With the new year just starting, many Gen Zers have been referencing 2026 as the reformed 2016. Fashion silhouettes of 2016 are resurfacing, along with the rise of nostalgic filters on Instagram and grainy photos taken on a digital camera. The 10-year mark draws attention to how much time has passed and how trends have cycled, as we are currently experiencing a similar emotional state to that of 2016.
Fashion is seen as nostalgic, as it is meant to bring back the 2016 aesthetic. It is not intended to chase trendy looks. Low-waisted flared and bootcut jeans are paired with baby tees and accessorized with slouchy bags or studded belts to achieve “the look” of the 2016 era. Some fashion brands restoring the 2016 aesthetic include Brandy Melville with baby tees, Urban Outfitters with studded belts, high-luxury brands such as Balenciaga, known for their “ugly” street silhouettes and Vetements, famous for their oversized hoodies. The 2026 style is known for being either fitted or oversized, inclusive of all body types and free from any forced fashion frameworks.
There has been a revival of Tumblr aesthetics with the chaotic, messy styles returning. Leather jackets, micro skirts, smudged eyeliner and messy buns were all popular 2016 styles, where looking too clean or polished was seen as uncool. Nowadays, the clean girl aesthetic has come to an end, and a new phase of messy, excessive statement silhouettes is on the rise.
This nostalgic 2016 feel is also present in visual culture through the reintroduction of digital cameras, made complete with low-quality filters. Considering 2026 is a majorly digital era with artificial intelligence platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini, grainy and imperfect photos are commonly perceived as more authentic and captivating. Now, Instagram filters like Rio de Janeiro and Snapchat-quality selfies are stealing the spotlight.
The reemergence of these nostalgic trends is seen after a decade, following the chaotic period of the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time of instability, many aspects of life and the world at large were thrown off their usual functions. Now, everyone is taking the time to reflect on the emotional relief that we felt during the 2016 era. The last time everything felt normal, before the political and social chaos of the pandemic, when life seemed simple and easy.
Even though a decade has passed and trends have changed, we have arrived at a familiar aesthetic state — one that closely aligns with the atmosphere of 2016. The emergence of Gen Z occurred in an era right before adulthood, a period where crisis and stress were yet to kick in. This generation was old enough to remember the aesthetic and vibes of 2016, but young enough to remain worry-free. Gen Zers are now looking back to 2016, not as a way of reliving their youth but as a way of feeling grounded and internalizing those moments of their dynamic adolescence. So this year, embrace these nostalgic trends and bring your younger mentality back to your current self.
