2016 fashion is back? Let's talk about cyclic fashion...

If you're like me and spend hours scrolling over outfit inspiration on Pinterest, or stalking your favorite influencer... you've seen the eery resurgence of 2016 fashion this year.

While it was undoubtedly one of my least favorite eras in fashion, and the peak reference for anything "cheugy", it seems to have taken a more refined and elegant turn, as it made its comeback this year.

With off-the-shoulder everything, denim filling corners of every store, and chokers making a major comeback, the revival of everything 2016, has been seen across fashion, today.

Kendall jenner sporting a denim mini skirt in 2016

Via @gettyimages

Lily Rose-Depp sporting an off the shoulder look at the Cannes Film Festival 2016

Via @chanel

Before we dive into these trends, explaining how to do them sustainably and more elevated than before... let's talk about cyclic fashion.

Cyclic fashion is a lot of things, but new isn't one of them. With "Y2K" fashion all the rage during the dull months of Covid-19 in 2020, or popular hairstyles, like the "90's bombshell" cut with curtain bangs, layers and volume, making a huge revival in 2022, the repetition of eras and trends in fashion is something that dates back decades.

Therefore, it's certainly no surprise that 2016 fashion, a modern retake of garments inspired by the late 20th century, found its way to fashion a mere few years later.

"Off-the-shoulder"

Probably the most prominent trend in 2016, and an element of fashion that has been used time and time again over decades, the re-emergence of the "off-shoulder" trend has been prominent. Style icon and personality of the 1950s and 1960s, Brigitte Bardot, was photographed multiple times sporting off-shoulder tops and dresses and got coined the "Bardot neckline" in her honour... years before 2016 even came around. This simple elevated basic is less trendy and more timeless, and a staple in wardrobes on influencers like @rubylyn_, @lunamontana, @fernandaraamirez etc, more lately, in the recent months of 2023.

Brigitte Bardot for @vogue

Via @laurenlicup instagram

Denim-everything

After binge-watching Netflix's "Next In Fashion" show, and obsessing over the works of winner, Nigel Xavier, known for his denim patchwork... denim was on my mind 24 x 7, and not so surprisingly, all over stores too. The 2016 boxy-fitted, odd-length denim jacket and mini denim skirt, may have changed into upcycled tube tops, maxi skirts, co-ords and oversized jackets, but the comeback of denim is prominent, and one I am not complaining about.

Pro tip: Go wild with upcycling... this trend marries into it too well. Grab your dad's old jeans and create the maxi skirt of your dreams. Grab an old pair of shorts or a skirt and create the iconic waistband tube top.

*Click HERE to watch a denim maxi skirt upcycle (via @fantaisie.renewal)

Nigel Xavier's winning denim collection

Via @nigelxavier_ instagram

Via @chasemarieee instagram

Chokers

More likely to be a micro trend this year, chokers made a sudden and quick comeback into the fashion industry after being seen on influencers like @matildadjerf, @weworewhat and @ alike. Luckily for us though, the velvet, studded or plastic chokers seen in 2016, turned into more elevated and dainty ones, using flowers, bows and satin alike. A simple way to accessorize an outfit, whether it was turning a simple black dress into a more statement piece for a girls' night out or even a red-carpet look. This simple and versatile accessory is an easy way to spice up your wardrobe.

Pro tip: Easy, cost and DIY-friendly, reusing ribbons from gifts, or DIY-ing this accessory is simple and recommended to be as sustainable and kind to the environment as possible!

*Watch a tutorial on how to make the flower choker HERE

Via @gracefoley instagram

Other trends we're seeing the resurgence of include the 2016 bomber jacket, now re-invented into a more elevated sleek biker or varsity jacket, tall boots and slip dresses. Even the sheer-panelled tights have made their comeback in a way, transforming into sheer dresses, shirts and flouncy tops.

Via @stxph.h instagram

Via @jourdansloane instagram

*Please note: Everything is solely based on the opinions and research of the Author