2016, But Make It 2026: 9 Trends We’re About to See Everywhere

’Twas the year of matte, nude lipstick, block brows, skinny jeans and chokers. The waists were high and the selfie angles were even higher. And according to the fashion industry, living it once is simply not enough. 2026 is shaping up to be the year of the 2016 revival.

From the current trend of posting content from 10 years ago (can you believe it? It’s been 10 years since 2016), to Kylie Jenner relaunching her signature King Kylie lip kit collection in October last year, this year is all about trying to relive the best parts of the mid-2010s era.

We don’t expect things to channel the time period exactly, but we do foresee a somewhat modernised version of the era, mixed in with a couple of other trends that feel distinctly 2026-coded. With that in mind, here’s a run-down of 9 trends we expect to see take off in 2026.

1. The Side Part

We know. We know. Most of us probably have a permanent middle-part imprint from banning the side part six years ago and making the middle part basically compulsory for all those in the know.

However, fashion is cyclical and our girl, the side part, she’s coming right back like she never left. And oh boy, have we missed her. This time around, it’s softer and less severe; brushed out volume and face framing layers. It’s nostalgic, flattering and refreshingly unserious.

3. Colourful Eyeshadow

The clean girls are not going to be happy about this one, but all signs are pointing to colourful makeup making a proper comeback. With artists like Zara Larsson, Tyla and Chappell Roan championing the trend, pigment is officially back in the spotlight.

While the online makeup girlies never really stopped playing with colour, it’s time for it to stop being treated as a fun experiment that’s only suitable for content. Colourful eyeshadow is once again a legitimate style choice, whether it’s a bold wash of blue, or a soft lilac moment with a cut crease. We hope to see cut creases this year.

4. Delicate Lace

Whether it’s full lace or just lace accents, this fabric is set to have a major moment. Lace in 2026 feels less bridal and more cool-girl romantic. It's layered over basics, styled with denim or used to soften sharper silhouettes.

Expect to see lace trims on tops, sheer lace skirts paired with oversized knits, and delicate details peeking out where you least expect them.

5. Animal Print

Last year, cheetah print had its moment in the sun, but this year zebra and this might sound random, deer print are going to be the prints to have.

Animal print in 2026 feels a little more unexpected and a little less obvious. Think; muted colourways, vintage-inspired patterns and statement pieces.

6. Jewellery Maximalism

Statement pieces are back, from unique custom-made designs to chunky chains and stacked rings. The era of barely-there jewellery is taking a step back as people lean into personality driven accessories.

Necklaces are layered, ears are stacked, and nothing needs to match perfectly. The goal is to look collected, not coordinated.

7. The Glamoratti Aesthetic

The bigger the better. More is more. Go big or go home. Glamoratti is all about playing with structure, bold silhouettes, statement pieces, bold details and accessorising pieces that set the confidence tone.

Maximalism is back, not in a chaotic, everything-at-once way like 2010s festival jewellery, but in a more retro, couture-inspired sense. It’s dramatic, glamorous and very-very extra.

Which brings us neatly to the next trend.

8. Brooches

Once considered old-fashioned, brooches are officially cool again. As seen pinned to lapels, scarves, bags and even dresses, this accessory adds instant character and a touch of vintage glamour. Brooches are the perfect way to personalise a look without committing to a full trend overhaul.

9. Transformative Teal

The crowd has spoken. Transformative Teal, WGSN’s 2026 Colour of the Year, is the people’s colour of the year.

Following the internet’s resounding disappointment with Pantone’s pick of Cloud Dancer (white), many gravitated towards Coloro and WGSN’s choice instead. According to them, “Transformative Teal is a fluid fusion of blue and aquatic green that reflects the diversity of nature and taps into an Earth-first mindset. It represents change and redirection, and can help encourage resilience in the face of complex climate challenges.”

10. Skinny Jeans

We hope (we can only hope) we embrace this trend in moderation. We hope we do not go back to the circulation cutting skinny jeans of the 2010s. We hope this time around we proceed with caution and don’t end up walking like penguins because our jeans are too tight.

2026 skinny jeans are breathable, comfortable and hopefully made with far better materials; stretch denim, relaxed skinnies and cigarette cuts rather than painted-on silhouettes.

They further predict that in 2026, old ideas will be challenged as people demand urgent changes in how we treat our societies, organise our industries and cooperate with our environments and this colour reflects exactly that shift.

More than anything, we believe that people want to celebrate the carefree spirit and optimism of the 2010s. It was a time when people could play around with their style without being overly concerned with the minor details. Fashion mistakes were made and taken in stride. Heavy retouching and the pursuit of digital perfection weren’t yet the norm.

It was a simpler time. The world felt less tragic, progress felt less scary, and the future seemed bright and that optimism was reflected in the fashion of the time.