Fashion’s color and print landscape is always in flux, but this year, two bold trends are vying for the spotlight in wardrobes and on runways from New York to Berlin. Snakeskin prints—once relegated to the occasional accessory—have slithered into the limelight, while apple green, a shade long considered difficult to wear, is suddenly everywhere, from red carpets to high street shops. Together, they’re rewriting the rules of what’s in and what’s out for 2026, and the fashion world is taking notice.
It all began with a series of eye-catching moments that seemed to signal a shift. According to Coveteur, fall 2025 saw cow print take over New York Fashion Week, only for leopard and cheetah coats to dominate winter. But as the seasons changed, snakeskin emerged as the new animal print of the moment. The turning point? Actress Rebecca Hall was spotted striding through New York City in a head-to-toe snakeskin ensemble: skirt, boots, and bag—all matching, all bold. Instead of looking overdone, the outfit radiated effortless edge, proving that snakeskin could be as versatile as it was daring.
The momentum kept building. Margot Robbie, already a fixture on best-dressed lists, made headlines (and turned heads) during her 'Wuthering Heights' press tour by donning a striking red snakeskin look from Dilara Findikoglu’s Fall 2025 collection. The message was clear: snakeskin wasn’t just for accessories or accents anymore, but for full-on statement outfits worthy of the fashion hall of fame.
Designers quickly caught on. Marni and Ludovic de Saint Sernin incorporated snakeskin motifs into their Fall/Winter 2025-26 shows, nudging the print from a niche trend to a runway staple. By the time New York Fashion Week rolled around for the Spring/Summer 2026 collections, snakeskin’s reign was undeniable. LaQuan Smith showcased snakeskin printed blouses and dresses in a riot of bold colors, using lightweight, breezy fabrics that proved the print wasn’t just for colder months. Vaquera, meanwhile, made a case for leather snakeskin pants and coats—perfect for those chilly spring nights when you want to stand out but still stay warm.
But the story doesn’t end with spring. If the Fall/Winter 2026 collections are any indication (and let’s face it, they usually are), snakeskin’s grip on fashion is only tightening. Sergio Hudson made a splash with snakeskin trench coats, corsets, and skirt suits, including a show-stopping yellow number that defied expectations. Khaite offered a subtler take, introducing opera gloves in snakeskin that coordinated perfectly with their latest bags, adding just the right touch of texture and intrigue to otherwise classic black looks.
As Coveteur put it, "it might no longer be the year of the snake, but it’s the year of snakeskin." The print’s season-defying appeal means it’s sticking around for winter, spring, and beyond. Fashion insiders are already advising style enthusiasts to hang onto their snakeskin coats and boots—they’re not going out of style any time soon.
Yet, while snakeskin was working its way up the trend ladder, another unexpected contender was making waves: apple green. Historically, green has been seen as a "tricky" color—one that supposedly clashes with other hues and flatters only a select few. But as The Guardian reported on February 20, 2026, apple green has been steadily gaining ground, popping up on catwalks and red carpets alike. The old adage that "red and green should never be seen" seems to have been tossed aside with abandon.
Take Pamela Anderson, for instance. Arriving at the Berlin film festival, she wore an apple-green wrap by Carolina Herrera over a dress in pinks and greens. Amal Clooney was spotted in a green Versace gown at a Golden Globes afterparty, while Rose Byrne chose green Chanel for the Golden Globes ceremony itself. As awards season builds to a fever pitch, there’s speculation that apple green will make a major appearance at the BAFTA awards on February 23, 2026.
Fashion writer Natalie Hammond told The Guardian that apple green could be "the new tomato"—a reference to the bold, attention-grabbing shades that have dominated recent seasons. She noted, "It’s different from what you usually see, namely a lot of black, white, red and metallic gowns. Green is traditionally a colour that’s soothing, but on the red carpet it can be something else entirely – sophisticated [and] intentional." Hammond also pointed out that apple green works especially well as an accent, whether in the form of a scarf or a jumper knotted around the waist, both of which she saw emerging at New York Fashion Week.
The green trend isn’t limited to high fashion or celebrity wardrobes. Retailers are jumping on the bandwagon, too. John Lewis, the British department store, has embraced apple green for its Spring 2026 collections. Queralt Ferrer, the company’s design director, described the season as featuring "fresh pops of colour, with green taking centre stage as the season’s hero hue." For those hesitant to dive in, Ferrer recommends starting small: "If you’re new to colour, try adding an accessory, like ballet flats, or make more of a statement by layering in a jumper or cardigan."
Data backs up the anecdotal buzz. Depop, the popular resale platform, reported a 47% increase in searches for green items in January 2026, suggesting that shoppers are eager to experiment with the new hue. The surge isn’t just a passing fad—retailers and designers alike are betting big on green as a mainstay for the coming seasons.
So, what’s driving these parallel trends? In part, it’s a reaction to years of minimalist palettes and animal prints that played it safe. As fashion cycles faster than ever, there’s a hunger for boldness and self-expression—whether that’s through the unapologetic edge of snakeskin or the fresh optimism of apple green. Both trends offer a way to stand out, to signal confidence, and to play with fashion’s possibilities in a year that’s already full of surprises.
Looking ahead, all signs point to a season where snakeskin and apple green will share the stage. Whether you’re ready to go full reptilian with a trench coat and boots, or just want to dip a toe into the green pool with a scarf or bag, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where fashion’s most daring prints and colors are not just welcomed—they’re celebrated.
Fashion’s future, it seems, is as bright and bold as ever. With snakeskin and apple green leading the way, there’s never been a better time to take a risk, embrace the unexpected, and make a statement that’s entirely your own.