2016 Fashion: 2026 Edition

The year was 2016; choker necklaces and skinny jeans were an outfit must; the Snapchat dog filter was used with every selfie; it seemed like almost every teen in the nation downloaded Pokémon Go, and "One Dance" by Drake was topping the charts week after week. You just had to be there. Fast forward to 2026, and the revival of 2016 nostalgia is all over social media and is starting to reflect in the fashion world as well. 2016 fashion is here to stay. Here are 5 trends from 2016 creeping into 2026:

Ankle Boots

Ankle boots have returned, but with slight changes. Instead of a chunky sole, it's all about refined, minimal pointed-toe styles. According to WGSN, searches for "Ankle Boots" have risen 15% in 2025, and TikTok views for the shoe have increased 204% in 2025. Style these shoes with a skinny or straight-leg jean and take advantage of long-term colors like black, white, and various shades of brown this year. 

Slip Dresses

Slip dresses align with other current boho and romantic clothing trends as we head into 2026. Slip dresses can be dressed up or down with layering and accessories, making them a versatile staple day to night dress. According to WGSN, slip dresses on the catwalks have seen a +2.9 percentage change, and lace dresses, a +4.4 percentage change. Style slip dresses with jeans, jackets, sneakers, heels, or belts to change the look and make it a staple piece in your wardrobe.

Backless Loafers

Loafers have been in style since the 50s and 60s, starting as a staple piece for Ivy League students. The style has since then shifted and been experimented with every couple of years. In 2016, the trend was making the iconic shoe backless while still maintaining its comfort and look. As everything in fashion circles comes in and out of style, the backless loafer has made its way into people's daily shoe rotation and regained the popularity it had in 2016.

Skinny Jeans

Skinny jeans were a staple in 2016 and have resurfaced 10 years later, with aesthetics like indie and Y2K back in the limelight. According to WGSN, posts tagged with #SkinnyJeans increased 187.3% in their Fashion Feed in 2025 and have been supported by A/W 26 catwalks. In 2026, designers are experimenting with the original silhouette, upgrading the look and making it more inclusive through its features.

Bomber Jackets

Bomber Jackets in 2016 were heavily made of satin and nylon. Still, as sustainability has become a significant focus in recent years, the jacket has shifted to long-lasting, high-quality materials such as leather. According to WGSN, there has been a 3% increase in boxy silhouettes on fashion catwalks. Style a bomber jacket with wide-leg jeans, midi skirts, or layer it with a turtleneck or hoodie.

As fashion continues its cycle, the popularity of the 2016 style proves that nostalgia is more than a quick trend; it's a cultural reset. From refined ankle boots to reinvented skinny jeans, these returning staples reflect how the industry evolves while still honoring the past. What once defined our teenage closets is now being reimagined, prioritizing longevity, versatility, and personal expression over fast-turnover trends. So whether you are dusting off old favorites or investing in updated versions, consider this your sign: 2016 is back, just a little more grown up. XO