01.29.2026
The 2016 Trend and Why it's Relevant in Fashion
The 2016 trend is going to be more impactful than it may have seemed at first glance.
It is unusual for us a society to acknowledge a decade by a 6th. And although it appears to be an average social media trend. The root of it reveals itself when we recognize that 2016 was when social media really became a norm.
Times were more lighthearted, social media didn't come with expectations. It was playful and silly.
The decade between then and now has proven (as trends do) to evolve into something quite contrasting. Social Media became people's careers, the digital world shifted towards something more serious with every moment being shared.
And, as it does, fashion followed. The sought out style became minimalist, masculine, and modern. The goal became to be perceived as put together, chill, and niche.
And don't get me wrong, i've been immensly involved and in love with this aesthetic expression aswell.
Leading up to this point, style has morphed into a period that serves as a fresh base - a blank canvas if you will.
The relevance of 2016 isn't going to bring back chevron and tiffany blue. It is bringing elements of play, expression, and decoration back to fashion. This going to look very different for every person and every niche. And that is the beauty of it.
This mass reminiscence will create a cultural shift in social display. Moving away from what everyone else is doing, and towards what feels personal. Being more refined on the internet and more playful with style.
This isn't an urge of maximalism. Rather an urge to lean into elements of design that feel naturally inspiring to your own unique self and style. Small details that you can pick and choose from everyday things to runway designs.
The runway culture is overwhelming. It has become a clash between designers with true expression and forced design that has begun to feel like AI. It is good to view the side of design that is like art... but it is more important to pay attention to the designers and shows who are showing up in fashion in an accessible way for personal style (not just to be acknowledged by vogue).
An example of a designer who does this very well is Ralph Lauren. His mens Fall 2026 show that aired a week and a half ago was indeed over the top. But the key was that almost every single detail included in his show, could be replicated (with or without his products) by the style culture.
His show was to inspire. And as he played into various trends, he still portrayed himself through every look.
This is how personal style manifests. It's pulling small details, colors, patterns, and silhouettes from the bigger pictures that stick out to each person uniquely. By curating the perfect base wardrobe (which is what it has been all about recently), it will become easy to decorate upon and express individual flair.
Copy and Paste is over. I hope my analysis is accurate about what this 2016 trend may bring. Because it is time for a cultural shift toward personality, silliness, and self-curated expression.
Lucy Hart Hannah
