There’s something about the start of 2026 that feels refreshingly confident. Accessories are getting bolder, more tactile, more considered and, crucially, more personal. Hooray! This is a year that celebrates everything that we hold, dear, craftsmanship, heritage, and pieces with a story to tell.
The great news is that you don’t need to reinvent your wardrobe to nail it. 2026 is about shopping what you already own first, then adding a few carefully curated pieces that work hard and quietly elevate everything else. Think vintage finds mixed with more modern shapes, unexpected textures layered together, and accessories that do the talking while the outfit stays reassuringly easy and simple.
Lets get stuck in!
1. Oversized Jewellery (with a heritage twist)
The trend
Oversized jewellery is back, but softer. Think sculptural earrings, chunky chains, bold brooches and statement rings, pieces that feel collected rather than shouty and obnoxious. Less costume, more timeless heirloom energy.
How to wear it in real life
Balance in life is everything, and the same goes for the oversized jewellery trend. A single oversized piece works beautifully against tweed, a dense knitted crombie coat, a piece of modern knitwear or crisp shirt. We especially love the return of the brooch: pinned to a coat lapel, securing a scarf, used as a fresh alternative to a feather on a fedora hat, or pinned to add shape and interest to a chunky jumper. It’s nostalgic, practical, but can be made unexpectedly modern. It that magic juxta position between old world and fresh iterations.
The Barkworth Reeve way
Keep everything else pared back. A beautifully structured leather bag (our Croc Middleton is the perfect option), paired with a cosy scarf, an oversized coat, and one statement jewellery piece doing all the storytelling. It’s confident without ever looking try hard, and your age or size are irrelevant.
2. Leopard & Florals (Used Sparingly)
The trend
Animal prints and romantic florals are continuing into 2026, but with a much more refined hand. Leopard, in particular, is being used as a single accent rather than an all-over statement.
How to wear it in real life
A flash of leopard works wonderfully against classic country textures, tweed, denim, wool, leather or my favourite, velvet. It might be a scarf, a belt, or a shoe. Ralph Lauren gives us an absolute masterclass every autumn / winter season and mixing textures. This year they've done a leopard-print leather bucket hat is a brilliant reference; in all honesty, it's a bit much for me, but you cannot dispute the fact that it is bold; and used as an elevated piece rather than head-to-toe print it has impact.
I've opted to show you a slightly easier way to wear a leopard, this is a Ralph Lauren blazer (its still quite a statement!) if this is out of your budget and a bit too much leopard, I have exciting news......!
The Barkworth Reeve way
I'm so excited to tell you about our upcoming leopard print scarf launching in May, modelled here by Alex. It’s been designed to work hard: styled around the neck, tied to a bag, worn as a headscarf or a sarrong, or even belted over knitwear. This is exactly how we will be using leopard for 2026, versatile, timeless, and quietly confident.
3. Pearly Finishes & Sentimental Shine
The trend
Pearls are having a moment again, but not in a precious way. They’re being mixed with metal, worn asymmetrically, and paired with everyday outfits.
How to wear it in real life
This is where raiding your grandma’s jewellery box comes in. Old pearl earrings, a slightly mismatched necklace, or a well-worn brooch instantly add warmth and soul. Pair them with contemporary pieces to stop things feeling too formal.
Lauren Ralph Lauren’s pearl coin crest drop earrings are a lovely modern reference – classic pearls combined with heritage detailing to keep things ladylike but relevant.
The Barkworth Reeve way
Pearls look beautiful alongside natural textures: leather bags, tweed coats, soft scarves. The contrast is what makes it feel modern. One sentimental piece, styled with confidence, is all you need.
4. Craft, Tactility & Mixed Materials
The trend
Texture is everything in 2026. Suede, velvet, wool, faux fur, cashmere, the more touchable, the better. Accessories are becoming sensory again.
How to wear it in real life
Look to figures like Claudia from The Traitors for inspiration: woollen checks paired with leather gloves, heritage fabrics grounded with something sleek and practical. Mixing materials, especially if you keep them totally close, adds depth without adding fuss.
The Barkworth Reeve way
This is where we really come into our own. Cashmere knitted jumpers and scarves, bobble hats, soft suede accessories, and our upcoming reversible velvet and faux fur snood and headband are designed to layer beautifully. Add a polished croc leather handbag (our new Ambridge in Tan Croc will be perfect) and leather belt to pull everything together, and you have that polished country-lux feel that works from school run to supper.
5. Sustainable Stories & Forever Pieces
The trend
Sustainability in 2026 is less about buzzwords and more about longevity. People want to know who made their pieces, where they came from, and how long they’ll last.
How to wear it in real life
Choose fewer things, but better ones. Repair, re-style, re-wear. Mix vintage finds with modern accessories that are built to last. The story matters just as much as the look.
The Barkworth Reeve way
We design with this philosophy at heart: honest materials, thoughtful design, and accessories meant to be used, loved and lived with. Our approach is always to keep the outfit simple, then let one or two accessories do the talking – pieces that feel like trusted companions rather than passing trends.
To wrap it up....
2026 is about investing more thoughtfully, and we’d love to help. All of our pieces designed to work hard, age beautifully, and slot seamlessly into the wardrobe you already love. We very rarely do sizes (other than hats), so you can be confident whatever you buy will fit, and will work hard to justify its place in your wardrobe.
And if you’d like more styling ideas, behind-the-scenes stories and early access to new launches, you can join our email list, we promise inspiration nad updates, not inbox noise!
Have a great January and I hope 2026 brings all you hope for.
Jennie
