As the year winds down, GCSU students are already looking ahead to what 2026 might bring in fashion, music, social media and everyday culture. While many expect the new year to introduce fresh styles and more personal expression, they also agree that some 2025 habits should be left behind.
Hannah Deal, a senior mass communication major, expects accessories to stay relevant in 2026. After a year filled with bag charms, layered jewelry and colorful add-ons, she said the trend is far from finished.
“Bag charms and charm necklaces have been very popular recently, so I think we will keep leaning toward more accessories,” Deal said. “They are also just fun, so I would like to continue seeing them.”
Emmeline Holt, a freshman mass communication major, predicts fashion to stay nostalgic in the new year.
“I see Uggs, low-rise jeans and more of the infamous Y2K style carrying over into the new year, as well as lots of new micro trends because everyone latches onto them for their short shelf life,” Holt said.
Major pop culture moments are also predicted to capture attention in the new year. One celebrity event in particular is likely to dominate headlines.
“My pop culture knowledge is limited to my niches, but I think Taylor Swift’s wedding will be a big moment,” Deal said.
Looking to 2026’s Super Bowl halftime show, Deal expressed that music and politics will overlap in meaningful ways.
“Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance will be very important for our current political climate,” Deal said. “Music, and art in general, is inherently political and putting Bad Bunny on a national and global stage in 2026 is important for America because despite backlash from groups like Turning Point USA, Bad Bunny is American.”
Music trends are set to heavily influence 2026, especially as young listeners push certain artists and genres further into the mainstream.
“I think Sabrina Carpenter will continue to be huge,” Holt said. “I also think that rap will become more mainstream, more than it already is, simply because of the huge influx of fans, specifically in the younger Gen Z population.”
Kaitlyn Miles, a freshman mass communication major, said she expects social media to shift toward smaller creators next year. Instead of massive influencers steering the internet, she believes viewers will gravitate toward community-based content.
“On social media platforms, I believe there will be a rise of micro-influencers and niche communities,” Miles said.
Miles said the move toward micro-influencers may open the door for more honesty online, something she hopes will define the new year.
“I hope that 2026 can bring a year of embracing our imperfections in the world and social media,” Miles said.
With all the predictions for 2026, students feel it is just as important to talk about what should stay in 2025, especially trends they feel have run their course.
Deal said one trend she hopes stays in 2025 is overconsumption driven by social media hype.
“Buying things you do not need because they are trending is wasteful. For example, having 15 Stanley cups you do not use or buying an outfit for one occasion,” Deal said.
Holt is also ready to say goodbye to a few trends that stuck around longer than she would have liked.
“I do not want to see crocs of any kind,” Holt said. “I think that excessive use of heat on hair should be left behind. Everyone should go natural. Also, I do not want to see anyone wearing super skinny ripped jeans.”
As students look ahead to 2026, many hope the new year will favor creativity and more intentional choices. Whether it is through accessories, rising artists or new digital communities, GCSU students are ready for trends that feel more expressive and less wasteful.