by Aneet Kaur
Trends from 2016 are resurfacing among young people
Scroll through TikTok, Instagram or YouTube today, and it’s hard to ignore the phrase “2026 is the new 2016.” From fashion to music to viral trends, a decade-old vibe is creeping back and for a lot of young people, it’s kind of fun.
Clothes are leading the charge. Oversized hoodies, ripped jeans, Vans and Adidas Superstars are everywhere again. Even skinny jeans, once declared “outdated,” are quietly returning. Layered outfits, bright accessories and chokers are making a comeback, bringing a colourful, relaxed style that feels totally different from today’s ‘clean aesthetic’ trend, a style that emphasises being minimalist and ‘effortless’.
For many, comfort and personality seem to matter more than perfection.
Online trends are taking a trip back in time too. Throwback filters, low-effort videos, ironic humour and nostalgic memes are all trending again. People are posting for laughs and memories, not just for perfectly curated feeds. The Mannequin Challenge might be over, but the spontaneous, fun vibe of 2016 social media is back.
Music is another big part of the revival. Songs by Drake, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, The Weeknd and Arctic Monkeys are popping up on playlists and in videos, often paired with captions about “simpler times.” The Chainsmokers’ Closer or Rihanna’s Work can instantly take you back to primary school discos, long car journeys, or old iPod playlists. What’s interesting is that even new artists are drawing inspiration from that sound, making music that feels familiar and nostalgic.
Tech and pop culture from 2016 are making waves too. AirPods, first released in December of that year, remain popular. Pokémon Go is still a thing, and shows like Stranger Things are being rewatched by a new generation. Even viral moments like Chewbacca Mom, PPAP, or Damn Daniel are popping up again, reminding everyone how unpredictable and fun the internet can be.
So why is this happening? Maybe it’s the pressure of modern life or the polished perfection of today’s feeds which draws young people back to the comfort and creativity of 2016.
While 2026 isn’t really 2016 all over again, it’s clear that the era’s spirit is back and honestly, people are loving it.