2016 Season 2 Incoming?
In other years people would say “we say this every year,”however, the revival of 2016 culture feels different. From Starbucks drinks and music to technology and Tumblr, the comeback is definitely appearing.
Adding some sound to the revival, popular music artist Zara Larson is keeping up the summer vibe with the song Lush Life trending all over social media again. DJ: Jr Stit on TikTok has created the perfect mashup of Lush Life and the nostalgic 2016 song Lean On which has turned into a dance trend that’s taking everyone’s For You pages by storm with the 2016 orange filter vibe and beach background. IB sophomore, Araina Gandhi says that she thinks “Kylie Jenner and Instagram” made 2016 so iconic. Her makeup style influenced so many people with thicker brows, nude lip shade, and pink eyeshadow. She was deemed the iconic name “King Kylie” during 2014-2016 with her rise as a makeup influencer and the launch of her makeup brand: Kylie Cosmetics.
Additionally, to fit the 2016 aesthetic, some people even started changing their app logo and wallpaper to the old version of it. For example: some users have opted to change Instagram’ s current orange, purple, and yellow logo to the old brown and tan one. Doing this helps people feel more connected to the era with technology. Speaking of technology, wired headphones are making a comeback instead of wireless as it gives a more “nostalgic” feel to listening to music and also fits the 2016 vibe. Sun-washed looks in photos are making a comeback to fit the retro warm looking quality of the IPhones during that time. Gandhi also says that her favorite trend coming back is the “Tumblr aesthetic.” Palm trees, sunnies, and a perfect sunset or sunrise on the beach made up some of Tumblrs’ most iconic photos.
Before TikTok was the lip sync and dance dominant platform of Musical.ly. However, the app transformed into TikTok later and the short videos and iconic memes turned into longer, funnier and more relatable videos. As part of the 2016 rebrand though, influencers are starting to adopt some of the old trends with the classic filter or making videos titled “POV: musically is back.”
Beyond the videos and the makeup were the more simpler fashion styles. The black chokers, skinny jeans, and gray sweaters were a classic look for everyday wear. Nowadays people would rather opt for baggy or flare jeans, and more minimalistic jewelry. IB sophomore Lily Gonzalez says her favorite part of 2016 was the “style.” Fashion back then was a mix of high edge streetwear with knee high boots and sheer black tops, as well as a pop of color with rainbow striped sweaters and casual sportswear.
The taste of unicorns and sunshine is coming back with Starbucks resurfacing the viral Unicorn Frappuccino this February. Gonzalez also mentions that she “might” try the drink due to its popular interest. However, according to social media, it will only be brought back for one day, most likely on February 5th. When that day arrives, workers will be bombarded with many people trying the drink: both 2016 era veterans and new ones.
While most high school students were not as old as most of the people who experienced 2016 era to the fullest at that time, the nostalgia is definitely hitting even for a time that many did not get to capture. Hopefully in 2026, everyone will be able to feel the same vibe, not copying it, but embracing its energy in a new way.