Bruno Mars and Zara Larsson on the radio, extravagant Starbucks drinks the Snapchat dog filters and Instagram memes. Does this ring a bell? With all these trends blowing up again, it seems that 2026 culture will be like 2016, reincarnated.
As the same artists become popular again, style and internet culture circle back and people reminisce on the past, it’s clear that this isn’t just nostalgia. Since 2016 was a decade ago, many want to relive the past with 2016 vibes.
“The [2016] style is coming back and a lot of people are reminiscing about [2016],” sophomore Nora Bogacki said.
Many instagram influencers and their audiences have been posting “flashbacks to 2016,” or photos and videos of themselves embodying the 2016 culture.a
“I see so many Instagram posts about influencers’ flashbacks to 2016, so I think they’re going to bring it back,” Bogacki said.
Many already-popular trends are also mirroring those of 2016. Labubus, Dubai chocolate and the 6-7 meme are just some examples.
In 2016, vibrant Starbucks drinks, such as the Unicorn Frappuccino, took over social media user’s feeds—similar to how Dubai Chocolate is obsessed over now in 2026. Fidget spinners were the number-one fidget toy of 2016, and bringing back the fidget toy craze in 2026 is the Nee-Doh. Along with this, Labubu figurines are in high demand as collectors items in 2026, just as Funko-pops took up collector’s shelves in 2016.
Not only are some of the internet trends the same, music seems to be cycling back to its 2016 ways as well.
Zara Larsson, Harry Styles and Bruno Mars are taking over listener’s 2026 bucket lists with their tour announcements and new music. These three artists were extremely popular in 2016, and are all making a sudden comeback this year.
Zara Larsson’s song, ”Lush Life”, re-entered the U.K. top 40 song hits for the first time in 10 years, securing a spot at number eight. The song is notable because it brings back a vibe reminiscent of 2016 due to its tropical-infused pop beat.
Bruno Mars and Harry Styles announcing their new albums and going on tour has brought back even more 2016 nostalgia. Harry Styles was in the boy band One Direction in 2016, which was best known for making hits like “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Night Changes”. Bruno Mars’ music is making a comeback with his 2016 music like “Finesse” and “24K Magic”.
“I am so excited to go to Bruno Mars’ concert in May,” senior Dani Diaz said. “I remember listening to him when I was little, so I know my friends and I are going to have so much fun.”
Fashion trends are making a comeback as well, with micro trends and fast fashion on the rise once again. In 2016, Forever 21 was the perfect place to shop for a quick outfit. Now, in 2026, SHEIN provides a quick, easy and cheap option for an outfit for any occasion. Both franchises are leaders in fast fashion.
Knee high boots, chokers, ballet flats and intense personal styles are also making a comeback this year, just as they did in 2016. All of these rising trends raise the question: how far will this throwback go, and is this going to be seen yet again in 2036?
“I hope that 2016 really does come back this year,” Bogacki said. “The culture seemed like so much fun and we were so young back [in 2016].”
