In today’s world, trends come and go just like the seasons. Lately, trends have been lasting only as long as a week before they die out. Since the craze of the “millennial beige” and the “clean girl look,” many people have been trying to bring back older styles of clothes and makeup looks to moderate the influence of these newer trends.
Recently, however, users on apps like TikTok and Instagram have been pushing for the revival of 2016-style culture, which includes big, bold makeup, wearing logos of designer brands, Maybelline Babylips lip balm, and the numerous filters on Snapchat. This 2016 style has brought a vibrant new look to the fashion world.
“I feel like it’s a trend that didn’t really go away, and now people are acknowledging it,” said junior Lief Lines.
The fashion trends of 2016 were formed by the “Tumblr girl” aesthetic, which went into boho chic that fell in line with Instagram aesthetics. Colors like rose gold, white, and black were the staple colors of the 2016 style. Celebrities at the time had a huge impact on the styles during 2016, and many of them veered from the boho hippie look and started going towards a style that fit more in the social media light. These styles included chunky chokers, Timberland boots, off-the-shoulder tops and jackets, white Air Force shoes, and ripped or unripped skinny jeans. These trends are still popular today, but their significance just doesn’t amount to what they were in 2016.
The rise of makeup influencers blossomed in 2016. These influencers created the blueprint for the makeup styles of that era, with famous makeup artists like James Charles, Jeffery Star, and Nikkietutorials being the backbone of 2016 makeup. Bold crease makeup, a sharp line of bronzer, and liquid matte lipsticks or glosses prevailed, with the look focused on “baking” your face. Large, false eyelashes were a revived trend, while Kylie Jenner’s lip kit became one of the most iconic matte lip items of the era, in colors ranging from nude to sky blue.
“I vividly remember watching a Jeffery Star makeup tutorial from this era,” said senior Eliana Portman.
While bold and fresh for the time, these styles and trends had ebbed until recent online chatter promoted the idea of reintroducing the 2016 style in 2026. Some speculate that those seeking to revive the 2016 style aren’t serious about it, and just view it as another brisk trend that will pass quickly. Whether it does or not, some people will happily be along for the ride, however short.
Some are “I am lowkey living for this revival,” said FCHS sophomore Mor Amburn.
