2026 is the new 2016—here’s the trend you’ll be bringing back, based on your zodiac

I know it's only been two weeks, but 2026 is shaping up to be a pretty good year. It’s the year of the Horse, meaning it's going to be fast, fearless, and all about momentum. And according to the internet, it seems that we’re galloping straight back to 2016. Yes, unless you live under a rock, the internet has unofficially crowned 2026 as the new 2016—all the trends, memes, and aesthetics you loved back then, but with a little extra polish, more self-awareness, and a whole lot of nostalgia for comfort.

And it's everywhere. Fashion is flirting with throwbacks, beauty is revisiting its once-iconic eras, and pop culture is leaning hard into familiarity. Think old-school It-girl silhouettes, makeup looks that once ruled YouTube tutorials, and aesthetics that feel ripped straight out of a Tumblr moodboard, but updated for a generation that’s older, more self-aware, and slightly exhausted.

This isn’t about copying the past move for move. It’s about reworking it. The trends we’re revisiting now come with better tailoring, better formulations, and a lot more intention. And after the chaos of whatever 2025 was, returning to a time that felt fun, expressive, and a little unserious feels almost therapeutic.

So if we’re doing 2016 again, why not let the zodiac guide which trend you’ll personally be reviving in 2026?

Aries – The mannequin challenge

Taurus – Cold shoulder and off‑shoulder tops

Classic, pretty, and effortlessly luxe, you owned the cold-shoulder trend. It’s elegant without trying too hard, just like you: tactile, indulgent, and always looking polished. Whether brunching with friends or scrolling your feed, you made comfort look decadent and forever in style.

Gemini – Snapchat filter

Cancer – Tumblr-core comfort culture

Soft blankets, cosy corners, pastel mugs, and endless scrolling, Cancer, you lived for Tumblr-core comfort culture in 2016. Your aesthetic was all about nostalgia, whimsy, and self-care that looked dreamy on your feed. Whether it was pinning cute illustrations or curating soft-light edits, you made comfort a lifestyle and turned every cosy nook into a mood.

Leo – Bomber jackets and street style

Bold, attention-grabbing, and unapologetically extra, Leo, bomber jackets were basically made for you. Satin sheen, street style snaps, and celeb inspo? You didn’t just wear it; you owned every room you walked into. In 2016, your style said, “Look at me, I dare you not to.”

Virgo – Athleisure takeover

Practical, polished, and quietly dominant in style, Virgo, you made athleisure an everyday vibe. Leggings with tailored jackets, sneakers with midi skirts, perfectly neat ponytails, you were proof that function can be fashion-forward. While others were figuring it out, you were already Instagramming the effortlessly chic look.

Libra – Choker necklaces

Balanced, beautiful, and just a touch dramatic, Libra, you layered chokers like a pro. Velvet, leather, dainty chains, every outfit got that sleek, flirtatious edge. You made the ‘90s revival your own, proving that symmetry isn’t just for math, it’s a lifestyle and a mood.

Scorpio – Indie sleeze and moody glam

Sagittarius – Pokémon GO craze

Free-spirited, adventurous, and never staying in one place, Sagittarius, you were out catching Pokémon before anyone else even downloaded the app. Trails, parks, city streets, your squad was always on the move, chasing Pikachu, Charizard, and every wild adventure. 2016 was basically peak Sag energy IRL.

Capricorn – Planners, productivity posts, and looking busy

Ambitious, organised, and always polished, Capricorn, you mastered the boss-era aesthetic in 2016. Planner in one hand, perfectly curated Instagram post in the other, your productivity game was so strong it deserved its own hashtag. Work-first instincts? Checked. Looking effortlessly in control? Double-checked.

Aquarius – Harambae and internet irony

Pisces – Digicam pics and dreamy edits

Soft focus, blurry memories, pastel filters, Pisces, you lived in the imperfect, emotional aesthetic of 2016. Every digicam pic and dreamy edit looked like it belonged in a music video or a Tumblr moodboard. Nostalgia, whimsy, and romantic fuzziness? You curated it perfectly, forever turning ordinary moments into mood magic.

Lead image: Pexels 

Also read: The trendiest bags you'll see everyone carrying in 2026

Also read: Must-have planners to keep yourself from spiralling in 2026