2026 has arrived and many people have been searching for what is “in.” People all over the world are chronically online, and looking for inspiration, and reason to start some new trends. Whether it is the new and improved brainrot, or the fashion seen at the Golden Globes, people are digging deep in the big 26’; looking for gossip, scrolling non-stop, liking new posts galore, America is in desperate need of some new trends.
When people look at 2026, everyone sees the newest hit of the internet, 2026 is the new 2016; the dog snapchat filter, the fidget spinners, the tiktok trends, it is all coming back in full rotation. Forbes writers said, “The 2016 trend has been embraced across the wider web, but it first originated from younger TikTok users dissatisfied with the current state of the internet.” The internet is crumbling beneath our feet as we speak. Frantic users seeking propaganda to accuse anyone they can. The gossip is being stirred, and TikTok holds the ladle. “Loren Gray, Lauren Godwin, Sebastian Bales, and Zach King were all people who made a huge impact on people in 2016.” Forbes writers say. Many of these content creators have made reappearances on TikTok, following the trend where many people show a picture from now, and then a flashback from 2016. A lot of people are also showing that they were seniors in high school during 2016, and it hit them hard.
The fashion trends have also made an appearance in recent months. InStyle Magazine says, “Baggy jeans, kitten heels, ballet sneakers, animal print, and all of the iconic trends are making a return.” Although duct tape wallets may not make a return, there are some fun fashion statements that have been and will stay in style. At the recent Golden Globes, many musicians and famous actors displayed outfits that gave viewers a bit of nostalgia. InStyle Magazine also mentioned that the low-rise Levi’s are also a pair of jeans people have been raving about. Many Y2K fashionistas are getting flashbacks to their older days when low-rise jeans and PINK were all they represented. Whether leopard print is too “in” at the moment or people are just overusing it, many people can also be seen wearing full sets of leopard and even the staple animal print of the 2000’s, zebra stripes. Another trend in the fashion world that seems to be making its debut is barrel jeans. These jeans are designed in a barrel shape, where the legs seem to be more rounded than usual. Most people admit to not pulling these off, while for some, it is all they can wear. Fur coats are also making their way back in, whether it is subtle or full-on coats of faux fur, people are taking these to the extreme. Leather goes the same way. Pants, coats, and belts, all of the pieces are all made of leather (InStyle Magazine). Many people are asking, what is next for the fashion world?
Whether you agree or disagree with the return of many old trends and some occasional new ones, the world continues to spin and time continues to tick. Trends circulate even as times change, whether the world wants them to or not. The TikTok community continues to boost the return of 2016, and influencers are here for it. Popular faces are influencing others to represent their favorite baggy jeans and leopard print shirts, even if they think it is unable to be pulled off. Let’s just hope some of the regretted trends do not make their way through the cracks of 2026!
