Is 2026 the New 2016? The Return of the Ultimate Fashion Throwback
With the new year in full swing everyone’s asking, “is 2026 the new 2016?”. With fashion’s cyclical nature, 2026 sees the undeniable return of 2016’s most memorable trends.
M&S creative stylist, Jessica Rae Long, has given her take on the 2016 fashion 10 years later, to reveal how we can reinvent that Tumblr girl aesthetic with today’s go-to fashion styles. From the ubiquitous bomber jacket to the staple choker, M&S is making it easy to tap into the nostalgia with updated classics.
Jessica shares, “More than just a trend, the return to 2016 is about chasing a feeling. It was the era of the first perfectly curated Instagram feeds, a soundtrack of dancehall-pop, and a sense of carefree optimism. 2016 offered a blueprint for a fun, confident style that was made to be seen. So, grab your lip kits, your flower crowns and of course your dog filters as we revisit iconic 2016 fashion with that 2026 twist!”
The starter pack rebooted, mastering 2016’s signature combos
Jessica explains: “The 2016 era was defined by a certain confidence; the outfits were bold but incredibly easy to put together. Customers are looking for those reliable, hard-working pieces that make a statement without overthinking it. It’s less about a total costume and more about re-embracing a mood and weaving those key items into a modern wardrobe.”
At the heart of the 2016 revival is an instantly recognisable duo: the bomber jacket and the skinny jean. The hero jacket is undoubtedly, an effortlessly cool top layer that adds structure to any look, with celebrities such as Kylie Jenner aka ‘King Kylie’ and Gigi Hadid incorporating it as an everyday staple.
It’s essential counterpart is the high-waisted skinny jean, which creates that signature sharp silhouette. But the 2026 twist lies in the foundation. A sleek, body-skimming piece like a black bodysuit creates a seamless line underneath, ensuring the whole look feels polished and purposeful.
M&S Ivy Supersoft High Waisted Skinny Jeans
The ‘dress-over-boots’ look was also a major 2016 moment, which Ariana Grande created as her signature look that year. Style some knee-high boots with an oversized sweatshirt or a simple graphic t-shirt dress for an effortlessly cool but dressed up vibe.
Alternatively, if you want to add a touch of cliché 2016 grunge, feel free to tie a checkered shirt around your waist to give yourself a more cinched look! You could even a splash a bit of the iconic 2016 pattern – snakeskin print. This popular print is perfect for a statement accessory such as a bag or a pair of heels.
M&S Suede Square Toe Knee High Boots
M&S Pure Cotton Slogan Oversized T-Shirt
M&S Pure Cotton Checked Drawcord Waist Shirt
M&S Faux Leather Snakeskin Print Mini Bucket Bag
Jessica comments: “The real fun is in the styling mix, giving these well-loved items a contemporary spin. The trick is to anchor your outfit with one nostalgic piece and build a completely current look around it. For example, give the bomber jacket a sharper edge by pairing it with tailored trousers, or take those knee-high boots and style them with culottes for a more elevated profile. It’s about reimagining these items for right now.”
No 2016-inspired outfit is truly complete without the perfect finishing touches. While the single, velvet choker might be the first thing that springs to mind, the 2026 revival is all about a more refined approach. The choker has had a glow-up, evolving from a standalone piece into delicate, layered styles which gives the same neck-framing effect with a lighter, more modern feel.
M&S Coin Pendant Multirow Necklace
M&S Tusk Cluster Pendant Necklace
And for those chasing that never-ending summer feeling, the optimistic, look-at-me swimwear is back in a big way. It was an era of bright, unapologetic colour and playful prints designed for capturing the perfect holiday shot.
M&S Printed Trim Detail Triangle Bikini Set
To find more 2016 inspired looks visit M&S’s women’s jeans, shoes and tops pages.