I still remember 2016 vividly. From listening to “24K Magic” on the bus to discovering who the Kardashians are, the year played a pivotal role in introducing 11-year-old me to pop culture.
The nostalgia the internet and I feel for 2016 is very real. TikTok and Instagram are flooded with filtered photos yearning for simpler times. Photos of Coachella and the infamous army green jacket that my best friend owned are everywhere.
Social media users, including myself, are romanticizing an era that wasn’t all that eventful to begin with. But the aesthetic captures a sense of nostalgia, drawing people into the throwback trend and hashtags reminiscent of the King Kylie era.
But the year wasn’t as romantic as it seemed. For myself, it started with a bout of Bell’s palsy followed by illness and an endless loop of “Sorry” by Justin Bieber being played on the radio.
Others were experiencing sorrow from terrorist attacks happening around the country, the outcome of the 2016 election, or the outbreak of the Zika virus. But these moments are usually not taken into account when reminiscing on our memories of a decade ago.
Instead, people remember Snapchat filters and the famous mannequin challenge. People long to bring back silly internet trends and light-hearted interactions. So if we’re bringing the trends back, which ones deserve to stay and which deserve to go?
Trends that are IN
This is a hot take, but let’s bring back skinny jeans. I know, I know, I love straight and wide leg jeans just as much as the next person, but I rocked skinny jeans in 2016. I would love to see them become more popular without the death of loose silhouettes.
Let’s also bring back casual social media posting. People are often so focused on curating a perfect aesthetic that works with the algorithm. But my favorite people are the ones who post a picture of their brunch with their mom in the morning, and a picture of their dog in the afternoon. I want to see people posting without the fear of judgment from their peers.
One more thing I want to see come back is YouTube culture. People used to post such good videos. They were full of exciting stories, subpar editing and goofy personalities. People still post, but it’s just not the same. I loved a crazy episode of Good Mythical Morning or a vlog from Brooklyn and Bailey. People post curated videos now instead of authentic videos that show the chaos and cringiness of life.
Trends that are OUT
Black plastic chokers do not need to have a resurgence this year. I’m down for a little choker moment, but the black plastic ones are not it. They remind me of something a sixth grader would wear. They can stay in 2016.
Another thing that has had its time is super matte glam every day makeup. It was a moment, it was a statement, it is a relic. Dry foundation and highlighter blindness don’t need to make their way back into the beauty scene after dewy skin, extra blush and natural brows have made an appearance in modern makeup.
Another trend that can stay in 2016 is Snapchat filters. The glowing flower crown and the dog sticking out its tongue were so fun 10 years ago, but they’re outdated now. Filters are not the move anymore. I want to see you in your post, not the stars flying around your head.
Why the nostalgia?
The real question is, why are we so nostalgic for only a decade ago? I don’t recall people reminiscing about 2006 when I was in sixth grade. In fact, I remember it being the opposite.
People hated low-rise jeans, sweat suits and music that felt too old. But now, people yearn to go back — because people miss simpler times. 2016 wasn’t necessarily simple. However, most people were younger and had fewer burdens on their shoulders.
My biggest worry was whether or not I could get my spelling homework and Studies Weekly turned in by Friday morning, or if my cousin could hang out with me that night. I wasn’t worried about getting all my work hours in each week or if my credit card was paid off. I was more concerned with how my skinny jeans weren’t skinny enough.
There wasn’t the constant switch-up of trends and content in the media. Many weren’t paying bills yet, and their only worry was if their eyeliner was straight. People had money to party or buy things that weren’t necessities. Social media wasn’t packed full of political content and world news.
2016 is back because people want to feel a sense of security that can only come from the past, and knowing that we will overcome our trials. And while the trends are fun, they aren’t the only thing people reminisce on.
