At the beginning of the year, it usually seems that changes and new beginnings lie ahead. However, 2026 began differently. Instead of looking forward, many people turn to the past – to the archives of their own photos, old images and stylistic decisions of 2016. This interest is not accidental: it is the trends of 2016 that are actively shaping the fashion of 2026 today and determining the key stylistic directions.
Saint Laurent Pre-Fall 2016
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2016 was a watershed year for global fashion. Alessandro Michele at Gucci, Hedi Slimane at Saint Laurent and Phoebe Fileau at Celine created many iconic pieces that are still relevant today. Skinny jeans, pink and pointed ankle boots dominated street style. In the cultural context, 2016 was remembered for Beyoncé's Lemonade album, the success of the film “La La Land” during the film awards season and the exhibition Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology at the Met Gala, dedicated to the interaction of fashion and technology.
Celine spring-summer 2016
In 2026, the trends of 2016 are again relevant and understandable. This is confirmed by both brand collections and street fashion. However, the trends of 2016 are not returning literally, but in a reinterpreted form. They are adapted to the modern lifestyle, needs and pace of humanity.
Iconic bags
Sac de Jour bag by Saint Laurent
Iconic bags from 2016 are making a comeback in street style and on resale platforms. Saint Laurent's Sac de Jour is still relevant in 2026. There is also a noticeable increase in interest in the Balenciaga striped shopper, which is back in fashion. Many of the 2016 bags are now seen as a good investment and a full-fledged component of a modern wardrobe.
Skinny jeans
MOTHER
Skinny jeans were a key fashion staple in 2016. They are making a comeback in 2026 in a more understated and sophisticated way. Black skinny jeans and understated designs remain the most popular. These jeans are once again being paired with ankle boots, knee-high boots, and ballet flats.
Ankle boots
Saint Laurent
Ankle boots have remained a staple shoe for many years. Models that were relevant in 2016 are reappearing in brand collections in 2026. Ankle boots with a pointed silhouette, neutral colors and minimalist design are especially popular.
Millennial Pink
Khaite
A pastel shade of pink called Millennial Pink returns in 2026 as a delicate accent. It is used in details, accessories and individual elements of clothing. This shade adds softness to images and balances strict or graphic silhouettes. It is one of the few trends of 2016 that organically fits into modern fashion.
Bomber
Sacai
The bomber jacket was also a wardrobe staple in 2016. It's back in fashion for 2026. Modern bomber jackets are made from soft leather and have a relaxed fit. These styles are featured in the Khaite, Saint Laurent and Nour Hammour collections.
Loafers with an open heel
Gucci
Loafers with an open heel became iconic in 2016 after the Gucci show, where Alessandro Michele presented a model with fur. It was then that these shoes became established as a recognizable symbol of the fashion of the time. In 2026, loafers with an open heel return in a more restrained and concise form. The most relevant models are considered to be from Bottega Veneta, Gucci and Celine. These are comfortable everyday shoes that are easily combined with jeans, combination dresses and classic trousers.
Lace dress combinations
Phoebe Philo
Lace dress combinations do not lose their relevance. In 2026, this silhouette is actively used by the Chloé brand, making it one of the key ones in its collections. In the warm season, such dresses are worn with ballet flats and laconic jewelry. In the fall and winter, they are layered under bomber jackets and over trousers and jeans. Now it is a universal thing that easily adapts to different seasons.
Narrow scarves
Valentino Garavani
Narrow scarves became a recognizable and iconic accessory in 2016 thanks to the Saint Laurent collections. In 2026, this accessory is making a comeback. Narrow scarves will look great in combination with leather pants, skinny jeans and shoes with heels or platforms. This is a distinctive stylistic detail that adds clarity and collectedness to the image.
Ballet flats
The Row
Ballet flats are once again a staple in the wardrobe in 2026. They are paired with straight-leg jeans, skirts, and dresses of various lengths. At the same time, the stylistic techniques typical of 2016 are no longer used and still remain a thing of the past.