The year was 2016, when “Lemonade” by Beyoncé was topping the charts, the “Mannequin Challenge” was going viral, “Stranger Things” season one was released and every girl had a pair of Adidas Superstars.
Lately, people online can’t stop reminiscing about the nostalgic vibes, music and unforgettable fashion of the time, so let’s dive into some of the fashion trends from 2016 that will potentially make a comeback in 2026.
Necklaces are about to get shorter as the choker trend makes its way back into style. In 2016, celebrities wore bold and layered chokers as a statement. Gigi Hadid wore them with other era-defining trends like silk tank tops and thigh-length boots.
For 2026, we will start seeing dainty choker necklaces before the thicker black ones of 2016 appear. Especially with the rise of the cord necklace trend, like the popular Hart Jewelry cord necklaces.
The 2016 movie, “Nerve”, is a perfect time capsule of the year’s fashion. The movie’s wardrobe features ripped skinny jeans, cropped fur coats and of course, Adidas Superstars. The movie’s leading lady Emma Roberts also wears a bomber jacket, another 2016 staple.
I predict that 2026 will bring the return of bomber jackets. Many oversized leather jackets that are popular right now are a similar shape and style to bomber jackets. The “Vava Washed Faux Leather Bomber Jacket” from Edikted is a perfect example of how bomber jackets are coming back in.
Pantone’s color of the year in 2016 was “Rose Quartz,” a color that defined the mid-2010s and is often referred to as “millennial pink.” I think this particular shade of pink will make a comeback in 2026, bringing some much-needed color into fashion, after years of beige and minimalism dominating the market.
This year, I predict makeup will also become less minimal. With the rise of more natural makeup brands like Rhode and Glossier, a more natural, glowy makeup look has been the standard. However, I expect more heavy, messy and glittery makeup to make a resurgence. Think Urban Decay eyeshadow palettes and Kylie Lip Kits.
In the past few years, bold and daring sunglasses have been a trend. Whether they were oversized or micro, sunglasses have definitely been “trendy.” This year, I predict classic sunglasses, like Aviators, are going to be more popular. Aviators were very popular in 2016; bonus points if the lenses featured a blue and pink gradient.
During Coachella 2016, Kendall Jenner’s outfits were effortlessly chic and bohemian. One of her outfits featured a lace bralette, which were very popular at the time whether they were layered under an off-the-shoulder top or were the star of the outfit. Lace bralettes have recently been featured in British Vogue and are experiencing a revival.
Although summer is months away, Triangl bikinis are back. And I don’t mean a classic triangle bikini, I mean the iconic neon Triangl bikinis that every it-girl had in the mid 2010s. This summer, black-trimmed bright bikinis are surely set to pack the beaches.
While 2016 was a decade ago, many trends from that time period are about to make a comeback thanks to recent nostalgia. Think choker necklaces, bold Kylie Lip Kits, bomber jackets and overall more carefree, casual Instagram vibes. For more inspiration, check out my Pinterest board!
