Layers, lace, hats and maximalist accessories — nothing about fashion this year is simplistic. A quick search on TikTok for “2026 aesthetic” yields colorful results, with “whimsy” being a key word to describe the new year.
Taking a walk through campus, unique pieces catch the eye. Trends like the transition from the clean girl aesthetic that lingered throughout 2025, to the rise in popularity of aesthetics like twee and “whimsigoth,” demonstrate the need for increased expression and personal touch.
“I think we’re gonna see a lot of people using trends … (to) let people know about their identity,” said Sara Berglund, textiles and apparel junior and vice president of public relations for the University Fashion Group. “I think a lot of trend forecasts are saying we’re gonna see more handmade pieces … and wearing your hobbies.”
The upbeat and nostalgic nature of this shift is notably different from the worrisome state of society. This contrast, however, might just be the heart of the shift. As more outfits are being infused with personality and culture, instability in today’s political climate is being fought with whimsy.
Recent polls conducted by The New York Times have shown that the Trump administration’s ratings are negative among individuals aged 18-29. Bleak views surrounding the economy, immigration enforcement and the president himself show that Gen Z are increasingly disheartened by the current state of American society. In a time of increasing instability and suppression, the younger generation is turning to clothes laced with memories and stitched with individuality to feel seen and heard.
“Since there’s a lot of novelty and complexity happening around us, it seems like we are reaching and pulling for those familiar pieces that just make us feel better,” said Kristi Reid-Partin, assistant professor of instruction in textiles and apparels. “We want to pull for that familiarity … we’re communicating that to other people, like ‘This is my version of authenticity.”
Nostalgia is a large contributing factor to the whimsical aesthetic. Ribbons and colorful tights remind us of our childhood wardrobes, and when we mix this with sentimental gifts and hand-me-downs, we create an outfit that expresses individuality and conveys our values.
Jazmin Hernandez Arceo, textiles and apparel senior and president of UFG, spoke about how she proudly displays her Mexican culture through touches like her rosary on her bag.
“(My rosary is) a symbol of my parents and where they came from and why I’m here…and I’m not scared to show that at school,” Hernandez Arceo said.
She also spoke about the flip side of the coin, in which individuals might be afraid to display their culture through clothing due to ongoing racial discrimination and profiling. By dressing to fit within the crowd, students might feel less exposed.
Still, the prevailing theme of 2026 fashion is expression through carefully curated pieces. A grandmother’s sweater, unique jewelry purchased on vacation or a handmade scarf create an ensemble reminiscent of simpler times free of worry from the opinions of others. People are increasingly feeling empowered by wearing what makes them happy and expressing themselves unapologetically.
Whimsy is more than a Pinterest aesthetic to adhere to; it is a combination of old and new in a way that is uniquely you. Despite fear of judgement, students should feel empowered to dress in ways that are comfortable for them by mixing touches of their culture and personality in a world that continually tries to suppress individuality.
“I hope people wear whatever they want,” said Hernandez Arceo. “It may seem like there’s 1,000 eyes on you on Speedway, but I promise you, if anything, those eyes are always supporting you from afar.”
Sanchez is a government sophomore from Dallas, Texas.
