2026 is the New 2016

Clean girl is out, party girl is in, 2026 is the new 2016. 

“You just had to be there” is something I've seen floating around social media in light of the 2016 nostalgia. King Kylie is back, celebs everywhere are reposting old photos, and we’re chasing the high of that iconic era. So does that mean skinny jeans are really back?

Well, not necessarily; I’m no genie, but society is still holding on strongly to its low-rise bootcuts, and I don't think we’ll be so quick to let go. That being said, here are a couple of trends I think will make a comeback this new year. 

The Downfall of the Clean Girl 

Listen, I love a clean, slickback minimalist moment but in a time where everything is the same 3 shades of grey, it's time for some change. Partying is back! Clubs are having fun 2016 throwback nights (cough cough…thanks Stages). You can’t be the fun party girl wearing muted grey all the time; messy chic aesthetic is the new clean girl: undone hair, low-rise anything, colourful shirts (bonus: if it's off the shoulder), big sunglasses, ripped jeans and, dare I say, UGGs that are a little taller. 2026 is bringing back that youthful side to fashion we’re all so desperate for.

Printed Yoga Pants 

Yoga pants with the coloured and patterned waistbands walked so foldover leggings could run, but sometimes you have to go back to basics. 2000s-esque activewear is in, and printed yoga pants are no exception. The iconic PINK logo on the back. That pop of colour is the needed spice since modern activewear is mostly black, without being mindful of too much. 

Triangl Neoprene Bikinis 

In 2016, you were either one of two types of people: the ones who had the neoprene bikinis or the ones who wanted the neoprene bikinis. If you were the latter, this is your chance. Triangl is about to drop a new collection of neoprene right in time for you to live out your summer ‘16 fantasies. These were and always will be so iconic. 

Flat Brimmed Hats/Big Sunglasses 

This might be a hot take, but I feel like these could definitely make a comeback. Imagine, it's the summer and you need something to block the sun with without ruining your swag; your friend pulls out a flat-brimmed hat that matches your outfit and your bikini underneath, and now you have the perfect outfit. Or plan B; no hat, but big sunnies to help hide your major hangover, all while still looking cute. 2016 was the year of excess, go big or go home, and that certainly applies to sunglasses. Small, thin glasses are so last year, bringing back the big round 60s era sunnies.

The Boho Aesthetic

Baggy clothes are already in, so it's a no brainer to see baggy joggers and flowy tank tops that continue the barrel jean trend. Following the theme, I expect to see fringe jackets and tassel bags making an appearance; nothing says boho without a little ode to the western tassel. I could also see Napoleon jackets being huge. The Napoleon jacket peaked in the 2000s but it's such an asset to any outfit, especially during our long winter that I wouldn’t be surprised to see people reach for it again.

Studds

Last, but definitely not least, studded jean shorts, or anything with those metallic studs will be back. It's such an easy way to elevate a regular outfit, and that’s what 2016 was about. Do I think it’ll be as crazy as it was in 2016? No, but I could definitely see variants of the studded jeans arising in new items. For example, studded UGGs or even phone cases as the statement piece.

The thing about this whole “2026 is the new 2016” trend is that it’s an ode to the fact that fashion is cyclical. Just a few months ago everyone was obsessed with the 2000s era with big brands bringing back their early 2000s drops and divas reselling old clothes. Now it's 2016, so to go back to my first point, are skinny jeans back? Now, maybe not, but just like we said we would never wear anything lowrise in 2019 and yet we’re wearing them now. So, maybe don't throw out those old skinny jeans in the back of your closet just yet.  -xoxo, A