Style-ish Podcast Summary

Episode: These trends will define 2026
Hosts: Madison Sullivan, Arnika Joshi Smith, Joanna Fleming
Date: January 6, 2026
Produced by: Shameless Media

Episode Overview

In this lively and insightful first episode of 2026, the Style-ish team—Madison, Arnika, and Joanna—look ahead at the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle trends that will define the year. Drawing on data and expert analysis from Pinterest Predicts and trendspotter Louise Kong, the hosts highlight personal expression, playfulness, and a collective swing away from "clean girl" minimalism toward maximalism, individuality, and creativity. Interwoven among the trend predictions are the hosts’ relatable anecdotes, practical tips, and signature banter, making this an engaging listen for anyone interested in what's next across fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Opening Reflections: New Year, New Energy

• The hosts welcome listeners back for 2026, referencing Chinese zodiac themes (the Year of the Horse) and the sense of "catapulting forward" after a year of renewal.

  "Year of the horse is all about bolting forward...going into this year feeling lighter, ready, and charged."
  — Madison ([00:41])

Swapping In: TV Recs, Beauty Faves, and Life Hacks ([02:20–09:01])

• Joanna’s TV Recommendations:
  Focused on true crime and drama series for holiday bingeing:

  • Beast in Me, The Fall, Happy Valley, Line of Duty, Broadchurch, and drama The Split.
  • Anecdote: Joanna describes her and her partner’s evening ritual of fruit snacks and cozy crime dramas:

    "He cuts me up an orange...puts some blueberries in...and we put an episode of our show on." ([05:35])

• Madison’s Beauty Pick:

  • L’Oréal Paris Infallible Three Second Setting Mist—praised for keeping makeup in place all day, affordable, and “hairspray for the face.”

    "My makeup did not move. And I'm talking for like a 12, 13 hour day." ([06:22])

• Arnika’s Bow Tie Hack:

  • Shares a viral “groom hack”: tying a bow tie around the thigh/knee for perfect results (courtesy of a friend’s P. Johnson suit).

    “Tie your bow tie around your thigh...then put it back over your head and it sits so perfectly.” ([07:48])

Pinterest Predicts: 2026’s Defining Trends

Context from Pinterest

• Louise Kong describes the overarching trend:

  "People are craving comfort, authenticity and grounded optimism in a world that feels increasingly fast and often noisy." ([09:58])
  "Personal expression is front and center...moving away from one size fits all aesthetics."

FASHION: Top 3 Trend Predictions ([10:59–20:32])

1. Glamorati

• What: The return of unapologetic power dressing—sculpted shoulders, funnel necks, bold tailoring, statement gold, 80s luxury.
• Why: 225% increase in searches for 80s luxury in Australia, making this a dominant local trend.
• Host Reactions:
  • Tailoring = Confidence: "It's like a confidence you get to wear." – Madison ([12:01])
  • Nostalgic/Empowering: Arnika recalls Saint Laurent and Bella Hadid's runways as inspirations.
  • Timelessness: Joanna reflects on borrowing blazers from her mum and the enduring versatility of suits.

2. Poet Core

• What: Romantic, bookish aesthetic—oversized knits, vintage blazers, analog accessories.
• Why: Searches for "poet aesthetic" up 175%. Romanticizes intellectual/creative life (e.g., "BookTok" influence, Taylor Swift folklore vibes).
• Host Reactions:
  • Intellect is “cool” again: Arnika notes, "They're making being an intellect cool, even if it's a bit Shakespearean." ([15:54])
  • Easy to thrift: Madison highlights the accessibility through vintage shopping.

3. Broached and Laced Up

• What: Accessories take focus—brooches, crystal clip-ons, vintage pins, lace details; evolution of the bag charm trend.
• Why: Surging searches by Gen Z and Millennials for lace trims/nails.
• Host Reactions:
  • Redefining brooches: "I would have thought of my 81-year-old grandmother…then saw a brooch on a blazer for $20 and it looked like a million bucks." – Madison ([17:48])
  • Parisian inspiration and thrift finds: Arnika describes Parisian women styling brooches. Emphasis on accessibility via Etsy, eBay, and thrifting.

BEAUTY: Top 3 Trend Predictions ([21:05–30:59])

1. Glitchy Glam

• What: The anti-clean-girl, experimental and bold makeup (two-tone lips, mismatched nails, color clashes).
• Why: "Avant-garde makeup" searches up 270%.
• Host Reactions:
  • Gen Z-led trend; rising influence of TV (Euphoria) and artists like Donni Davy.
  • Madison: "It's so nice seeing beauty become expressive again...you don't have to wear crazy liner. Play with subtle color."
  • Joanna: "Fun way to learn how you like to do your makeup." ([23:08])

2. Zamp Romantic

• What: Dark, gothic glamour—jet black nails, moody makeup; moves further away from minimalist beauty.
• Why: Gothic coffin nails up 180%, dark romantic makeup up 160%.
• Host Reactions:
  • Emerging, seen more in social feeds than store sales. Madison references TikTok trends based on zodiac looks.
  • Arnika relates: "Am I the contemporary Morticia Addams? My nails are jet black, hair jet black, dark winged eyeliner..." ([25:54])
  • Cultural tie-in: Links to pop culture moments (Wuthering Heights, Frankenstein, Wicked, etc.).

3. Scent Stacking

• What: Layering perfumes and oils to create unique signatures; moving beyond “one and done” fragrances.
• Why: Pinterest data shows Gen Z and Millennials seeking individuality in scent.
• Host Reactions:
  • All three hosts already practice scent stacking and share favorite combos (Merit + Margiela, Victoria Beckham fragrances, Glossier You as a base).
  • Madison: "I love that you smell so good and people ask what it is, but layering adds a little mystery." ([28:42])
  • Tip: Use body moisturizer (with or without scent) for scent longevity and layering.

LIFESTYLE: Top 3 Trend Predictions ([31:03–40:26])

1. Pen Pals

• What: Handwritten letters and decorated stationery make a comeback as a sign of connection and creativity in a digital world.
• Host Reactions:
  • Emotional significance: Madison shares receiving a handwritten letter from her grandmother.
  • Arnika: "The ultimate sign of respect and care...taking the time to handwrite."
  • Practical challenges: Joanna jokes about "expensive stamps" ([32:52]) and prefers card-giving.

2. Funhouse Interiors

• What: Circus-inspired interiors—bold stripes, harlequin checks, surrealist shapes, playful palettes.
• Why: "Circus interior" searches up 130%.
• Host Reactions:
  • Playfulness vs. Minimalism: Madison and Arnika see this as a backlash against rigid minimalism (“we went so far one way...now we want to swing back” – Madison, [36:19]).
  • Ways to adapt: Statement towels, scalloped edges, colored lamps, vintage mirrors.
  • Nostalgia: 80s/90s vibes and more personality in the home.

3. Mystic Outlands

• What: Travel to fantastical, folklore-inspired landscapes—misty ruins, spiral rocks.
• Why: Searches for "Scottish Highlands aesthetic" up 465%.
• Host Reactions:
  • Speculation on the why (pop culture like Outlander, Lord of the Rings) and escapism.
  • Madison: “Somewhere that feels beautiful, poetic, and otherworldly, that doesn't feel like Instagram’s everywhere.” ([39:12])
  • “Let’s bring back adventure and untouched beauty in travel.”

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• "Personal expression is front and center...moving away from one size fits all aesthetics." — Louise Kong (Pinterest), ([09:58])
• "Tailoring is a confidence that you get to wear." — Madison ([12:01])
• "Just ask Candy Yum Yum." — Madison, on makeup experimentation ([23:03])
• “Am I the contemporary Morticia Addams?” — Arnika, on gothic beauty ([25:54])
• "It's the ultimate sign of respect and care when someone takes the time to handwrite." — Arnika ([31:56])
• “We went so far one way, now we want to swing back...bulk personality again.” — Madison, on maximalist interiors ([36:19])
• “Somewhere that feels beautiful, poetic, and otherworldly, that doesn’t feel like what you’ve seen all over Instagram.” — Madison, on the Mystic Outlands trend ([39:12])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• New Year/Themes Chat: [00:37–01:53]
• Swapping In Segment (TV/Beauty Hack): [02:21–09:01]
• Pinterest Predicts Introduction: [09:58–10:59]
• Fashion Trends Discussion: [10:59–20:32]
• Beauty Trends Discussion: [21:05–30:59]
• Lifestyle Trends Discussion: [31:03–40:26]

Tone & Style

• Relaxed, playful, and inclusive, with each host sharing personal stories and practical tips. Emphasis on accessibility, fun, and staying ahead of trends while encouraging authenticity.

Closing Thoughts

This episode of Style-ish is a spirited, forward-looking conversation grounded in expertise and real-life experiences. The 2026 trends forecast a swing toward maximalism, individuality, and joy—across what we wear, how we beautify, and how we live. The hosts, with their welcoming tone and deep fashion/beauty knowledge, make even the boldest trends feel approachable and adaptable for all.