Out with the old, and in with the new! In reflection of 2025, The Observer has compiled a list of predictions for the upcoming year. Virality is nearly impossible to track, and the cultural zeitgeist only usually evident in retrospection, but The Observer is going to have a crack at it.
Matcha → Cold brew coffee
Wait! Before you discount this prediction, give this a read: 2026 already seems like the year of holistic, understated luxury living, so the drink of the year is likely to be a classic. Matcha is a richly umami drink made that is used to flavor other foods and create sugary confections… that sounds a bit like coffee. Perhaps 2026 will be a throwback to this classic flavor profile, as chic cold-brew cappuccinos and tiny espresso cold-brews come back in style.
Gold jewelry → Silver jewelry
Every time you step into an Aerie or H&M, all of the jewelry on offer is gold. Of course, gold jewelry will never lose its luster, but the trend pendulum eventually swings to another extreme. With the Pantone color of the year being “Cloud Dancer,” a plain white, a minimalist and clean aesthetic is likely what will predominate the upcoming year, which silver jewelry embodies over opulent and romantic gold.
Polka dots → Vintage plaid and checkered patterns
From indie brands all the way to Lululemon, the polka dot craze of 2025 is already tapering off. Gingham has been part of the vintage revival brought about by thrift culture, with stores like Brandy Melville now re-popularizing the pattern. In 2026, this trend will go even further, with plaid and other checkered patterns coming back for skirts, scarves and other accessories.
Quiet luxury → Japandi
Quiet luxury has already been dismantled by the emergence of cheap, dupe products flooding malls and online shops. Now, there is no assumed mystery affluence behind people’s trenchcoats, only polyester Zara. In opposition, a fusion of Japanese wabi-sabi (beauty in imperfection) and Scandinavian hygge (coziness) has created a unique embrace of quality without excessive consumerism. Though both aesthetics have a neutral color palette and a focus on premium products, the warmth and natural essence of Japandi contrast quiet luxury’s cold and artificial elements.
Labubu → Tamogatchi
Before the Labubu, there was the Tamogatchi. The epitome of an interactive toy, the Tamogatchi was a global sensation in the 90’s. At its core, the Tamogatchi retains the essential characteristics of the Labubu: it is an accessory, entertainment and collectible all at once. In 2025 there was a renewed appreciation for old technology, like digital cameras from the 2000’s. As the trend comes full circle, it seems inevitable that old technology like the Tamogatchi will also return to popularity.
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