Editor-in-Chief Vidhi Bhanushali discusses mid-2010s trends, considering whether they are timeless or an outdated, distant memory
Trends are cyclic and consumerism is constant (if not increasing exponentially). The internet predicts that this is the year where 2016 trends come back. Let’s travel back in time to see what exactly happened in 2016:
It was the year Britain decided to exit from the European Union. It was the year Donald Trump won the U.S. Presidency, initiating the ‘America First’ policy that still impacts global politics. It was the year Elon Musk announced his plans to colonise Mars. It was also the year Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was released.
It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.
And yet we find ourselves dwelling on the past, basking in the nostalgia driven by millennials in their boot-cut jeans and wishing to return to a year that, I would boldly state, was cringey. I would call this glamourisation rather than romanticisation: it is a surface-level, shallow nostalgia of a life that allowed a more carefree approach towards socialisation, both online and offline. With focus on this glamourisation, let’s have a look at some trends that defined 2016 and whether they should return or not.
Skinny Jeans and Chunky Boots
Embracing your curves resulted in the comeback of fitting denim, characterised by the skinny jean. They were meant to hug your figure while simultaneously letting those chunky, chelsea boots slide smoothly up your legs. Besides being a tight fit, skinny jeans would fit you in with the trends of 10 years ago. Come COVID, though, the need to wear comfortable denim arose significantly. Enter baggy jeans and oversized tops. And yet again, we see the cyclic movement in fashion: the late 90’s trend of skinny jeans is brought back to the spotlight and promptly dies down again. Chunky boots, meanwhile, have stood the test of time, and promise to continue doing so, while bearing the burden of denims across the ages, from skinny to wide leg, from straight fit to boot leg.
The late 90’s trend of skinny jeans is brought back to the spotlight and promptly dies down again
Thick, Winged Liner and Kylie Jenner Lip Kits
While no-make-up make-up set the classic look of the mid-2010s, this soon evolved. The thick winged liner was the classic, bold look of 2016. The wildly popular Kylie Jenner lip kits had their moment too, before the cosmetics market became too competitive when other known and indie brands stepped in with their personalised variations. Nowadays, all is well and bold colours and statement lipsticks are no longer crusty like in 2016. While vibrancy exists along with nude shades, the texture has become softer and more natural, leaning towards simplicity. Fuller lashes, gelled brows and smaller winged edges now reign supreme, promising the softer, natural makeup look. This evolution in trends – with natural beauty being once covered and now endorsed – only reminds us of the fake double standard of this digital age.
The thick, winged liner was the classic, bold look of 2016
Off-the-Shoulder Tops and Chokers
There was something about those ruffled off-shoulders back then, exposing just enough arms to flaunt your collarbones. This again, was another revival from the past, short-lived yet mainstream for that period. Such style called for more designed neckpieces and long earrings. Chokers added a subtle simplicity as well as be the finishing touch of the entire outfit based on their detailing and method of wearing. The evolution of chokers has produced a wide variety of styles that fit the minimalistic yet attractive look. Unlike some other trends of the time, chokers would still look modern and elegant if paired with the right neckline. Reminiscing about 2016 is also about longing for a non-judgmental and honest online and offline social presence
Fashion trends spread across the globe through online platforms and social media. Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok (then called Musical.ly) played a key role in boosting popular trends. Sadly, 2016 was also the beginning of the end for good user-generated content. No short-form content meant users’ attention spans remained unaffected, and the trickling down effect of this aspect resulted in trends having more longevity. With fast fashion picking up the pace to match the spread of e-commerce platforms, trends started dying more quickly, and thus trends started being reused, increasing discussions around a lack of individuality and originality. Reminiscing about 2016 is also about longing for a non-judgmental and honest online and offline social presence.
Today’s right-leaning culture doesn’t promise heading towards maximalism and loud themes. Those wanting to turn 2026 into 2016 will turn their pouts into frowns as they face the reality of a world that may have survived a pandemic but might not survive the wars it hasn’t even seen yet. That being said, reflecting on the past to make better lifestyle decisions is an important approach to helping this generation build their future.
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