The Ins and Outs for 2026
By Stella Speridon-Violet
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Every year, the internet pretends we all wake up on January 1st as a brand-new person. New habits. New personalities. New aesthetics. Same hangover.
I think it’s time to be a little more honest with ourselves this year, embracing our lives being a little messy, taking lots of photos we don’t have space for on our phones, and not caring at all about what everyone else (besides our friends) thinks.
I think it’s time again for my most controversial article, which I do every year. Here’s what my gut instinct is telling me is “in and out” for 2026:
IN
Taking more pictures
Not just for the grid, or for proof. Just because one day you’ll want to remember the night your mascara ran or the way your friend laughed in bad lighting.
Being cringe / not caring what people think
It goes without saying, but I’ll be the one to do it anyway. If it makes you laugh and doesn’t hurt anyone, congratulations, you’re free!
Dancing at the bars
Not “swaying.” Not nodding. Not just standing there on your phone at the club. Dancing. Arms up. Hair sticking to lip gloss. Zero shame in what you look like.
Reaching out to make plans / inconveniencing people
Asking isn’t annoying. Wanting company isn’t embarrassing. 2026 is about choosing connection over pride. And, if you’d rather be at home than at a friend’s birthday, you’re not “protecting your peace,” you’re just a bad friend.
Influencer / celebrity bullying
Respectfully: they’ll survive. We’re allowed to be critical again. Fame isn’t a shield from making bad decisions in the public eye.
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Big, long hair
Extensions. Layers. Volume. Drama. The bigger the hair, the closer to self-actualization.
Talking to strangers
At bars. In bathrooms. In line. Human interaction is back, and it’s slightly terrifying, but always worth it.
Pulling pranks
Harmless. Silly. And, such a great conversation starter.
Apple Cash texting people money
Truly my favorite love language. Imagine if our ancestors were able to experience receiving $10 via text.
Bush
Nature is healing.
Phone calls
Faster. More intimate. Slightly confrontational. We need that again.
Instagram Reels
Better algorithm. Creating blends with friends, and customizing text backgrounds.
Creative insults
Witty. Specific. More devastating than a cheap joke, but worth it.
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Colorful hair
Pull out the arctic fox, I want to see bright colors!
Going to the mall
Trying things on. Leaving with one thing you didn’t know you needed, or didn’t need. Getting pretzel bites from Auntie Anne’s on the way out.
Saying ‘yes’ to last-minute plans
If you have the time, you should go.
Seeing a psychic / tarot reader
Don’t ask for information too far in advance, but if you’re looking for an alternative to religion, I highly recommend contacting your nearest psychic or tarot reader.
Being a little slutty
Show some skin, have a little fun with it!
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OUT
Settling
For situations. For people. For versions of yourself that feel smaller than they should.
Ozempic culture
Thinness is not a personality.
Male flip flops
It’s ugly, and quite frankly, repulsive.
Non-confrontational people
We’ve got to grow backbones this year, stop letting people walk all over you.
AI
We want things that feel made by someone with a pulse.
Bobs
I’m talking about you Sydney Sweeney, and also you’re out for 2026 too…
Nicki Minaj
We lost her in 2018.
Announcing your social media break
Just delete the app and call a friend.
Snapchat (unless you’re famous)
We’re grown.
Saturday Night Live
Bowen Yang’s departure was truly devastating. Ashley Padilla, I’m rooting for you, but you’re all I have left.
Waiting in lines
For anything. Ever. Again.
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2026 isn’t about being cooler. It’s about saying yes. Saying no. Calling instead of typing. Dancing even if no one else is. Wanting things loudly.
If it feels good in your body and honest in your gut, it’s probably in.
And if it feels like you’re wasting your time?
Leave it in 2025.
