Good things come in threes, and what better way to celebrate the return of “Hot or Not!” than with the third annual installment of “Ins and Outs”: Tatler’s official unofficial guide to pop culture, the trends we see on campus, around Seattle, and through our phone screens. 2025 was one for the books, marking the second inauguration of President Donald Trump, an incredible playoff run by the Mariners, and even a quick trip to space by Katy Perry … With a little help from our poll-responding friends, here are our 2026 Ins and Outs.
INS:
“I think we will see the 2010s revival/nostalgia develop into a fuller trend. I also hope that people will continue to embrace physical media and that companies will catch on to the widespread user yearning for simpler, more concrete ownership of the media and technology that they produce.”
“Club music/EDM.” For those unfamiliar, EDM (or Electronic Dance Music) encompasses everything from house and techno to DJ Snake and Lil Jon’s “Turn Down for What,” which fuses EDM and trap. It’s the best (in my opinion!) because there’s truly something for everyone.
“Wearing deodorant yayyy”
“I hope positivity and optimism culture will be IN because I think in 2025 we have collectively had a lot of negative energy that is bringing us down.” “being happy and not hating” “critical thinking and being kind” You’ve heard it here first, everybody! Being kind is in for 2026. It isn’t a radical statement, but it is something that still does need to be said every now and then. Even though it is fun to make jokes or be critical, it sucks to be on the other side of it, so just treat others the way you would want to be treated. It’s something that becomes a bit clearer as you grow older, and is always a little hard when you’re on the internet and everyone is being mean all of the time. Whenever and wherever you can, spread love 💟 and peace ☮️!
“Piercings, skirts, layered clothes.”
“Stripes, sneaker ballet flats (even more so), midi skirts.”
“dressing nice/normalizing wearing boots or scarves or nicer jackets to school.” “I hope like business casual for women and quarter zips for men continues to be a thing. I want people to dress up more in general and put themselves together more.” I feel like this is a recession indicator, but I’m not entirely sure. At least you’ve got Vogue’s permission, and former Tatler EIC Jackson Barr’s support!
“country music.” Yes. 100%. I’ve only started listening to it more in the past few months, so I am nowhere near an expert, but if you’re looking to get into country music, here are a few of my faves: Joshua Slone (who just dropped his debut album Thinking Too Much in October!), Zach Bryan, Megan Moroney, Chris Stapleton, Glen Campbell, Tyler Childers, Missed Call by Treaty Oak Revival, Springsteen by Eric Church, and Morgan Wallen. Hit me up if you have any recommendations!
OUTS:
“67.” With almost 30 poll respondents in agreement, “6-7” is definitely out for 2026. There is nothing more embarrassing than finding it funny when a teacher says it inadvertently (guilty as charged …) but after reaching Dictionary.com “Word of the Year” level of overexposure, it is definitely losing its appeal. Bye!
“Graffiti in boys locker room.” And the alleged poop smearer???? What is going on down there?
“nonchalance, especially for guys.” Caring about things is so awesome I don’t know why anybody would want to pretend otherwise! Life is too short!
“Everyone wearing gold jewelry should be OUT because some people’s undertones are more suited to silver jewelry and would really bring out their glow! But we haven’t gotten that this year because gold jewelry is so trendy.”
“ethan slater get off my fyp.” #Retweet but I’ve been getting really cute videos of babies doing his Bikini Bottom Day dance on my for you page, so those can stay.
“Labubus, because WHY?” “labubus.” So much for the 24-karat gold Labubu lady…
“bows, cheetah print, too-short barrel jeans, cardigans (hot take, but they’re over worn).”
“terrible pop music and country.” “also taylor swift i think we all need to put it to rest especially after that album.” Give country music a chance! No comment on the second one (I agree).
“snapchat.” Preach! I have always hated this app because of how obviously it tries to keep you coming back for more. Once you break free, you’ll never want to go back (though sometimes you will and it’s very important you resist)!
“conservatism, 67, the charlie kirk song, and “rage bait” being used as an excuse to say hateful things.”