A social media trend encouraging people to look back at their lives a decade ago has unearthed a sartorial time capsule many would prefer to keep sealed. The year 2016, it turns out, was a period of bold, and often bewildering, fashion choices that now provoke a mix of nostalgia and horror.
The Reign of Pyjamas and Loud Athleisure
One of the most mainstream trends saw sleepwear confidently worn as daywear. This movement was so influential that the luxury brand Dolce & Gabbana hosted a dedicated pyjama party at Los Angeles's iconic Chateau Marmont in February 2016. Supermodel Naomi Campbell attended the event, photographed in a striking green satin set.
Concurrently, athleisure dominated the landscape, a trend so pervasive that the term was officially added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary that same year. The 2016 iteration, however, was characterised by conspicuous logos and oversized silhouettes. Celebrities like Rita Ora wore flashy Adidas track jackets to upmarket dinners, while Selena Gomez famously paired a full tracksuit with heels at LAX airport in March 2016.
The Era of the Skinny Silhouette and Daring Tops
Denim choices were particularly unforgiving. Skinny jeans, whether in leather, distressed, or ultra-skinny fits, were the undisputed king of trousers. Their popularity had peaked in the early 2000s, driven by style icons like Kate Moss, and by 2010, Topshop was selling its ultra-high-rise Joni jeans every ten seconds at its Oxford Street flagship.
These jeans were frequently styled with another daunting staple: the ultra-cropped top. Stars including Hailey Bieber and Emily Ratajkowski showcased the look. Other popular necklines included cold-shoulder tops with strategic cut-outs and off-the-shoulder Bardot styles, as seen on Kendall Jenner.
Accessories followed the bold theme, with chrome-tinted sunglasses, chokers, and furry slider sandals completing outfits. Menswear was not immune, with knitted turtlenecks, tropical shirts, and heavily distressed denim worn by figures like Harry Styles and Zayn Malik becoming divisive trends of the time.
The Cyclical Nature of Fashion: A Skinny Return?
While many 2016 trends have faded into fashion history, one is staging a contentious comeback. After years of baggy, relaxed denim ruling the roost, skinny jeans are making a return to high-street stores and designer collections.
Fashion stylist Lisa Talbot notes the shift, stating: 'After several seasons dominated by wide-leg, straight and relaxed denim, designers and high-street brands are once again embracing a slimmer silhouette.' She attributes the return to fashion's cyclical nature and the garment's practical appeal. 'Skinny jeans also offer something many women crave: ease. They're practical, flattering when styled well, and work seamlessly with boots, trainers and smarter outerwear.'
The revival prompts a simple question for anyone reviewing their 2016 photo albums: as we reminisce about the past, are we truly ready to wear it again?
