The fashion world is a constant cycle of revival and reinvention, and it seems the trends of 2016 are the latest to make a comeback. What this really means is that the aesthetic hallmarks of the mid-2010s are now firmly back in vogue, with designers and style influencers alike embracing the return of skinny jeans, statement ankle boots, and the ever-polarizing millennial pink.
As Vogue reports, the resurgence of these 2016 staples signals a broader cultural shift. "The 2026 take isn't about copy-and-paste nostalgia, but taking inspiration from the past while considering the needs of the present," writes Minty Mellon. "The best trends don't disappear, they shape shift."
A Decade of Revival
The bigger picture here is that the cyclical nature of fashion means even the most defining trends of the 2010s are now ripe for a comeback. As Marie Claire notes, the return of Phoebe Philo-era Celine and Nicolas Ghesquière's Balenciaga is a clear sign that the 2010s are now firmly in the vintage canon.
"Selfishly, as a 2010s collector, I hope that period will be reintroduced more as we move closer to it being considered firmly within the vintage world," says Vogue India's Callen Archive.
The Staying Power of Classics
Of course, the revival of 2016 staples like skinny jeans and ankle boots also speaks to the enduring appeal of certain fashion essentials. As much as trends come and go, there will always be a place for the classic pieces that transcend the whims of the moment.
"The best trends don't disappear, they shape shift," as Vogue's Mellon puts it. And with savvy consumers increasingly prioritizing sustainability and timelessness, it's no surprise that the reliable wardrobe workhorses of the 2010s are making a comeback.
Whether you're embracing the nostalgia of your 2016 VSCO grid or simply seeking out the most versatile and long-lasting pieces, the 2026 fashion landscape is shaping up to be a delightful blast from the recent past.