2016 Fashion Trends in 2026
“The 2010s are making a comeback” has been circulating online for the last couple of years. The threat of skinny jeans and colorful chokers looms over us, waiting to strike at any moment. But now that 2026 is here, the 2010s craze has officially begun. Only a couple of weeks into the new year, and the internet has become obsessed with 2016. Throwback photos, Vine videos, and unicorn frappuccinos have covered everyone's feed for the last couple of weeks.
2016 was a fun year for fashion. It's the first time I can remember where mainstream fashion trends started on social media—paving the way for the digital fashion space. Platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Tumblr were the place to find the latest fashion inspo. Kylie Jenner, Gigi Hadid, and Rihanna were just some of the it girls from the year. But is 2016 really having a revival, or is our nostalgia blinding us?2000s fashion trends have dominated the fashion sphere for the last couple of years, which makes sense since fashion trends are cyclical, looping back into the mainstream every 20 years. But the 2010s resurgence is a clear example of the trend cycle speeding up thanks to social media.
It may seem premature to start recycling in the last decade. But I don't think it's a surprise. Recently, the internet seems sick of the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic that has taken over the last couple of years and is looking for a more authentic style. With recent trends and runway shows, it’s clear that fashion has been yearning for the carefree style of the 2010s. Here are some 2016 fashion trends that could have a revival this year:
Bomber jackets were the go-to outerwear in 2016. They were seen worn by celebrities like Rihanna and Kendall Jenner. Colorful satin and camo-print bomber jackets were the staple of streetwear style. Bomber jackets are slowly making their return in 2026. But this year, they are going for a darker, muted look than in 2016. They have recently been seen in the Rick Owens Spring/Summer 2026 collection. Leather bomber jackets are becoming a staple jacket in 2026’s “cool girl style.” They are often paired with baggy jeans, a silhouette very reminiscent of the 2016 bomber jacket and skinny jeans duo. These jackets have been seen on models such as Amelia Gray, Bella Hadid, and Elsa Hosk. It’s no surprise we are still obsessed with this jacket 10 years later.
One of the biggest trends in the 2010s was casual lingerie. Wearing lingerie pieces in your everyday outfit. Around this time was the peak of Victoria's Secret, which really kick-started the lingerie craze. Wearing a slip dress casually was not surprising in 2016. They were often paired with bomber or leather jackets and boots for a combat chic look. Lace slip dresses are also making a return in 2026, but in a more formal style. In 2016, we would wear these lace slip dresses casually to get coffee, and in 2026, we are seeing them styled more elegantly or for more party wear. Chloe’s Fall 2025 ready-to-wear showcased long slip-lace dresses throughout the collection. Celebrities like Zoe Kravitz have also been seen wearing mini lace slips. It’s hard not to see these slips becoming 2026 wardrobe staples.
Skinny scarves made a resurgence on TikTok in 2025. It is a cute, simple accessory that easily elevates an outfit. Many are crocheting or DIYing the trend. Brands like Zara, Free People, and Jaded London are also currently selling their own versions of the scarf. But this isn't the first time skinny scarves have been trending. The 2000s and the 2010s have seen different versions of this accessory. Saint Laurent’s fall 2016 menswear collection was covered with skinny scarves. From knit to chainmail, the scarves look oddly similar to the skinny scarves that are trending today.
When I think of 2016 fashion, one of the first memories that comes to mind is how bold and bright the colors were. The decade was really defined by color. In the last couple of years, fashion has leaned more towards muted or pastel colors. But it seems we are all missing a pop of color in our wardrobe. In 2015, Versace’s ready-to-wear collection featured bright, bold colors. Gucci was another brand that was also covered in bold colors. Creating that iconic Gucci aesthetic from the decade. We can see the same color scheme return in Loewe’s Spring 2026 ready-to-wear line. 2026 may not be as colorful as 2016, but it looks like we will see more colorful fashion choices this year.
The iconic 2016 skinny jeans are itching to make their grand return in 2026. Almost everyone had a pair of skinny jeans in their closet in 2016. They were truly the staple jeans of the year. Kylie Jenner and Bella Hadid dominated the skinny jean trend. Wearing the jeans with pumps or a chunky sneaker. Skinny jeans have recently been spotted this year in Celine’s Resort 2026 collection and Gucci’s pre-fall 2026 line. Vogue also included skinny jeans on its 2026 wardrobe essentials list. They have been spotted on celebrities such as Kate Moss, Taylor Swift, and even Bella Hadid, who has been seen wearing them again. It looks like these jeans are here to stay.