The fashion era that was 2016, explained

Something is telling about the way 2016 has reclaimed space in our collective imagination. Instead of charging into the new year with fresh aesthetics, everyone's social media feeds are crowded with throwback selfies, the dog-ear-snapchat filter, Adidas Superstars and outfits that could quite possibly never see the light of day again. A decade ago, fashion felt bold, unserious, and refreshingly unpolished. It was a time defined by experimentation rather than perfection. Getting dressed was about mood and instinct, not algorithms. As nostalgia tightens its grip, 2016 stands out as a year when fashion was expressive, accessible, and unafraid to be a little chaotic.

If the year had a single defining accessory, it was undoubtedly the choker. Seen everywhere from city sidewalks to red carpets, it became a visual shorthand for the era. Faux tattoo versions in woven black plastic were as common as velvet bands, silver chains, and lace styles, while diamond- and crystal-studded iterations gave the trend a high-fashion edge. Often paired with off-the-shoulder tops, chokers drew attention to the neck and collarbones, lending even the simplest outfits a rebellious polish. Celebrities embraced them without irony, wearing them to airports, brunches, and black-tie events alike. 

Beyond accessories, 2016 style was anchored in a distinct mix of casual and statement-making pieces. High-waisted skinny jeans dominated wardrobes, prized for their ability to work seamlessly with oversized knits, knee-high boots, and longline jackets. Bomber jackets, graphic tees, baseball caps, and slip dresses blurred the lines between streetwear and eveningwear. Off-the-shoulder tops were everywhere, while velvet emerged as the fabric of the moment, adding texture and drama across dresses and outerwear. On the more playful end of the spectrum, Triangle bikinis, Abercrombie and Fitch jackets, and black-and-white Vans helped define the era’s carefree, SK8R-girl-adjacent aesthetic.

Colour also played a starring role. Millennial pink flooded wardrobes and beauty shelves alike, fuelled by Tumblr culture and brands like Glossier, offering a softer counterpoint to the darker, moodier elements of the decade. Fashion felt optimistic then, buoyed by a digital landscape that was less curated and more spontaneous. Instagram was about live posting and the Instagram Rio de Janeiro filter, while influencer culture was still finding its footing, leaving room for individuality rather than uniformity.

On the runway, 2016 marked a turning point. Alessandro Michele’s early years at Gucci had fully taken hold, transforming the house with eclectic prints, vintage references, and gender-fluid styling. At Balenciaga, Demna’s debut collection introduced his now-signature subversion of luxury, with exaggerated silhouettes, clashing florals, and garments deliberately worn off the shoulder. Meanwhile, Maria Grazia Chiuri’s first collection for Dior signalled a new era, bringing with it embroidered tulle gowns, the J’Adior slingbacks, and feminist slogans that would come to define her tenure.

Fashion’s cyclical nature has never been more apparent. What once returned every two decades now resurfaces in half the time, and 2016’s revival is proof of that accelerated rhythm. As its most recognisable trends re-enter the conversation, the appeal lies in discernment. Not every look deserves a comeback, but the right pieces, reworked with intention, are about to feel surprisingly current. A decade later, 2016 reminds us that fashion thrives when it is expressive, imperfect, less guarded, and unafraid to have some fun!

All image credits: Getty Images

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