Social media just handed us a time machine, and it’s set for 2016.
If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably had moments where you paused and wondered if you’d somehow been transported back to 2016. Everywhere you look, nostalgia is having a moment, and it’s hard not to ask why.
For starters, 2016 was an incredible year for music; one that deeply influenced culture and, by extension, fashion and beauty. It gave us culturally defining songs that still feel etched into our memories. I still remember when Drake released “One Dance,” and the internet went into a frenzy trying to figure out whether the voice on the track belonged to Wizkid. The excitement that followed, and the eventual confirmation that it was Wizkid.
I remember the way we dressed, and the way people around me did too, even before I consciously started to care about fashion. The uniform was clear: Skinny jeans, Vans, and crop tops — so many crop tops. Chokers were everywhere, bangles were stacked up the arms, and no look was complete without the signature pout when posing for photos.
To truly bask in the nostalgia, people are now recreating everything, from iconic Instagram filters to the outfits and makeup styles that defined that era. So if you’ve been wondering what these looks actually were, or you’re looking for inspiration to tap into the 2016 revival, you’re definitely in the right place.
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Skinny jeans & fitted silhouettes
Skinny jeans were the staple back in 2016. Usually high-waisted and ankle-length, they were styled with crop tops, fitted tees, and the iconic flannel tied casually around the waist. I don’t know what collective agreement had every girl convinced this was peak cool, but at the time, it absolutely was.
Ironically, it feels like the universe is biting me on the cheek with this trend, because skinny jeans were one of the pieces I was fully prepared to leave behind in 2025. But that’s the fun — and the frustration — of fashion. Just when you think you’re done with something, it finds its way back, completely unexpected.
Crop top county
Crop tops were unavoidable in 2016 Nigeria — ribbed crops, off-shoulder crops, cold-shoulder tops — you name it. There seemed to be a crop top for every occasion, worn with high-waist jeans or skirts, and showing up everywhere, from parties to campus to casual outings. With the crop top resurgence now, I don’t imagine they’ll cling to the body-hugging fit of 2016. Instead, expect more relaxed, freer silhouettes. Playful tweaks like high-low hems and subtle draping add a modern twist to a nostalgic classic.
Matte lipsticks
Looking back at 2016, it’s amazing how much makeup has evolved since then. Lip combo where? Back then, all the ladies really needed was a trusty matte lipstick, and they were good to go. Shades lived in the realm of browns, nudes, wine, and deep burgundies. For special occasions, you could see appearances of hot pinks and even the occasional neon orange.
Matte lipstick is making its way back into the spotlight, but not in quite the same way. In 2016, ladies wore it plainly — no liner, no gloss, just straight from the tube.. Now, it’s almost always paired with a lip liner and often finished with a swipe of gloss, even if that slightly defeats the purpose of the matte effect. It’s a small detail, but it perfectly captures how beauty trends rarely return unchanged.
Bold brows
In 2016, if you didn’t know how to draw a full-on brow, you might as well not have shown up. Thick, sharply defined brows were non-negotiable. They had a firm grip on every makeup look. Girls had to fully draw their eyes, and what about soft, natural brows? That wasn’t even a thing yet. This year, bold brows seem to still be having their moment. They remain the star of the face, just more softly defined and less heavily shaded.
Full-glam makeup
This was the peak beat face era. In 2016, who even knew what the clean girl aesthetic was? Just showing up to class often meant a full face of makeup. Contouring skills weren’t exactly perfected yet, so a lot of foundation and powder were involved — thank goodness shading came along to save the day. In 2026, people still choose full glam for events and parties, but they wear it in a more evolved way.
Ankara bottoms with everything
Ankara has always been a cornerstone of our visual representation, and in 2016, it was everywhere. Back then, the big trend was pairing Ankara pieces with plain tops — Ankara trousers or skirts with a simple tee or blouse were all the rage. It was a way to make Ankara more wearable for classes and casual outings, not just for major formal events. Today, this trend hasn’t disappeared; it’s evolved. Now, you’ll see upgraded versions featuring Asoke, Adire, and tie-dye bottoms styled with everything from simple tops to statement pieces, keeping the cultural staple fresh and relevant.
Chokers as accessories
To tell you how big this trend was, I still have a couple of chokers from my teenage years, you know, the rubber ones that crisscrossed to form X’s, sometimes with a little crystal pendant in the centre. They were an irremovable part of a look. Back then, an outfit didn’t feel complete without one. They came in all sorts of materials, like velvet, rubber, and denim. Chokers may not be fully back just yet. Still, choker-inspired necklaces are pulling us closer to familiar, nostalgic looks.
Full circle: Lessons from a stylish decade ago
2016 has become a mood board in its own right, full of distinct styles and bold choices. It was an era of fearless expression, where no one really cared what anyone thought. What’s remarkable now is how these trends are returning, not as exact copies, but evolved and more experimental. Fashion and beauty have a way of reminding us that style is cyclical. And maybe that’s the real takeaway: No matter how much the world changes, a little nostalgia always finds a way to make us feel like ourselves again.
