The 2016 Trends Making a 2026 Comeback

You’d think the new year would be even more exciting – we’re only three weeks in, folks! — but instead, everyone is busy searching for relics of their 2016 selves in the depths of camera roll. A quick look back at what happened ten years ago: it was a year in which creative directors defined the era—Alessandro Michele at Gucci, Hedi Slimane at Saint Laurent and Phoebe Philo at Celine. Skinny jeans, millennial pink and pointy-toe ankle boots rule street style, with Beyoncé’s Lemonade at the top of the list, la la land Taking the awards season by storm, the Costume Institute’s Manus x Machina exhibition at the Met Gala explores the relationship between fashion and technology.

Fast forward to now, and style feels more important than ever in 2016. There’s no denying that we’re seeing a denim renaissance on the runways (and streets) of 2026. Skinny jeans are back—dare we say, with a bang? Turns out, ankle boots never really went away. Instead, the ballet flat, which has been coveted for nearly a decade, has reappeared in the cultural zeitgeist with renewed enthusiasm.

Whether you want to bury the past or are having fun with your old VSCO page, what makes this revival feel fresh is restraint. Design for 2026 is not copy-pasted nostalgia, but draws inspiration from the past while taking into account the needs of the present. The best trends don’t disappear, they change.

Here are the 2016 trends that deserve a spot in your 2026 wardrobe.

Photo: Marcus Tondo/Indigital.tv

it packs

“It’s time to start digging through eBay for the 2016 It bags. I’m lucky I still have my Saint Laurent Sac de Jour, but I’ll definitely be scouring the internet for the striped Balenciaga shopper tote – I’ve got my eye on you!” —Minty Mellon, Shopping Market Editor

skinny jeans

“In 2016, I moved to New York for grad school, carrying two overweight suitcases and my entire collection of skinny jeans. Two pairs stood out to me at the time: a ripped pair from AG that I wore to class every day, and a black coated pair from Paige that had two zippers in the front instead of pockets (Edgemont, if you’re curious, can still be found on eBay for $25!). I wore them with boots in the winter. (50/50 suede knee-high pumps from Stuart Weitzman, to be exact) and beautiful ballet flats. As far as my own wardrobe goes, these are the best memories, but I know others feel differently, and a coworker asked me the other day where I could find some black skinny jeans…” –Talia Abbas, Shopping Director

ankle boots

“Unsurprisingly, ankle boots never go out of style. In fact, I still have Acne boots from 2016 in my wardrobe and I’m wearing them as we speak.” —Libby Page, Executive Shopping Director

Millennial Pink

“While I can’t support the resurgence of every fashion trend in 2016, I’m excited to welcome pink back. I like to think of it as a subtle romantic element that balances edgy looks.” —Minty Mellon, Shopping Market Editor

bomber jacket

“I absolutely love the double-faced satin embroidered bomber jacket I bought from Zara in 2016, and it’s definitely a nod to Claire Wright Keller’s resort collection for Chloé at the time. I think it might still be sitting in the back of my wardrobe. Lynn Yeager reported on their history for Vogue.com in 2016, when there were several brands making them. The silhouette of the bomber jacket feels as relevant as ever, but 2026 versions come in Khaite, YSL and Nour Made from soft, casual leathers like Hammour ” —Madeline Fass, Fashion Marketing Director

backless loafers

“Long before making a comeback in Spring/Summer 2026, the backless loafer had a defining moment in 2016 when Alessandro Michele sent Gucci’s fur-lined version down the runway and it instantly became a cult classic. I’m excited to see the resurgence of backless loafers this year, especially from Bottega Veneta and Celine. I still vividly remember my own BCBG. I’d wear it with a beige pair. Once again, effortlessly cool, they also happen to be the perfect shoe to wear when you’re out and about, from casual denim to a bodycon slip dress.Andrea Zendejas, Shopping Market Editor

lace petticoat

“This is a trend I’m really happy to see come back. Chloé is bringing it back in a big way, but it’s been a long-time favorite in my book. I pair it with ballet flats and a pendant necklace in the summer, and layer it under a leather bomber jacket and boots in the winter. The best trends truly never go out of style!” —mm

tight scarf

“I wore a lot of thin scarves in 2016 (mostly influenced by Hedi Slimane at Saint Laurent). Paired with leather jeans, skinny jeans and heeled boots – I personally feel that the cool rocker look will never ‘go out of style’. Let’s reinvigorate it in 2026.” —Christian Allaire, senior fashion writer

ballet flats

“What else is there to say about ballet flats? They’re comfortable, simple, and versatile. I will say, though, that’s just 2016 bullshit in my book: You won’t see me style my flats with skinny jeans and a side skirt.” —Hannah Jackson, fashion writer, Vogue.com