If 2016 fashion is back, how should you style it in 2026?

By Elizabeth Elizalde

Ah, 2016. I remember it like it was yesterday. 

It was chaotic, messy and fun. Excluding the political scene at the time, it was a year full of viral pop culture moments. 

The Taylor Swift vs. Kanye feud was on full blast, Pokémon Go was a thing, you knew someone who knew someone who was at Coachella, “Stranger Things” just premiered, and Beyoncé dropped “Lemonade.” What a time. 

Reminiscing about 2016 has been all over social media, and I couldn’t help but ask myself, “What was I doing 10 years ago?” “What music was I listening to?” and more specifically, “What was I wearing?”

The answers made me super nostalgic: I got my first adult job in the media industry; “Work” by Rihanna; flowy, printed mini dresses, booties and ripped skinny jeans. 

I wouldn’t say 2016 was the best year for fashion, but it certainly gave us many trends we can’t ignore. Chokers, bomber jackets and skinny jeans were dominating retailers – and they’re making a comeback whether we like it or not. 

Here’s how to give these decade-old trends a modern twist in 2026: 

Bomber Jackets: 

Bomber jackets were everywhere thanks to supermodels Kyle Jenner and Gigi Hadid. Today, bomber jackets serve as the ultimate cool-girl staple that perfectly pairs with jeans, sleek slingback heels and a chunky turtleneck for a casual outing. Stick with neutral, tailored jackets that accentuate the waist for a sophisticated finish. 

1. Reiss Juniper Technical Bomber Jacket, on sale for $176
2. The Frankie Shop Cropped Padded Bomber. $339
3. Allsaints Quilted Bomber Jacket, on sale for $272

Statement jewelry: 

The chunkier the better was the goal when it came to jewelry in 2016, from dramatic necklaces, bangles and earrings. Now, it’s best to keep them less geometrical and simpler for a luxe look. 

1. Anthropologie Orb Statement Layering Necklace, $54
2. Ettika Thick Sculpted Cuff, $63.75
3. Mejuri Chunky Medium Hoops, $172

Skinny jeans:

Usually worn with ankle boots or ballet flats, the skinny jean was the "it" pant in 2016. It came in various styles – from low rise, to distressed and cropped. While still slim, the skinny jeans of today have more stretch and structure. Style them with oversized blazers, over-the-knee boots, or loafers.

1. Good American Good Legs Skinny Jeans, on sale for $89.99
2. Gap High Rise True Skinny Jeans, on sale for $47
3. Levi’s 721 High Rise Skinny Jeans, $120 

Slip dresses: 

Could the modern-day slip dress be the new LBD? Zoë Kravitz recently wore a light pink lace-trimmed Saint Laurent slip dress at the Golden Globes – proof that satin and lace still rule supreme. It's effortless, chic and sexy, especially when accessorized with a statement clutch and strappy sandals.

1. Zara Satin Lace Dress, $99.90
2. ASOS Satin Midi Slip Dress, $47.99
3. L’Agence Akiya Satin Maxi Dress, $395

Ankle boots: 

Ankle boots and booties dominated the fashion landscape, and were worn with nearly everything, including mini dresses, leggings and skinny pants. What’s the difference between these styles? Booties end right below the ankle, and ankle boots offer more leg coverage.

Both have evolved with new silhouettes featuring looser, slouchier styles, pointed or square toes, and kitten or flat heels. Pair a wide-leg trouser and a silky blouse with your ankle boots to complete your look. 

1. Nine West Pointed Toe Kitten Heel Bootie, $159
2. Staud Wally Leather Ankle Boots, $395
3. Cole Haan Women's Grand Ambition Alainne Boots, $139.95