Is it possible to make a modern looking UI with Win32 and C++?

Question

Hi,

I'm new to Windows development, reading the docs and getting lost. My goal is to port a drawing and painting app that I made on macOS. I will use unmanaged C++ and low level graphics APIs like Direct3D/2D. On the Mac I did the same with Metal, and it's essential to this app. But I also need more standard UI around the edges, like buttons, fields, toolbars, menus, lists, sliders, etc. I also have some custom-rendered widgets like custom color picker wheels.

I see there is an older C style API called "Win32". I'm fine using an API like this, even if it requires more work initially. Eventually I'd wrap it in my own C++ convenience classes. But what I'm wondering about is whether it's merely an older C style API, or if it also results in an older looking UI for the user. As Windows evolves version to version, are new controls and styles made available so they can be used through this Win32 API? Or is there a different API that I should use.