2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese zodiac. A year that represents independence, fearlessness, and the ability to express yourself freely. The horse represents movement forward and independence. When we add fire to this horse, we get increased creativity, boldness, the willingness to take a risk, and above all…PASSION. This year I am going to put the passion in fashion. This is not the time to hide behind others’ ideas of how to express ourselves. This is the time to wear the clothes that make YOU feel like you are galloping towards your dreams, without hesitation of being too big, too bright, too outrageous or too unique. Mads on Madison is my space to figure that out in real time. If you’re here, you’re coming along for the ride as I step fully into bold, passionate fashion and worry less about what anyone else thinks my body should or shouldn’t wear.​

Dressing for a feeling, not a rule

In the past I have always built my outfits based upon other people’s opinions of: what is the most flattering, what is trendy right now, what’s the safest. Being focused upon those areas has kept me from finding my own personal style. This year I plan to change that. Going forward my first thought when getting ready is: How do I want to feel today?

If I want to feel magnetic, I might reach for things that have a slightly erotic appeal like lace, sheer materials, etc. No harm in dancing that fine line of lingerie and high end runway. Or if I want to feel free, I will look for anything that moves. Maybe a flowing skirt, some fringe, or a ruffled dress that blows in the wind and makes the sidewalk feel like a runway. To me, clothes are no longer just items, they are my mood.

The mood board that started it all

Before I wrote this, I made a mood board that became the heartbeat of my 2026 style predictions. It’s filled with:

• Slinky slip dresses, sheer layers, and pieces that leave your skin bare that feel sensual enough without having to apologize.
• Flowing maxis, ruffled hems, and fringe that catches the air with every step.
• Beaded bikinis, crochet skirts, and “beach but make it nightlife” styling that blurs the line between resort vacation and city style.
• Statement belts, dramatic boots, bold nails, and jewelry that doesn’t whisper; it screams, sparkles, and announces itself as the main attraction.

2026 Fashion Board

When I look at this board, I don’t see minimalism or quiet luxury. I see color, drama, texture, and bodies that look alive in their clothes. That’s the energy I’m claiming for myself and all of us this year.

My 2026 outfit predictions (from my own closet)

Here’s what I predict you’ll see a lot of on “Mads on Madison” in 2026, straight from my mood board to my day to day life.​

• Using beach cover ups for everyday wear. I want to feel like I am on vacation every day, regardless of where I am.
• I want all of my dresses and skirts to move. Give me a tiered hem, some ruffles, and LOTS of fringe. These all have movement with each step, creating a story as you walk. They are made for walking, dancing, and being out wayyyy too late.
• High boots with short skirts are going to be a huge part of my wardrobe. I want to incorporate odd colors and texture pairings such as suede, metallic, and embroidered leather. I want my outfits to be bold and fun.
• I think the most important thing about creating a “put together” outfit is using structure, such as a jacket, and then breaking it down by leaving the top button undone, a coat hanging open over a mini dress, or a business suit worn with a bra or a low rise skirt.
• Belts with fun buckles and designs, purses with interesting textures, beads, fringe, or metal-accented bags. Layered necklaces and nails that are an accessory unto themselves. If you think your outfit “looks okay” as is, then the outfit isn’t done.

These aren’t overall fashion trends I’m predicting for everyone in the world, these are the trends that I believe will be occurring in my personal style. The more I focus on these trends, the more my style reflects me and who I am rather than just a Pinterest board I am attempting to recreate.

Wearing what feels best on my body

Most importantly, for me 2026 will mark the year that I finally stop asking “do I look ok?’” and ask myself “do I feel like myself?” It will be the year that I choose to listen to how my body is feeling and allow it to do whatever it wants.  Sometimes passion can show itself as a sheer dress with sky high heels; sometimes it is oversized pants and oversized shirts. Passion isn’t always lipstick and sequins, passion is the willingness to take your own internal style instincts seriously enough to follow them, regardless of what others may think about you doing so.

Welcome to “Mads on Madison”

This blog is my love letter to bold dressing, messy experimentation, and trusting that my closet can be a place of play, not pressure.​ If you’ve ever wanted permission to dress louder, consider this it. Here’s to a year of passion in fashion, and to wearing what feels best on our own bodies, unapologetically.