ChatGPT's 2026 Fashion Predictions: What Went Wrong

I have a mixed feeling about AI chatbots. I value it when ChatGPT assists me in understanding the tax effects of selling a stock, and in planning a weeklybudget, or convert grams of my dog's new kibble into cups. (Notice how all my questions are math-related? Yeah, it's no accident I ended up as a fashion writer, not a computer scientist.) However, chatbots have often provided me with incorrect answers, even ones that go against what they told me just ten minutes earlier!

For that reason, I was somewhat doubtful about asking ChatGPT for its suggestions on2026 fashion investments. It turns out, I was correct to be concerned. The list seemed harmless, but as aveteran fashion editorHaving 15 years of expertise, I swiftly noticed a few issues. Keep reading to discover more about my (mis)adventures in the field of AI.

1. It Was Missing Character and Emotional Impact

ChatGPT's list of investment suggestions featured a customized black blazer, a camel-colored coat, and basic sneakers,the perfect white T-shirt, simple straight-leg jeans, minimalistic pumps, high-quality gold accessories, and subtle sunglasses. Everything lacked individuality and emotional depth. (Yep, AI isartificially intelligent, alright.)

When ChatGPT described why something was a wise investment, it repeated common points about flexibility, cost per use, and convenience. Where's the excitement in that?Where can you find the items that will boost your confidence, enhance your style, make you more fashionable, attractive, affluent, intelligent, or give you a more adventurous spirit?Items that evoke emotions. Anything at all! Where can you find products that will receive praise and spark curiosity? For such guidance, you may want to turn to people who genuinely experience these feelings. After all, you're likely to grow tired of clothing you don't have a connection with.

2. It Did Not Capture the Cultural Spirit of the Time

Suggestions from ChatGPT might have been created in 2006. I'm not joking. The list failed to consider anything happening in popular culture, art, film, finance, music, or literature today. It didn't account for TikTok trends, new street fashion movements, developments in the fashion world, or events on red carpets at award shows. It didn't recognize the renewed interest inCarolyn Bessette Kennedy's simple 1990s fashion senseThanks to a new TV series. ChatGPT overlooked the statistics regarding which brands are maintaining their resale value on The RealReal at this time. It didn't examine Chanel's new creative director. Your local fashion editor, however, takes all of these factors (and many others) into account when offering shopping recommendations.

3. It Overlooked Trend Fluency

A major oversight in conventional fashion investment guidance is the belief that trends are temporary diversions instead of assets for a long-term approach. Most resources cater to those worried about making mistakes, while readers of Who What Wear recognize patterns and know which trends have lasting value.

Focusing on fashion for this specific group isn't about rejecting trends in favor of only neutral, professional, and ordinary styles. Some items may seem too unconventional at the moment, but those familiar with trends can see their long-term value. Not considering this viewpoint is one reason why ChatGPT's list seems so unoriginal.