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You’d think there’d be more excitement around the new year—we’re only three weeks in, people!—but instead everyone’s occupied with plumbing the depths of their camera rolls for relics of their 2016 selves. A quick refresher on what occurred a decade ago: It was the year of creative directors who defined the era–Alessandro Michele at Gucci, Hedi Slimane at Saint Laurent, and Phoebe Philo at Celine. Skinny jeans, millennial pink, and pointed ankle boots ruled street style, Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” topped the charts, La La Land swept awards season, and the Costume Institute explored the relationship between fashion and technology with its Manus x Machina exhibit at the Met Gala.
Fast forward to now, 2016 style feels more relevant than ever. There’s no denying the resurgence we’re seeing on the runways (and on the streets) for 2026. Skinny jeans are back—dare we say, with a vengeance? The ankle boot, it turns out, never really left. Conversely, ballet flats, left on read for the better half of the decade, re-emerge in the cultural zeitgeist with renewed fervor.
Vogue’s Favorite 2016 Style Picks:
Whether you’re intent on keeping the past buried, or amused by your old VSCO pages, what makes this revival feel fresh is restraint. The 2026 take isn’t about copy-and-paste nostalgia, but taking inspiration from the past while considering the needs of the present. The best trends don’t disappear, they shape shift.
Below, shop the 2016 trends that deserve a spot in your 2026 wardrobe.
It Bags
"It’s time to start digging on eBay for 2016 It bags. I feel lucky enough that I held onto my Saint Laurent Sac de Jour, but I’ll definitely be scouring the internet for that striped Balenciaga shopping tote—I have my eye on you!" —Minty Mellon, shopping market editor
Skinny Jeans
“2016 was the year I moved to New York City for graduate school—two overweight suitcases and my entire skinny jean collection in tow. There are two pairs I remember most fondly from that time: a ripped one from AG that I wore daily to class, and another black coated style from Paige with two front zippers instead of pockets (the Edgemont, for inquiring minds, can still be yours for $25 on eBay!). I wore them in the winter with boots (Stuart Weitzman’s 50/50 suede knee-highs to be exact) and Pretty Ballerina ballet flats in the summer. As far as my own wardrobe’s concerned, it’s a look best left on memory lane, but I know others feel differently. A colleague asked me the other day where she could find some black skinny jeans…” —Talia Abbas, shopping director
Millennial Pink
“Although I can’t get behind the revival of every 2016 trend, pink is one I’m happy to welcome back. I like to think of it as a subtle hit of romance to balance edgier looks.” —Minty Mellon, shopping market editor
Bomber Jacket
“I absolutely loved my reversible satin embroidered bomber jacket that I got from Zara in 2016—it was certainly an interpretation of Claire Wright Keller’s resort collection for Chloé at the time. I think it might still be sitting in the back of my closet. A few brands were making them at the time, Lynn Yeager reported on their history for Vogue.com in 2016. The bomber jacket silhouette feels as relevant as ever now, but the 2026 versions come in soft relaxed leathers à la Khaite, YSL, and Nour Hammour.” —Madeline Fass, fashion market director
Backless Loafers
“Long before their spring/summer 2026 comeback, the backless loafer had a defining moment in 2016, when Alessandro Michele sent Gucci’s fur-lined version down the runway—it became an instant cult classic. I’m thrilled to see the resurgence of backless loafers this year, especially those from Bottega Veneta and Celine. I still vividly remember my own beige pair by BCBG which I’d wear with everything from relaxed denim to slinky slip dresses. Effortlessly cool once more, they also happen to be the perfect shoe choice when you’re rushing out the door.” —Andrea Zendejas, shopping market editor
Lace Slips
“This is the one trend I’m genuinely happy to see return. Chloé brought it back in a big way, but it’s long been a favorite in my book. In summer, I wear it pared back with ballet flats and a pendant necklace, for winter, I like it layered underneath a leather bomber with boots. The best trends truly never go out of style!” —M.M.
Skinny Scarves
“I wore many skinny scarves in the 2016 era (largely influenced by Hedi Slimane at Saint Laurent). Paired with a leather jeans, skinny jeans, and heeled boots—I personally feel the cool rocker look never went ‘out.’ Let’s revive it in 2026.” —Christian Allaire, senior fashion style writer
Ballet Flats
“What’s left to say about ballet flats? They’re comfortable, unfussy, and go with anything. Though, let me say that this is as far as the 2016 nonsense goes in my book: you will not see me styling my flats with skinny jeans and a side part.” —Hannah Jackson, fashion writer, Vogue.com
