The 2026 It-Girls: How Their Styles Influence Culture

By:  Brooke Erickson

What makes a look iconic? This is a question that hammers the heads of PR teams everywhere- to be famous is to be identifiable, and that requires just the right amount of possessed individuality mixed with trendsetter mentality. Compared to the starlets of previous decades, with the rise of social media, it has never been easier to curate your own image. An It-girl’s name can become an aesthetic within itself. 

But how does this affect us? Well, everything we see floating around in the cultural zeitgeist contributes to a trend. Elements from one figure’s closet could very well become a staple in your own. But beyond that, it’s valuable to understand just what makes each It-girl stand out amongst the crowd, whether that means style, attitude, or the intangible aura she carries. 

Here is a guide on exactly what makes these upcoming it-girls such electrifying trendsetters, as well as how their individuality can inspire us as we move into the new year.

Addison Rae

Fame is a gun that indeed gets pointed blind, but it takes a special type of star power to harness the spotlight to its full potential. Artistically, Addison stepped out in 2025 as a force to be reckoned with, rebranding her formerly buttery TikTok persona into an equally bubbly but entirely new image. Alongside the release of her first album, she performed internationally, debuting experimental looks that screamed pop diva; with accents of cabaret, burlesque, and heavy inspiration from artists of decades prior (Madonna, Britney, etc.), Addison became the embodiment of a modern-day showgirl. Her style can be characterized as sultry, pin-up, archival, and campy, with touches of ironicism and eroticism, that cement her as a girl who always stays 2 steps ahead.

Despite the heavy shift in aesthetics, the focal point of her image stays true to itself, as she preaches to follow your dreams and do what you love doing, regardless of what anyone else thinks. Her effortless charm and clear love for performance, whether it be on stage or on the carpet, have undoubtedly crowned her as a new-gen it-girl.

Adela

Adela, the Provocateur herself, is a name everyone should watch out for in 2026. Gaining her start on rocky footing  (Being labeled a mean girl on Hybe-Geffen’s survival show Dream Academy), she utilized this platform to her advantage and began to turn cultural conversations regarding young women in the industry on their heads. Overtly rebellious and honest to her core, in tracks such as SexOnTheBeat and Machine Girl, Adela uses unconventional and provocative imagery to call into question audience complacency in industry exploitation, and the consequences of parasocial relationships in relation to pop-girls.

Although new to the scene, Adela has firmly curated a style that is all her own, a venture that typically takes artists years to perfect. Employing the reprise of indie sleaze aesthetic and semi-cyber punk elements, key words used to describe her style are avant-garde, edgy,  tumblr-esque, and overall, unapologetic confidence. 

Audrey Hobert

In an industry that is characterized by unrelatability, Audrey redefines what it means to be a pop-girl. Coming off her debut album, Who’s The Clown? Audiences were met with an almost genre-defying positionality, centering the idea of celebrating awkwardness that persists throughout your 20s, rather than insisting one must remain sexy and unobtainable even through life’s low points- an idea the pop world typically pushes. In an interview with RUSSH, she is quoted saying she would rather scare you than seduce you, which in and of itself is a brave approach to the entertainment industry, as it skillfully resists the sexualization route most women are required to take. Alternatively, she comedically embodies the confidence every girl feels when dancing around her bedroom and feeling as if no one is watching. 

Culminating in a Phoebe Buffay-esque aura, whimsical is one way to describe Audrey’s signature style. With pops of colors and nostalgic adornments, her aesthetic is defined by her inner child, reminding us all not to take things too seriously. She is eclectic, messy, and on the nose in the best way possible.

Olivia Dean

Olivia truly dove headfirst into the mainstream this past year, with classical and heartfelt jazzy melodies similar to Laufey and reminiscent of Lauryn Hill; she has also developed a signature style to follow suit. Unlike pop girls of a similar caliber, Olivia is rarely shown in costume, opting for a more formal or regal attire. Don’t be fooled by the somewhat reserved silhouette; however, her performances are all about movement. 

Whether it’s fringe detail, a flouncy, large skirt, or a flapper waistline, Olivia Dean's performances are sure to make you want to dance alongside her, as her outfits portray a carefree and limitless attitude. Styled by Simone Beyene, Olivia’s stage style can be characterized as romantic, royal, classical, and flowy. Together, her sound and style create an it-girl who feels timeless yet refreshingly alive, effortlessly bridging the past and the present. She commands the stage with an elegance that surely reminds us of the power of soft femininity.

Zara Larsson

Strategically harnessing the power of her own meme, Zara became a masterclass in the art of rebranding this past year, as she centered her new era on bright colors, sequins, and dolphins galore. By leaning into the TikTok trend that sparked her popularity, she has now become the real-life Malibu Barbie. Beyond finding new success amongst Tate McRae’s fanbase, joining her Miss Possessive tour as an opener, Zara embraced all things summer. Curating a style all her own, she formulated tour fits that look straight out of a little girl’s most neon dreams. 

With looks that include airbrushed t-shirts, blinged out two-piece sets, skirts adorned with collectible charms, and large flower headpieces, she has fully mastered the tropical tourist aesthetic, cementing her status as a trendsetter for the upcoming summer and festival season, Coachella included. Zara transforms nostalgia into spectacle, proving that playful self-awareness and fearless fashion can turn a viral moment into a fully realized pop persona. 

Griff

Opening for Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, and Sabrina Carpenter, Singer/Songwriter Griff has been around the block these past 2 years. Apart from her music, however, she has developed a signature style all her own, hands-on and homemade. That’s right, Griff has performed at Wembley and Hoxton Hall in sets and dresses she designed and put together herself. Besides this being almost entirely unheard of, it has allowed her to embody style elements that feel unique and lived in. 

Aside from her own pieces, she adores a Susan Fang, Chopova Lowena, or Simone Rocha look. Celebrating femininity, alternative princessy design details, and bold artistic elements, she makes sure to utilize her costuming in her performances to the fullest extent. With aesthetic aspects that feel equal parts siren-like, fairytale, and alien, Griff is an up-and-coming it girl we are keeping an eye on for sure. 

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the power of It-girls lies not just in their ability to be imitated, but in their intentions. While we can learn so much from their confidence, success, and overall style, we must also remember that as trends continue to move at lightning speed, individuality remains the only element that never goes out of fashion. What sets these girls apart is their unwavering attempts at creating an identifiable image-something everyone can do, famous or not. Our own names can become an aesthetic within themselves.