No, you haven’t entered a time machine, but in case you haven’t heard, 2026 is the new 2016. According to Spotify, searches for 2016 playlists increased by 71 per cent in 2025 compared with the previous year. Think “One Dance” by Drake, “Sorry” by Justin Bieber and Zayn’s “PILLOWTALK” — feeling old yet? TikTok’s rose-tinted ‘2016’ filter has racked up millions of uses, while Instagram is littered with throwback snaps to remind us of the good old days.

It was the year of the Snapchat dog filter, the Mannequin Challenge, Leonardo DiCaprio’s first Oscar, and Rihanna’s last studio album – yes, I’m still not over it.  But while 2016 may have gone down in pop culture history, it isn’t exactly remembered for its impeccable fashion – so why is the 2016 aesthetic suddenly trending again?

Many refer to 2016 as “the last good year” – a time before endless lockdowns, economic uncertainty, and constant negative news cycles. The resurgence feels less about the decade itself and more about what it represents: a collective nostalgia for a pre-pandemic, pre-burnout era when pop culture felt lighter, social media was more enjoyable, and trends weren’t recycled at quite the same speed.

While not everything from the era deserves a comeback, some trends are proving surprisingly wearable in 2026, just filtered through a more grown-up, considered fashion lens.

Skinny Jeans

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Ah, skinny jeans, rumour has it they are about to make a comeback, and this current fascination with 2016 may just be the final catalyst. Love or loathe them, there’s no denying they are a defining part of what makes the 2016 aesthetic what it is. If you are taking the plunge and resurrecting your trusted pair of skinnies, style them with other current trends such as funnel necks or oversized blazers.

Bomber Jackets

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Nothing screams 2016 fashion quite like a bomber jacket. It was the must-have style for men and women alike, worn everywhere from casually with jeans and trainers to on the red carpet (yes, really). In 2016, bomber jackets mainly came in satin or nylon varieties, whereas today they have evolved to be a little more trend-led in leather or suede.

Festival Chic

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2016 was the height of Coachella fashion – whether the festival was happening or not. Think full bohemian looks; flower crowns, crochet dresses and fringed jackets. Today, thanks largely to Chloé, 70s-inspired fashion and particularly bohemia are back in full swing. The key to wearing it now is restraint: one reference at a time and styled minimally. And maybe leave the flower crown in 2016.

Chokers

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Chokers dominated 2016, evident in the many throwback snaps currently circulating on Instagram. On the runway, Dior, Gucci, and Ralph Lauren were just some of the many big-name brands showcasing chokers that year. While off-duty, they were wrapped tightly around the necks of everyone from Taylor Swift to Rihanna and Kendall Jenner. Back then, they were often made from black velvet and worn so tightly they were practically a tattoo. Today, dainty gold chains are preferred, worn looser and layered with other, longer necklaces.

Slip Dresses

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Slip dresses aren’t inherently a 2016 trend, but the way they were styled certainly was. Back in 2016, they had shed their lingerie image to become an everyday staple, largely worn casually over T-shirts or knits. Now, the underwear as outerwear craze is back, with slip dresses worn bias-cut and fluid, anchoring both day and evening looks.

Off-the-Shoulder Necklines

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Another 2016 trend that has stood the test of time is the off-the-shoulder, or bardot, neckline. Back then, it often came in the form of elasticated tops with ruffles and voluminous sleeves. Today, the silhouette feels far more polished, appearing in structured dresses and minimal tops that highlight the collarbone without feeling overly trend-driven.

Featured Image Credit: @kendalljenner on Instagram