Each new year comes with new trends–some trends students want to see and some trends students want to leave behind.
Trends that span from social media, music, to fashion are ever-changing. One month into 2026, students are planning and predicting what’s “in” for the new year and what’s “out.”
What’s In?
Activism and politics are in, according to students.
Reydina Lawrence, a sophomore biology major, said she expects to hear more talk about activism.
“I have heard a lot of people talk about activism,” Lawrence said. “Especially with what is going on with ICE agents.”
Maximilian Samiei, a junior biology major, pointed out politics.
“Probably politics, you just can’t escape it,” Samiei said. “A lot of unrest has been happening.”
What’s Out?
But across the board, students are eager to leave 6-7 in the past.
Bahaa Maghawri, a freshman finance major, said he is tired of the joke.
When contemplating what should be out this year, he said, “Hopefully 6-7.”
Lawrence and Samiei also agreed that 6-7 is a trend that should be officially out.
However, Jack Boucher, a senior political science major, said he is tired of cannon jeans characterized by their bagginess and homage to the 90s style.
“Huge cannon jeans or things of that sort,” Boucher said. “I’m so over it.”
What Music will Dominate 2026?
Pop and rap were the most frequently cited music genres, predicted to dominate in 2026 among students.
Elizabeth Cantrell, a senior environmental studies major, said she expects pop or rap to be the most popular genres this year.
“I think either pop or rap will dominate 2026,” Cantrell said.
Maghawri also anticipates pop and rap to dominate this year.
“Honestly, I think we will go back to 2016 pop and rap type songs,” Maghawri said.
Lawrence believes that either pop or R&B will be popular this year.
“Honestly, probably, pop, I think it tends to dominate every year,” Lawrence said. “And if not, R&B.”
Artist of the year
With Bad Bunny performing at this year’s Super Bowl halftime show, students predict he will be the artist of the year.
“I feel like Bad Bunny might be more popular because of the Super Bowl,” Cantrell said.
Samiei also agreed that Bad Bunny’s performance at the Super Bowl will make him the artist of the year.
“Probably, Bad Bunny because he is performing at the Super Bowl,” he said.
SHU students were on to something. On Sunday, Bad Bunny took home three Grammy awards: Album of the Year (“DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS”), Best Música Urbana Album (“EoO”), and Best Global Music Performance (“DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS”).
Contrary to Cantrell and Samiei’s predictions, Matthew Wilson, a senior environmental studies major, believes Sabrina Carpenter will be the artist of the year only "if she drops another album.”
What Fashion Trends Will Be Popular On Campus?
Students expect to see more comfortable baggy clothes on campus this year.
“I feel like baggy clothes, baggy jeans, and baggy tops,” Lawrence said. “It is a big thing right now.”
Similarly, Maghawri believes baggy clothes will be popular on campus.
“Probably just, like, sets, hoodies, sweatpants, tracksuits and baggy clothes,” Maghawri said.
Wilson agrees that more comfortable clothing will be seen on campus this year.
“Fashion driven by comfortability and relaxation,” Wilson said.
What Fashion Trends Will Be Popular Off Campus?
Students had mixed expectations on what fashion trends would be popular off campus.
Boucher hopes to see more people wearing vintage band tees. “Hopefully a solid vintage band tee,” Boucher said. “Everyone needs that.”
Cantrell believes UGGs and design er bags will be more popular off campus.
“Everyone is still wearing [UGG slippers] and maybe more designer bags,” Cantrell said.
Maghawri, on the other hand, noted that he has seen a lot of people wearing puffer jackets.
“I feel like everyone is starting to wear puffers,” Maghawri said.
What Pop Culture and Social Media Trends Will Define 2026?
Going into a new year, what’s trending on social media can be nearly unpredictable, but students have their guesses.
When it comes to pop culture trends, Boucher hopes to see more hand tattoos this year.
“Job stopper tattoos,” Boucher said. “I’m about to get my hands tatted and I think everyone should follow suit.”
Job stopper tattoos are not just limited to hand tattoos, however. The traditional definition of a job stopper tattoo includes tattoos located on the hands, face, and neck.
Lawrence hopes to see the social media trend “this is my impression of an owl” define 2026.
“The TikTok trend, but this is my impression of an owl, has defined the year for me,” Lawrence said. “It has made me laugh the most.”
Cantrell predicts 2016 throwbacks will continue to be popular on social media.
“I think throwbacks to 2016 trends will define 2026,” Cantrell said.
As 2026 continues, students are embracing activism, nostalgia, and fashion driven by comfort, while collectively agreeing to part ways with 6-7.
Michael Veronsky is a writer for The Setonian’s Features section. He can be reached at michael.veronsky@student.shu.edu.
