We are at the final stretch of 2025. The conclusions have been drawn, the goodbye-2025 Instagram posts are live, and everything seems ready to start from scratch — new dreams, new goals and new achievements. Well, almost everything.

What truly stays with us is our instinctive sense of style — along with a handful of trends we can easily carry into the year ahead.

But which trends are worth taking into 2026? Which ones should be left firmly in 2025? And what should creative — and not-so-creative — people keep in mind when it comes to fashion moving forward?

I will be honest: I don’t have all the answers. But Shivani Sudhir does. Here is our conversation on the trends, style shifts and fashion choices set to shape 2026 — with a few added notes from the wider fashion world.

— Looking back at this year, which trends truly stayed with us — and which felt more like fashion noise?

— I would name two trends that are definitely here to stay — and I am genuinely pleased about both: sporty chic and monochrome dressing.

Sporty chic feels closely linked to wider lifestyle shifts. People are far more health-conscious now — from pilates and gym culture to matcha and wellness more broadly — and that naturally shows up in the way we dress. Women are blending activewear with more polished, chic elements, and it feels intentional rather than trend-led.

This isn’t a short-lived micro-trend. We saw early versions of it in the 1990s, but over the past two or three years it has really settled in. With so many strong activewear brands emerging, it feels like something that is here to stay.

Monochrome dressing continues to resonate as well. Some people gravitate towards simplicity and don’t feel the need to experiment too much, but even within a monochrome palette there is plenty of room to play — through silhouettes, tailoring and textures. A monochrome look never has to feel boring.

— If you had to name one trend you would recommend everyone try in 2026, especially those who skipped it in 2025?

— I would say monochrome dressing, closely followed by quiet luxury.

I used to love playing with lots of colour — and I still do — but now I prefer limiting myself to one or two tones. Monochrome dressing encourages you to think more creatively: how do you make a single colour feel interesting? That can come through tailoring, proportions, or accessories. A great pair of trousers and a simple T-shirt can feel elevated with the right jewellery.

Quiet luxury also feels very relevant right now. People are moving away from heavy logos and choosing pieces for their quality rather than visibility.

— Looking ahead, which colours do you think will be especially relevant next year?

— I am seeing a strong shift towards green tones — particularly muted olive, green tea hues, and matcha shades. Towards the end of the year, these colours have been appearing more and more frequently, and I don’t see that momentum slowing down any time soon.

When it comes to prints, bambi or deer motifs feel like the next natural step. Leopard, cheetah and snake prints have been everywhere — and while I still love leopard, they are starting to feel a little saturated. Deer prints feel like a softer, more refined evolution of animal patterns.

The Sandy Times note: While we haven’t reached 2026 just yet, fashion forecasters are already offering plenty of predictions.The Pantone Color Institute has already named Cloud Dancer — a soft, airy white — as the colour of the year.

Overall, the direction is shifting towards clean whites, off-whites, and creamy neutrals. So if you are ready to move on from this year’s butter yellow and mocha brown (personally, I am not), these are the shades worth keeping in mind.

— What are three pieces worth investing in at the start of the year?

— First, tailored trousers — particularly those with interesting cuts, such as horseshoe shapes or more structured silhouettes. A great pair of trousers can completely transform an outfit and is something you’ll reach for again and again.

Second, statement jewelry. Jewelry has the ability to elevate even the simplest look, adding personality and intention without the need for a full outfit overhaul.

Third, a well-structured blazer or jacket. It is one of the most versatile pieces you can own — whether layered over a T-shirt or styled more formally, it instantly brings a sense of polish.

The Sandy Times note: Vogue has also shared its forecast — and its top three picks quietly align with what Shivani highlighted: the jacket (with a particular recommendation to opt for leather), the evening top, and tailored trousers.

— Are there any brands you trust for trousers and blazers?

— For trousers, COS has always worked well for me — the fit is consistent and they last. There is also an online brand called Lanius, and Massimo Dutti is another reliable option.

High-street brands like Zara, Bershka and Pull&Bear do have strong pieces, but when it comes to trousers in particular, I prefer investing in brands that offer better quality and longevity.

— Is there a simple way to understand which accessories actually work for you?

— There is a small trick I picked up over the years: if your veins appear more green, gold tends to suit you better; if they look more blue, silver usually works well. That said, jewelry is ultimately very personal.

I mix metals all the time — gold and silver together — even though gold technically suits me more. In the end, it is about what you genuinely enjoy wearing.

In Dubai, my go-to store is Poison Drop. It offers everything from delicate to bold pieces, across a wide range of price points. I also love Walia Jewellery Boutique and Outhouse Jewellery — both Indian brands that ship internationally and experiment beautifully with structure and design.

— If you had to choose just one accessory to elevate any outfit, what would it be?

— The statement earrings. It works just as well for minimalists as it does for maximalists, and instantly adds character to an outfit.

— What are three pieces you think creative people — especially those who are not afraid to experiment with their style — should pay attention to?

— I would start with experimental footwear. Shoes with unusual heels, sculptural shapes or unexpected details can completely transform an outfit.

The second piece would be structured bags. A well-designed bag adds instant polish and structure to an outfit, while still allowing room for creativity.

And finally, interesting bottoms — whether that is jeans, skirts or trousers with strong structure or volume.

— Which items are worth saving money on — and not overspending on?

Anything that is purely trend-driven. Trends fade quickly, and after a few months those pieces often start to feel dated. It is usually better to save your money there and invest instead in timeless items that will last beyond a single season.

The Sandy Times note: A small reminder of this year’s biggest trends — and an honest confession: I bought almost all of them and don’t regret it. First, Adidas Sambas — especially styled with skirts and caps. Second, slim retro trainers, often worn with socks pulled up. Third, midi slip skirts — you know the colours: brown, butter yellow and black. And finally, sheer mesh tops.

— Are there any trends or items you would personally avoid next year?

— Neon colours, for me, are a definite "no" — they feel visually aggressive and hard to style. I would also say ultra-skinny jeans, especially on men, and deep V-neck T-shirts. These pieces feel dated rather than directional.