This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at U Vic chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.
Every new year, the ins and outs trend resurfaces online. The year of 2026 is the year to be confident, kind, and healthy, so here are my ins and outs!
IN: Gratitude
It’s so important to practice gratitude daily, and it genuinely makes life more enjoyable to live. Be grateful for your education, your family, your roommates, and your friends. If all else fails, be grateful for yourself and how far you’ve come.
OUT: Negative Self Talk
The way we talk about ourselves heavily impacts the way we feel about ourselves. So, in 2026, we aren’t talking negatively about ourselves. Hold yourself to a high standard and talk about yourself the way you would want someone else to.
IN: Funky Outfits
This year, bring back funky outfits. I want to see mixing patterns, electric pops of colour, and extravagant accessories. Celebrate your life by dressing up and feeling good!
OUT: AI (ChatGPT)
Please, please, please, I’m begging you, stop using artificial intelligence. It’s making you stupid. Asking ChatGPT random questions or using it to help you with homework may feel harmless, but it’s awful for your education and the environment.
IN: Hobbies
Without my hobbies, my life would feel pointless. I love filling my days with crafting, reading, journaling, and more! Hobbies make my life whimsical and entertaining.
OUT: Consumerism as self-care
The last thing you should do on a hard day is go to the store and buy more things. This reinforces the idea that what you have isn’t good enough, and that’s not true. If you need to do some self-care, try painting your nails, doing a face mask, and having a relaxing bubble bath or hot shower.
IN: Full Bushes
Shaving is so time-consuming, and I absolutely despise it. Body hair is there for a reason, so in 2026, ditch your razor and grow out your bush!
OUT: Labeling everything
Labels are overrated, and in 2026, we aren’t going to have a label for everything. Let’s just live and enjoy ourselves without defining every single detail and putting ourselves in a box!
IN: Natural Fibres
Natural fibres are a must for me, and I feel so much better when I wear cotton, linen, silk, or bamboo. You can mitigate the cost of natural fibres by thrifting! I always find 100% cotton at the Value Village and Salvation Army.
OUT: Clean girl aesthetic
Enough with the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic. Let me make a mess, sleep in my makeup, and live my best life. I swear it’s just another way to suppress women and keep them compliant and small.
IN: Junk journaling
Junk journaling is one of my obsessions, and it’s such a great way to document your life. Once you start your junk journal, you’ll look at everything in a new light. You can use wrapping paper, receipts, stickers, scraps, tickets, packing, and more!
OUT: Apathy
I better not see any apathy in 2026; caring is cool and sexy. If you are enthusiastic and interested in anything, people can tell, and they will be drawn to you. Don’t be nonchalant!
IN: Making out
2026 is the year of making out. Bring back long make-outs and making out with strangers that you’ll never see again.
OUT: Body Shaming
Body shaming has never been in; however, last year, I felt like there was a rise in body shaming, especially online. It is never okay to talk negatively about your body, let alone someone else’s, so let’s leave it in 2025.
IN: Big Hair
Big hair is back, baby, and it’s here to stay. I want to see it at school, work, and the club. Enough with the slick backs.
OUT: Being tired
I find myself saying “I’m tired” more than a single mom with five kids, but in 2026, I plan to leave that behind. If you are young and childless, of course, you are allowed to be tired, but you’ve got to push through it. Maybe you’re hungry, maybe you’re emotional, but if you constantly say, “I’m tired,” picture yourself in a few years with a full-time job and more responsibilities, and you’ll immediately feel better.
IN: Setting boundaries
Setting boundaries is a very important part of self-care. This year you must set boundaries in your relationships so they are healthy and long-lasting!
OUT: Vaping
Holy cow, vaping needs to go. I’m not going to sit here and act like I haven’t vaped before; I know it’s addicting. But, we need to leave it in the past.
IN: Walks without headphones
Walking without headphones is an absolute game-changer. It’s a great way to reconnect with your community and nature! I love walking around in the forest in silence.
OUT: Fear of Missing out (FOMO)
This year we are not having FOMO, because you are not missing out! If you aren’t there, you must remind yourself that there are many other opportunities to have fun and you’ve had fun before. Having FOMO is the most counterproductive thing you could do if you are stuck at home.
IN: Casual posting
I am a huge fan of posting casually on social media because I genuinely do not care what other people think, and I think they can tell. Casually posting takes away the stress and fear of being perceived. If you haven’t done this yet, I recommend you give it a try!
I hope you enjoyed my hot takes. What are your 2026 ins and outs?