If you thought the Y2K resurgence was big, just wait until you see what's happening with 2016 fashion trends. After a decade of minimalist chic and athleisure domination, the style pendulum has swung back to the eclectic, maximalist looks of the 2010s. What this really means is that the trends that defined the Instagram era are making a major comeback in 2026.
Skinny Jeans and Ankle Boots Rule Again
You'd think the demise of skinny jeans would be the death knell for 2016 style, but Vogue reports the form-fitting denim is "back—dare we say, with a vengeance?" The ankle boot, meanwhile, "never really left" and is poised to dominate footwear trends once more. The bigger picture here is that the aesthetic of the mid-2010s, with its heavy reliance on social media-friendly looks, is resurging in a major way.
It Bags and Millennial Pink Return
Beyond denim and shoes, the trappings of 2016 fashion are making a comeback. According to Vogue, the "It bags" of the era, like the Balenciaga tote and Saint Laurent Sac de Jour, are being hunted down by style enthusiasts. And the ubiquitous "millennial pink" shade that was everywhere a decade ago is dominating runways again.
The nostalgia for this specific moment in fashion history speaks to a broader cultural longing. As Vogue explains, 2016 represented "the last moment of true mass culture" before social media fragmentation took hold. In a world that feels increasingly divided, the shared touchstones of the mid-2010s are taking on an outsized significance.
Of course, the political and social turmoil of 2016 is conveniently omitted from this rose-tinted view. But the emotional pull of those carefree, Instagram-fueled fashion moments is undeniable. As we navigate the challenges of 2026, the familiarity and escapism of 2016 trends offer a welcome respite.