2016 Biggest Trends in Clothing That Took Over Everyone’s Closet

You know that moment when a “throwback” photo pops up and you instantly recognize the year just from the outfit? 2016 is one of those eras. It had a very specific mix of streetwear, festival style, and “I just threw this on” confidence that somehow still looked planned. If you’re chasing nostalgia, building a themed party look, or just figuring out why your older selfies feel so 2016, this is the cheat sheet.

The quick snapshot of 2016 style

If you only remember a handful of things, it’s probably these:

• Chokers on everyone
• Bomber jackets as the default layer
• Athleisure as real clothing, not just gym wear
• Off-the-shoulder tops all summer
• Slip dresses, often layered over a T-shirt
• Skinny jeans with dramatic rips
• Velvet everywhere, especially for nights out
• Over-the-knee boots and ankle boots in heavy rotation
• Millennial pink and soft neutrals
• Logo tees, slogan tops, and obvious branding

The biggest 2016 clothing trends, explained

1) Athleisure became everyday wear

2016 was the year leggings stopped pretending they were just for workouts. Track pants, cropped hoodies, fitted zip-ups, and clean sneakers turned into daily uniforms. The key detail was fit: pieces looked sporty, but they weren’t baggy or sloppy.

What people got wrong: wearing full gym gear head to toe. The 2016 version usually had one “real outfit” anchor, like a bomber jacket, denim jacket, or structured coat.

2) Bomber jackets replaced cardigans

Bomber jackets were everywhere, from satin to nylon to embroidered versions. They worked because they made a basic outfit look finished in two seconds.

Common 2016 pairing:

• Bomber jacket + skinny jeans + simple tee
• Bomber jacket + slip dress + sneakers
• Bomber jacket + leggings + a clean cap

3) Chokers were the accessory of the year

Velvet chokers, thin black bands, stretchy tattoo chokers, layered chokers, all of them. They were easy, cheap, and instantly gave an outfit that 2016 edge.

Quick style cue that screams 2016: choker + off-the-shoulder top + messy bun.

4) Off-the-shoulder tops had a full summer takeover

This trend was peak warm-weather fashion. Off-the-shoulder blouses, ruffled necklines, and shoulder-baring dresses were the go-to for brunch, vacations, and festival photos. It was flirty, breezy, and looked good in pictures, which mattered a lot in 2016.

The usual mistake: straps and bra lines showing in a way that looked accidental. People either went strapless or used a bandeau that looked intentional.

5) Slip dresses brought back the 1990s vibe

Slip dresses returned as both “going out” and casual layering pieces. The defining move was wearing a slip dress over a fitted tee or under a jacket, which made it feel less formal and more street style.

Most 2016 color palette: black, champagne, blush, deep jewel tones.

6) Ripped skinny jeans went harder than before

Distressed denim was already popular, but 2016 loved big knee holes and shredded details. Skinny jeans still dominated, and the rips were often the main feature of the outfit.

If you’re recreating it now, the most authentic detail is the raw hem or slightly frayed ankle.

7) Velvet became the “night out” fabric

Velvet showed up in dresses, tops, chokers, and even boots. It felt dramatic without needing a complicated outfit, so it was perfect for parties and photos.

The most 2016 version: a velvet mini dress with ankle boots.

8) Over-the-knee boots and ankle boots stayed on repeat

Boots were a huge part of the look, especially in fall and winter. Over-the-knee boots paired with sweater dresses, mini skirts, or skinny jeans were everywhere. Ankle boots were the everyday option, worn with denim and dresses alike.

What made it feel 2016: a slightly pointed toe and a slim ankle shape.

9) Millennial pink and soft neutrals dominated

Millennial pink was a full cultural moment, not just a color. Alongside it, beige, tan, gray, and muted olive were everywhere. These shades made outfits feel “clean” even when the pieces were casual.

Easy 2016 combo: neutral top + ripped jeans + a pink accessory or jacket.

10) Logo tees and slogan tops did the talking

2016 loved obvious branding and bold text. It could be a designer logo, a band tee, a cheeky phrase, or a graphic print. The shirt was often the personality of the outfit.

Most common styling: tucked into high-waisted jeans or worn under a slip dress.

11) High-waisted bottoms were the default

Low-rise was basically missing in action. High-waisted jeans, shorts, and skirts ruled because they worked perfectly with crop tops and tucked tees.

The 2016 silhouette was clear:

• High waist
• Shorter top
• Clean sneakers or boots

12) “Pajama dressing” and silky sets had a moment

Satin camisoles, silky button-ups, and pajama-style sets showed up in street style. It was that “I woke up like this” vibe, but still polished enough to look intentional.

The trick was balance: silky top with jeans, or matching set with sleek shoes and minimal jewelry.

If you want to nail a 2016 outfit fast

Pick two trends only. Three can start to look like a costume unless you keep the colors calm.

Quick outfit formulas

• Choker + off-the-shoulder top + ripped skinny jeans + ankle boots
• Bomber jacket + leggings + clean sneakers + baseball cap
• Slip dress over a fitted tee + bomber jacket + sneakers
• Velvet mini dress + ankle boots + simple earrings
• Logo tee tucked into high-waisted jeans + statement belt + boots

The best 2016 trend to bring back right now

If I had to choose one that still looks good without trying too hard, it’s the bomber jacket. It works with denim, dresses, and athleisure, and it instantly gives that 2016 street-style finish without needing a full throwback outfit.

If you’re recreating 2016 for fun, start with a bomber and one of these: a choker, ripped skinny jeans, or an off-the-shoulder top. Take one mirror photo, and you’ll see it immediately.