2026, softer, more neutral makeup looks will still reign supreme. Hair is where beauty is getting a shake-up, though, with bangs making a comeback in the new year. As for skin care,
it’s all about strengthening the skin barrier and brightening your complexion.
what's trending in
beauty
Photo by Marija Bazarova/Getty Images
Banana ->
Blueberry ->
Cherry Blossom ->
Banana ->
Cherry Blossom ->
Blueberry ->
@_kaylee.nicole