Style these trendy fashion faves like it's 2016

We’re remixing 2016 greats and giving them a 2026 revival!

So… is it 2016 again? You through Instagram and TikTok. A decade later, 2016 still lingers in the cultural imagination – and for good reason. It was a pop-culture juggernaut. Social media felt fun, carefree and organic, and the music was undeniable – we were spoiled with Beyoncé’s ‘Lemonade’, Kwesta’s ‘Ngud’ and defining albums from Frank Ocean and Rihanna, Blonde and Anti. It’s no surprise, then, that this rose-tinted nostalgia is shaping the fashion landscape of 2026. Consider this your guide to reworking your favourite 2016 trends for today – less throwback, more reinvention; an exercise in upcycling the past into something wonderfully new.

By the ankles

Whether it was the retro Chelsea boot or iconic Jeﬀrey Campbell platform Lita boot, the masses were not waiting for winter to wear ankle boots in 2016. This is one trend we’re ready to welcome back! (As for those Lita boots, the jury’s still out on that one… ) The ankle boot knew no boundaries, pairing eﬀortlessly with everything from skater skirts and mini dresses to denim shorts and skinny jeans. And that versatility still exists, just update the proportions: straight-leg jeans replace skinny cuts, and tailored shorts replace ripped denim for a fresh, current edge.

Ringer Mid-Strap Leather Ankle Boots R3 899, G-Star RAW

Square-Toe Sculpted Heel Ankle Boots R499.99, The FIX

Studded Pointy Stiletto Ankle Boots R529.99, The FIX

Big on bombers

Back in the day, the bomber jacket cemented its status as a must-have piece, dominating both street style and designer collections. From Saint Laurent’s black-and-white version to Chloé’s satin embroidered bomber, this was fashion’s great unifier, cutting across gender lines and style tribes with eﬀortless ease. Rihanna, David Beckham and Pharrell Williams wore them with swagger. The bomber was styled with skinny jeans, a plain or graphic T-shirt and sneakers or ankle boots. Today, the it has evolved – think leather or suede, oversized or cropped, but your now- vintage 2016 piece will still hold its own. Swap the skinny jeans for baggier cuts, but keep the sneakers and tees.

Redbat PU Bubble Jacket R1 299.95, Sportscene

‘Unofficial’ Graphic PU Bomber Jacket R679.99, The FIX

Oversized Fatigue Bomber Jacket R999, Markham

Slender sneakers

In 2026, Gen Z is oﬃcially stepping away from bulky ‘dad sneakers’ and embracing the return of slender, low-profile kicks that feel equal parts nostalgic and refreshingly modern. Slim soles, streamlined silhouettes and retro sport references (styles inspired by the 70s, 80s and early 2000s) are dominating again. From track to court classics, Adidas Sambas, Speedcats and similar designs are leading the charge – offering a lighter, more versatile alternative that pairs eﬀortlessly with everything from baggy denims to micro-minis. This shift reflects a broader move towards minimalism and wearability, with fashion insiders noting that sneakers are becoming “sleeker with very thin soles” – blurring the line between a sporty and ballet-inspired aesthetic; a trend that’s not just about looking cool, but about feeling eﬀortless too.

1. Adidas Originals Samba Jane Sneakers R1 799.95, Archive

2. Adidas Originals Tokyo MJ Sneakers R1 899.95, Sportscene

3. Puma H-Street Sneakers R1 899.95, Sportscene

4. Asics Skyhand OG Sneakers R1 999.95, Sportscene

5. Puma Super Turino Sneakers R1 399.95, Sneaker Factory

Issa choker

Ah yes, the choker… if you wore a black velvet choker with a lace crop-top and flower crown, then you had to have been big on Tumblr. We will allow this trend to return but with a 2026 update. The fabric choker now often features a small flower accent on the side of the neck. If you still have your original fabric choker, simply add a fabric flower brooch to bring it into 2026. That said, fabric styles have mostly given way to delicate metals and pearls. For extra impact, take a note from layering and wear two or three chokers. And know that halternecks, V-necks and polonecks all show oﬀ a choker beautifully.

Rigid Chocker Collar Necklace R149, Foschini

2-Pack Pearl Necklace & Bow Choker Set R89.99, Exact

14ct Gold-Plated and Pearl Layered Choker Necklace R499, Galaxy & Co

Layered Pearl Choker with Gold Details R149, Foschini

We love a slip

In 2016, the slip dress was the elegant (or sometimes edgy) way to dress up, and we’re more than happy to welcome it back in every variation. Long, short or midi, it gave everyone the chance to play with style – and that fun shouldn’t be reserved for 2016. To update the look, pair it with kitten heels or ballerina flats. For colder days, wear it with a blazer or over a pair of jeans, or layer a wool or sheer turtleneck top underneath. Finish with ankle or knee-high boots for a modern, playful twist.