With every new year comes new trends. 2025 was a memorable year with many pop culture phenomena, from Dubai chocolate to polka dots. The start of a new year poses the questions: What will be the next best thing? What will fill social media feeds for the next semester? What trends will remain in style through the new year?
Jan. 1 isn’t just a day on the calendar, but also a fresh start for trends to capture everyone’s attention. Henry Wiegand ’28 is hoping for sandals to be back in the spotlight.
“I think that sandals are going to make a big comeback in the coming year,” Wiegand said. “It’s a very stylish choice.”
While Wiegand sees fashion changing with the year, he also sees a shift in technology on the horizon. From the popular Apple Watches to something new and more efficient, the WHOOP bands.
“Those WHOOP bands are going to become more and more popular,” Wiegand said. “Eventually, they will surpass the popularity of Apple watches.”
One thing everyone can agree on is the ever-changing aspect of the fashion industry. Charlotte Kowal ’27 was a huge fan of this year’s trending, comfy sweat sets, but has a very different idea about what will be in next year.
“A trend I predict for next year is like a western aesthetic,” Kowal said. “With a lot of browns and turquoise jewelry.”
Kowal also believes that the sports world will drastically change from last year. Though the Kansas City Chiefs won the 2025 Super Bowl, Kowal thinks the Detroit Lions will take that title in 2026.
“I think the Lions will win the Super Bowl,” Kowal said. “And hopefully Nebraska volleyball wins the national championship.”
While these predictions may or may not come true, one thing can be said for certain: popularity is very up and down, especially with the start of a new year. Therese Carron ’29 has many ideas of what will be popular in fashion, but also in the social media world.
“I feel like there’s going to be a new app next year,” Carron said. “I feel like there’s been some small apps, but not super popular, so I think there will be a bigger one.”