The Fashion Trends Worth Bringing Back

2026 is the new 2016.

POSTED 11.11.26 11:01 BY ZOE TYLER

“2026 is the new 2016” has been all over the internet since January, with everyone collectively reminiscing about those supposedly good old days. And honestly? I understand the nostalgia. It was a time when the world seemed a little brighter and more saturated, as though life itself had a Snapchat filter on it. Minus the dog ears, of course. Let's leave those behind.

Image via @alphaindustries.com

I've decided to join the trip down memory lane and revisit the fashion that defined the year. Because if we're going to bring back the spirit of 2016, we might as well start with the clothes. From Tumblr-inspired layering to the unmistakable black choker, here's how to recreate that era without making your wardrobe feel like a time capsule.

One thing I remember about 2016 fashion is how much personality went into everyday outfits. Grunge influences, '90s references and streetwear all came together, often with a slightly rebellious attitude. It was less about keeping everything minimal and coordinated and more about combining pieces that made an impression. Think darker colors, layered textures, statement jewelry and makeup that actually had a presence.

Image via net-a-porter.com

The clothes are probably the easiest place to start. Bomber jackets, olive-green military coats, mom jeans, logo T-shirts, off-the-shoulder tops and cropped silhouettes were everywhere. Then there were the combinations that really defined the era: floral dresses under leather jackets, flannel shirts with ripped denim, and Adidas Originals sneakers with their unmistakable black stripes. Jadon platform boots deserve a mention, too. If you've ever wanted to dress like the coolest person on Tumblr, you probably recognize at least a few of these.

Image via mytheresa.com

Of course, the accessories were doing just as much work. Fishnet tights peeking through ripped jeans, long white socks worn with boots, oversized sunglasses and knitted beanies all helped give outfits that unmistakable 2016 character. And then there were the bracelets, rings and, most importantly, black chokers.

Image via farfetch.com

I don't think anything captures the decade quite as quickly as a black choker. Whether it came with a crystal, cross or sun pendant, it was practically a uniform accessory. You could probably build an entire 2016-inspired outfit around one and still get the point across.

Image via farfetch.com

The trick to bringing these looks back is not to recreate every outfit exactly as it appeared ten years ago. Instead, choose the details you still enjoy and mix them with the clothes you wear today. A bomber jacket can work with modern wide-leg trousers, a choker can give a simple dress a little edge, and a pair of platform boots can make an otherwise understated outfit feel more interesting.

If you're ready for a little nostalgic shopping, take a look at my Fizzypicks for pieces that bring back the 2016 mood. We might not be able to relive the year, but there's nothing stopping us from borrowing a few of its best fashion ideas.

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Originals Superstar
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The Fashion Trends Worth Bringing Back

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