The start of 2026 is met with the revival of vintage filters, full glam makeup, iconic skinny jeans and bittersweet splashes of nostalgia from the infamous year of 2016. However, this trend of 2026 being the new 2016 is not society copying 2016, instead it’s being influenced by it. For senior Maya Drews, this 2016 revival is about more than just fashion, but rather a shift in societal mindset and culture. The year of color was synonymous with 2016: Detailed patterns, vibrant colors and bold looks dominated fashion. There was no concept of “doing too much,” and the mindset of the time was to unapologetically be your true self, authentically expressing it through style. “I think that 2026 being the new 2016 is about people bringing back that nostalgic, fun, colorful, maximalist aesthetic,” Drews said. “People are embracing their inner weirdos and being a little more creative.” The trend has spread through social media, breaking a period marked by minimalist and clean- girl aesthetics that focused on incorporating neutral greys, blacks and navy blues. Sophomore Iolanta Volchek, who creates lifestyle and fashion content on Instagram, compares the nostalgia of 2016 with modern-day style as she does on her platform. “The modern-day muted colors are more aesthetically pleasing to people, because many are used for minimalist outfits with less detail and patterns,” she said. “(There were) more single-color outfits with, one layer. It used to be multiple layers, accessories, and lots of belts.” Although items like over-the- knee boots, bomber jackets and off-the-shoulder tops are making a comeback, the biggest component of 2016 fashion that has made a resurgence is the focus on accessories, where one statement piece of jewelry would be styled around. Lack of right or wrong in fashion contributed to a carefree lifestyle. “Fashion is more about not being one style or the other, but if you are bright and colorful, (to go) all out and (embrace yourself),” Drews said. “Do whatever your thing is, whether it be statement necklaces or neutral colors: If it is you, then it is you.” As the modern-day aesthetic preaches the idea of neutrality and tameness, 2016’s influence brings back rejecting typical beauty standards and embracing natural lifestyle. “(It’s) that idea of being yourself and being out there,” Drews said. “That it’s okay to be messy. As someone with curly hair (which) I definitely didn’t embrace when I was little, I’ve started wearing my hair down a ton, and accepting my hair as a part of who I am (this year).” As the fashion atmosphere shifts, so does society. People now have the desire to step away from electronics and return to a more p h y s i c a l w o r l d . Devices including flip phones, wired earbuds and fidget spinners are making a comeback, further enhancing the fun atmosphere. Due to the large scale and accessibility of social media, there is a new “in” item and aesthetic to follow daily. Junior Evelyn Rodden believes students feel pressure from the media to keep up with these mainstream trends. “We are moving through trends so much quicker now,” she said. “Social media is playing a part in spreading consumerism and a lot of microtrends.” The fast-changing algorithms lead to expectations and judgment within society. The need for the “perfect” photo rather than expressing one’s authentic self and unfiltered life prevents the 2016 carefree lifestyle from catching on. “As social media evolves, it is pressing people down and ruining their self- esteem,” Volchek said. “In 2016 trends, people were more outgoing and extroverted, so I feel like they want to bring that societal culture back instead of being compressed by social media.” The r e v i v a l of 2016’s trends also r e i n t r o d u c e s nostalgic pop culture. Music artists are debuting n e w albums, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is making a comeback and TV series like “Stranger Things” have produced their long awaited finales. 2016 was an era known for pop artists releasing albums that emphasized more creativity and connection. Artists using high energy and themes to execute their performances contributes to the 2016 atmosphere. Zara Larsson dressing in outfits covered in sequins and bright blue accompanied with full-glam maximalist looks, for instance, sets the nostalgic mood. Music artists and other celebrities have also begun reposting their old photos to help bring back an era where life was unfiltered and fun. “I really like that we’re going back to that kind of (positive and upbeat) music,” Volchek said. “I think if more people listen to happier music (then) they’re going to have a better mood.” However, 2026 mirrors 2016 in more ways than expected. While many view 2016 through rose-tinted glasses, the political atmosphere at the time was similarly polarized to today, parallels that can be attributed to the reelection of President Donald Trump. In 2016, fashion, culture and physical connection were used as a way to cultivate a carefree and transparent environment. In our current uncertain political atmosphere, society yearns to experience an enjoyable and less divided time. “A lot of people want to get rid of social media and would rather go back to physical media or just older times where we would connect more,” Volchek said. “Not only is it about dressing differently, or having a different vibe, but it’s about connecting and not being afraid to be yourself.”