New Year, New Me! The new year has just begun, and it is time to reflect and reset. January is the universally agreed-upon time to make new goals, whether that means creating a Pinterest board or drawing out a 2026 Bingo card. It is time to make some changes, and apparently, people are taking it quite seriously this year. The 2026 rebrand trend has taken over TikTok, inspiring viewers to start the year completely renewed. The trend is essentially adding or changing habits which will enhance your confidence and overall lifestyle for this upcoming year and the idea is to transform yourself in at least one way. It can be something as small as amending your skincare routine to completely revamping your wardrobe. Whether you want to feel hotter, healthier or just juggle University life a bit better, everyone can benefit from a 2026 rebrand.
Self-care:
I don’t know about you, but I find that University can be quite overwhelming. From balancing the semester’s workload to actual part-time work, there are a few tiny habits you could implement at the beginning of your day to counter any University stress. I find that how I start my morning can have a massive impact on my mood and productivity for the rest of the day, which is why setting off in the right mindset is so important. Instead of scrolling through your phone for thirty minutes why not start a skincare routine? If you don’t already have one, it pretty much consists of a cleanser, toner, moisturiser, SPF (sunscreen) and eye cream, but for some people it can be as simple as using only a cleanser and sunscreen. It’s about finding what works best for you. Some affordable and effective brands are Cetaphil, Nivea and CeraVe but again, all skin is different. What makes one person’s skin clear might make your skin break out. It may take a bit of trial and error but after your skin will thank you! Another morning habit worth developing is investing time in your appearance. Whether that looks like trying a new hairstyle every morning or putting on a little mascara, putting effort into how you present yourself will boost your confidence and self-perception. Don’t feel afraid to dress up for the day, even if all you’re doing is attending a lecture.
Declutter:
Declutter! Decluttering is a simple but effective way to reset and prepare yourself for the new year. Most of us have items we no longer use, wear, or even remember owning, and going into 2026 with a clear and tidy space can make your mind feel a tiny bit clearer as well as make you feel more put together. It could include throwing out old clothes, getting rid of expired makeup, or donating books or toys you don’t need to your local charity shop. You could even make some money from decluttering by selling the items on Vinted or eBay. That being said, decluttering doesn’t mean throwing everything away. Be realistic! Some things may be useful later on (I only started learning guitar five years after purchasing it). However, there is almost always something you can let go of, and decluttering will make your environment feel much more refreshed!
Fashion:
Have you ever wanted to change your style but have been too afraid to try? Was there ever a jacket or dress you really liked, but you were worried it was too out there? Well, now it is time to leave that anxiety back in 2025! Try the new aesthetic, the new makeup look, the jacket. What are you waiting for? Although buying new clothes can be expensive, especially as students, there are still so many affordable options, such as charity shops or online websites like Vinted or Depop. I find that my favourite clothing items are usually second-hand finds that feel one of a kind. Not only will these options save your bank account, but they are also much more ethical and environmentally friendly than buying from fast fashion stores.
I hope some of these tips will inspire you for the upcoming year. A 2026 rebrand can be a fun way to start the new year and push you into doing things you have never done before. That being said, the 2026 rebrand is not about erasing last year you but reinventing you. A rebrand should not have to be extreme. Little things such as cutting down on screen time could have just as much impact on the upcoming year as revamping your wardrobe. As long as the rebrand aligns with you, you’re doing it right!
Words by Carolina Ribo Ramirez
Featured image courtesy of Maddi Bazzocco via Unsplash. No changes have been made to this image. Image licence found here.
