If your New Year’s resolution is to experiment with your style in 2026, perhaps these tattoo styles might inspire your next creative outlet. Like jewelry, nail polish, makeup, and piercings, tattoos can be another way to dress up your look.
It may seem overwhelming figuring out where to start. There are so many options these days. Even when you have a concept in mind, whether it be a flower tattoo, a fandom homage, or something sentimental, you still have to consider a couple of things. Where will you place it? What line thickness do you like? What colors will you use? The possibilities seem endless, because they kind of are.
But, there are some trends in tattoos lately. “As we look ahead to 2026, we’re seeing a clear shift toward tattoos as a form of personal storytelling rather than permanence,” INKED by Dani Founder Dani Egna tells Teen Vogue. “Younger audiences are gravitating toward body art that’s low pressure and highly personal: fine-line designs, tiny motifs, and placements like wrists, ankles, collarbones, and hands that feel visible but not overwhelming.” So, it’s the perfect time to utilize tattoos to further your self-expression.
To help you find the right fit for you, we’ve rounded up a list of popular tattoo styles, themes, and trends these days, according to experts. With these ideas in mind, customize your piece to your style because everyone is different! Below, find some inspiration for your first tattoo in 2026.
Doodle Tattoos
“Doodle-style tattoos resonate strongly with Gen Z because they feel spontaneous, imperfect, and emotional — inspired by notebook sketches, inside jokes, handwritten notes, and symbols that feel intimate rather than polished,” Egna says. You can also get something written or drawn by a loved one tattooed to make it even more sentimental.
Minimalist Tattoos
“Choose something you love and keep it minimal. Being yourself never goes out of style,” Basil of Bang Bang Tattoo tells Teen Vogue. Think clear lines forming simple shapes, oftentimes representing a special meaning to the wearer. For example, some popular choices are a small star or a small heart. These also make great matching tattoos since they can fit different styles.
Friendship Tattoos
There’s no better way to try something new than together with a loved one. We’re seeing a rise in small matching tattoos that represent a time spent together rather than a relationship, lowering the stakes. Luckily, there’s plenty of inspo to go off of these days.
Pop of Color Tattoos
While we often see tattoos in black ink, there are plenty of other options. “Color tattoos are also gaining traction, especially soft pastels, primary pops, and playful palettes that feel expressive and optimistic without being overly literal,” Egna explains. Be sure to consult an artist who has experience working with a range of skin tones for their expertise, as everyone should be given the option of different colors of ink.
Temporary Tattoos
If you’re still not ready to get permanent ink on your skin, don’t worry! Whether they're realistic or rhinestone, temporary tattoos are becoming more and more popular, and there are so many chic options out there. They’re also the perfect way to change up your style depending on how you feel in the moment.
