Trending Fashion Styles 2016 That Turned Heads

The year 2016 was a major turning point in fashion, blending past influences with new trends. Styles like ‘90s-inspired chokers, slip dresses, bomber jackets, athleisure, and metallics became popular worldwide. Social media platforms such as Instagram, Pinterest, and Tumblr played a key role in spreading these trends, with celebrities and influencers shaping global fashion choices. Many of these trends remain relevant today, proving their lasting impact on modern wardrobes.

This guide explores the most iconic 2016 fashion trends, their origins, and how they continue to influence contemporary fashion. Whether you’re looking to relive these styles or incorporate them into your wardrobe, this article provides a comprehensive breakdown.

The Most Iconic Fashion Trends of 2016

1. Off-the-Shoulder Trend

Off-the-shoulder tops and dresses were everywhere in 2016, inspired by ‘70s bohemian fashion. This style added a feminine, flirty touch to outfits and was popular among celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid.

How to Style:

• Pair an off-the-shoulder top with high-waisted jeans for a casual look.
• Style an off-the-shoulder dress with heels and statement earrings for an evening outfit.
• Layer with a cardigan or denim jacket for transitional weather.

2. Bomber Jackets

Originally a pilot’s uniform, bomber jackets became a must-have fashion staple in 2016. They were available in various styles, from satin to embroidered and oversized versions, influenced by streetwear and K-pop fashion.

Popular Variations:

• Satin bombers in pastel shades for a chic look.
• Embroidered bombers featuring floral and artistic designs.
• Oversized bombers for an edgy streetwear vibe.

Styling Tips:

• Wear a bomber jacket over a crop top and leggings for a sporty look.
• Pair an embroidered bomber with a simple dress for contrast.
• Rock an oversized bomber with ripped jeans for a relaxed outfit.

3. Chokers: The ‘90s Comeback

Chokers, a symbol of ‘90s grunge fashion, made a huge return in 2016. The trend featured various styles, from velvet to leather and lace.

How to Wear Them:

• Layer chokers with longer necklaces for a trendy boho-chic look.
• Match a lace choker with an off-the-shoulder dress for a feminine touch.
• Pair a leather choker with a graphic tee and ripped jeans for an edgy vibe.

4. Athleisure: The Gym-to-Street Look

Athleisure blurred the lines between gym wear and casual outfits, making leggings, joggers, and hoodies everyday staples. Brands like Adidas, Nike, and Puma capitalized on this trend, collaborating with celebrities like Rihanna and Kanye West.

How to Style:

• Wear sleek leggings with a cropped hoodie and sneakers for a sporty-chic vibe.
• Style track pants with heels and a fitted top for an elevated look.
• Use an oversized hoodie as a dress, paired with over-the-knee boots.

5. Over-the-Knee Boots

Over-the-knee boots became a wardrobe essential, thanks to fashion icons like Kylie Jenner and Gigi Hadid. These boots added confidence and sophistication to any outfit.

How to Style:

• Wear it with a mini dress for a balanced look.
• Pair over skinny jeans and an oversized sweater for a cozy outfit.
• Style with a structured blazer for a bold fashion statement.

6. The Velvet Takeover

Velvet was the fabric of the year, adding a luxurious touch to fashion. From dresses to blazers and boots, this trend dominated both street style and high fashion.

Popular Velvet Items:

• Crushed velvet slip dresses for a nighttime staple.
• Velvet blazers for a mix of vintage and modern sophistication.
• Velvet boots for a bold fashion statement.

Top Colors:

• Burgundy for a romantic look.
• Navy for a chic alternative to black.
• Emerald green for an eye-catching statement.

7. The Slip Dress Revival

A ‘90s classic, the slip dress was a key trend in 2016. It could be worn alone in summer or layered in colder months.

How to Style:

• Wear with sandals for a minimalist summer look.
• Layer over a turtleneck in winter.
• Pair with a leather jacket for an edgy twist.

8. Ripped & Frayed Denim

Distressed jeans, jackets, and skirts were everywhere in 2016, offering a cool, grunge-inspired aesthetic.

Popular Brands:

• Levi’s
• Zara
• Topshop

How to Style:

• Pair ripped jeans with a structured blazer for contrast.
• Wear a distressed denim jacket over a slip dress.

9. Metallics & Holographic Fashion

Futuristic fabrics were a standout trend in 2016, turning heads in both streetwear and high fashion. Designers like Balmain and Gucci showcased metallic pieces in their collections.

How to Style:

• Pair a metallic skirt with a basic top for balance.
• Wear holographic sneakers for a playful touch.
• Style a metallic bomber jacket with neutral tones.

10. Pins, Patches & DIY Personalization

Customization was big in 2016, with enamel pins and embroidered patches becoming popular ways to express individuality.

How to Use Them:

• Decorate denim jackets with custom patches.
• Personalize backpacks with enamel pins.
• Add patches to ripped jeans for a DIY effect.

How Social Media & Celebrities Shaped 2016 Fashion

Social media played a major role in making trends go viral. Instagram, Pinterest, and Tumblr allow fashion lovers to share and adopt new styles instantly. Influencers like Kendall Jenner, Rihanna, and Gigi Hadid set trends, while brands like Adidas, Nike, and Gucci adapted their styles to meet growing demand.

Fast fashion brands such as Zara, H&M, and Forever 21 quickly reproduced high-end trends, making them accessible to a wider audience. The mix of luxury and street style defined 2016, making fashion more inclusive and dynamic.

How to Recreate 2016 Looks Today

Fashion trends never truly disappear—they evolve. Here’s how to bring back 2016 trends in a fresh way:

1. Modern Off-the-Shoulder Styles: Opt for asymmetrical tops instead of classic off-the-shoulder blouses. 

2. Updated Bomber Jackets: Try cropped bomber jackets with sleek designs. 

3. Chokers with Layers: Mix chokers with longer necklaces for a contemporary touch. 

4. Elevated Athleisure: Pair tailored joggers with structured blazers. 

5. Slip Dresses with Layers: Style over turtlenecks or under oversized blazers.

Where to Shop:

• Thrift Stores & Vintage Shops: Depop, Poshmark, and ThredUp for original 2016 pieces.
• Fast Fashion Retailers: Zara, H&M, and ASOS for modernized versions of these trends.
• DIY Customization: Add patches, pins, and embroidery to personalize outfits.

Conclusion

The year 2016 was a defining moment in fashion, blending retro influences with modern innovation. Trends like off-the-shoulder tops, bomber jackets, chokers, and athleisure shaped the industry and continue to influence today’s styles. With a few styling updates, these trends can seamlessly fit into contemporary wardrobes. Fashion is ever-evolving, but the best styles always find a way to reinvent themselves. OutFitter Blr, a leading fashion blogging agency, continues to celebrate these trends, offering fresh insights and inspiration for modern fashion enthusiasts. Keep experimenting, mixing, and personalizing to make these trends your own!