Nostalgia Rewind: 5 Fashion Trends From 2016 Set to Takeover 2026
- Nandini Gulati
- 7 hours ago
- 3 min read
If time travel were possible, the spaceship would officially arrive in the year 2016. Trends are cyclical, often drawing inspiration from the past. As the year begins to unfold, it takes cues from a decade ago, shaping current trends and experiences.
This year, 2016, knocked on our doors, and we welcomed it back with a bang! In the era of Snapchat filters, messy feeds and expressive fashion is back. Pop culture is witnessing a major throwback- something familiar, but with a refreshed tone. Here is how you can join the club.
MILLENNIAL PINK
With the launch of the iPhone in a rose gold shade in 2015, the term Millennial Pink entered the cultural vocabulary. The colour soon dominated runways, as fashion houses such as Chloé, Chanel, and Burberry incorporated it into their collections. Its popularity was further validated when Pantone announced Rose Quartz as the Colour of the Year in 2016.
Unlike the bold Barbiecore aesthetic, this return of pink feels softer and more restrained. Romantic, ethereal, and muted, it has found its place once again. Zoë Kravitz brought the shade back into focus as she appeared in a blush Saint Laurent slip dress at the Golden Globe Awards in 2026, proving that Millennial Pink remains timeless and chic.
AIRPORT LOOKS
The era of airport fashion has made a quiet resurgence. Being photographed at the terminal once marked an effortless style statement—one that spoke without excess. Over time, airport dressing has evolved from overly casual staples such as leggings to ensembles with a more considered and polished approach.
Elevated casualwear now defines this trend, offering sharper and more refined silhouettes. Coordinated sets paired with trainers, or tailored trousers styled with hoodies, strike the right balance between comfort and sophistication—perfectly suited for the modern paparazzi moment.
BALLET FLATS
A symbol of elegance, ballet flats add a sense of femininity and romance to everyday dressing. With Miu Miu’s reintroduction of the silhouette in 2016, ballet flats quickly became the “it” footwear of the decade. Style icons such as Rihanna and Taylor Swift cemented their place in the fashion landscape of the 2010s.
The silhouette resurfaced in 2022 with the rise of the balletcore aesthetic on social media. Today, ballet flats have evolved with a modern update. Available in monotones, colour-blocked designs, mesh finishes, and even platform variations, they offer versatility for every mood and occasion. The latest addition, the sneakerina—a hybrid of a sneaker and a ballet flat—caters to those who value comfort without compromising on style.
SLIP DRESSES
Originating from the chemise, the slip dress was one of the earliest examples of innerwear transitioning into outerwear. It rose to prominence in the 1990s and became a defining symbol of minimalist femininity. From supermodel Christy Turlington to Hollywood icon Elizabeth Hurley, the slip dress became a uniform of understated glamour.
Characterised by thin straps and delicate lace detailing, it offered an effortless and romantic appeal, dominating the streets of New York during fashion week. The silhouette returned to the spotlight when Anya Taylor-Joy walked the red carpet in a Tom Ford Spring/Summer 2026 slip dress at the Marrakech International Film Festival.
ATHLEISURE
Tracksuits and athleisure once dominated fashion conversations, with collections such as Fenty x Puma setting the tone. A decade later, the aesthetic continues to hold its ground. Brands like Alo and Lululemon remain at the forefront, offering refined coordinated sets that blur the line between performance and style. Today, athleisure has moved beyond gym wear to become a lifestyle category. Comfortable, versatile, and chic, leggings paired with oversized T-shirts remain a reliable go-to for relaxed, off-duty dressing.
Trends often have a tendency to come full circle, resurfacing every few years. With each passing decade, cultural references are revisited and reinterpreted in ways that feel relevant to the present. Fashion, in this sense, becomes a vehicle for nostalgia—revived with fresh context.
The re-emergence of 2016 is not about blindly following trends, but about reclaiming the spirit of the time. In an era shaped by engineered aesthetics and algorithm-driven choices, these familiar references offer comfort and clarity. They serve as a reminder to slow down, reconnect, and foster authenticity—both online and offline.
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