Le Haute Trend ReporT
2026 is the New 2016 - The Season’s Biggest Style Comebacks to Look Chic in the City
What started as a trend on social media about looking back at 2016 and comparing our own unique style evolutions over the span of a decade, has erupted in a fashion movement where the industry is currently locked in on the styles and trends that defined an era. While some may remember 2016 as a year full of Hamilton-mania and countless film reboots that brought beloved characters such as Bridget Jones back on our screens, the style savants will recall this was the year when street style took on a life of its own and where sporting casual was haute, haute, haute.
Accessories with the ‘It’ Factor…
In 2016, pop culture taught us to ‘walk into the room purse first,’ meaning lead with your accessories, which very much embodied the style sentiment of the year, and this 2026, you can expect this to also reign true as this year will be all about statement pieces and building looks around them.
If you have a vintage Balenciaga shopper tote or the classic Chloe Marcie bag that were all the rage ten years back, now is the time to bring them out of hibernation, or perhaps consider doing an eBay dive to see what classic millennial gems you can find.
This however is still 2026 and if we want to give ‘It’ accessories a modern spin, one way to do that is to lean into bold shapes and cuts. A trending name in statement pieces is Brooklyn’s own, Alexis Bittar, whose earrings, cuffs and unmistakable clutches have become a favorite of Hollywood’s A-List, from Madonna, Beyoncé, Meghan Markle and beyond, his avant garde design and use of fine materials has made Bittar one of the most viral and trending names in fashion.
This season is all about dialing up the edge so don’t be afraid to go for the loud accessories – more is more. Think bold colors and textiles, abstract shapes and dramatic sizes – if it looks ‘out of the box,’ then it’s on trend for the year. Having a mute outfit is okay because your accessories will be doing the talking.
Are skinny jeans back? Not quite…
If you were one of the many who had a sigh of relief when we buried skinny jeans six-feet-under a few years back, don’t get too comfortable as fitted silhouettes are making a comeback – they were peak 2016 after all.
While barrel jeans and wide leg pants are still very much in order for the year ahead, tapered pants are also on the menu for this season. Skinny pants don’t equate to compression pieces so avoid trousers that cut off circulation. There is such a thing as ‘too tight,’ and we’re not there yet. This is a trend that fashion is slowly reintroducing so rather than going for pants that look like a second layer of skin, look for pants that are a bit more cigarette-style in shape. Consider darker tones if you’re looking for an elevated look. COS and Banana Republic are great for chino-style fitted pants while Diesel and AG Jeans continue to be the lead authority in denim. If you want an overall interesting look, add contrast by pairing the pants with a voluminous, or oversized top.
Bombshell Style Starts with a Bomber Jacket…
And what is more voluminous than a bomber jacket? For both men and women, this was a wardrobe staple. Whether in leather with Sherling or made out of nylon green, it was impossible to walk a block of the city and not find one on the street.
The appeal behind these jackets is their versatility to style and their insulated comfort. They’re a piece you can sport when running errands or heading down to your local Joe & The Juice but they are also a statement piece you can wear on an evening night out, especially if made from leather and finer textiles. From Loewe to Lululemon, there’s no shortage of these jackets that have seemingly popped up on racks everywhere and as we segue into Spring, expect these to spot these around every neighborhood.
A Casual Step is A Bold Choice…
To complete the 2016 aesthetic, one fundamental piece is having a good sneaker game. Ten years ago, we saw a public obsession over Golden Goose and just about every other NFL and NBA player was rocking a pair of Air Jordans, which shaped fashion forever. Since then, style maisons of the likes of Louis Vuitton, Hermes, Dior and others have fully curated new sneaker drops that have become a staple of every collection, season after season. This year is no different and we’re leaning back into sneaker culture but looking for an elevated twist. Marni’s Nappa leather sneakers have become a crowd favorite as have the unisex Squish sneakers from Scandinavian brand Axel Arigato, who brings a playful silhouette reminiscent of the 70s. If the disco era could go back and time and redesign sneakers, the Squish style would be it. This is also an area where going bold pays off – after all, footwear is the original accessory.
Overall, the season ahead is about being unapologetically you and having fun with bold shapes and styles. While we are taking inspiration from the past, what will make it modern and fresh is bringing any unique nuances that represent you today. Fashion is not formulaic, it’s all about evolution, and in the end is a form of self-expression so take risks, and repeat what works. And to see what new styles will be trending next Fall, check back next month as we recap runway highlights from New York Fashion Week.
