Is 2026 the New 2016 in Fashion?

From skinny jeans, oversized hoodies, colored hair, choker necklaces, and high-top sneakers, 2016 was truly a unique era for fashion. When comparing this time to fashion today, it is clear how much people in society have regressed in expressing themselves and making a statement through what they wear. Many feel as if modern style has lost a lot of the personality it once had in 2016. So much so that over the past two years, the iconic 2016 fashion style has been trending on social media, creating a sense of nostalgia for many.

The same creators who are reminiscing on this time have been participating in the “clean girl” style for the past few years, which consists of muted colors and minimalism. I am intrigued to see how this rapid social media trend will reflect on fashion this year. Will the “clean girl” aesthetic be left in 2025? Will the edgy and distinctive look from ten years ago make a return? Look out for upcoming summer lookbooks from mainstream brands in the next few months, as they will indicate what will be trending in the fashion industry this year.