Is 2026 Really the New 2016? 2026 Formal Trends

Is 2026 really the new 2016 when it comes to formal dresses?

Not quite, but we will see a slightly bolder shift from the more understated dresses that dominated in 2025.

In 2016, maximalist dresses dominated the formal season - think bright colours, sequins, cut-outs and two-piece dresses - more was truly more! 

2025 was the complete opposite to 2016! The clean girl aesthetic skyrocketed in popularity, as simple but elevated dresses came into style. We saw a rise in soft, pastel colours such as butter yellow, with more simple designs being every formal girl’s go-to. However, as the new year rolled around, our predictions on formal dress trends for 2026 are looking a little different to what we saw in 2025. 

Like 2016, 2026 is the year of bold colours….

Our predictions on the most popular colours this formal season are cobalt blue and orange. Chocolate brown is becoming a rising trend in the fashion industry, and we suspect orange will shortly do the same.

The existing trend of deep reds, emerald and navy we also predict to rise in popularity. 

Unlike 2016 however, in 2026, more is not always more!

2026 formal dress trends will revolve around the concept of simple dresses with unique and bold twists. For example, a simple silhouette with a bold colour, cut-outs or a metal accent! 2026 dresses will focus on one statement feature, unlike 2016 dresses that tried to pack every single statement feature into one dress (but we loved it)! 

So while 2026 may not be exactly like 2016 when it comes to formal dress trends, it definitely has taken some notes.