Chokers, hats, cosmic patterns: Designer recalls iconic 2016 fashion trends
Andre Tan (photo: instagram.com/andre_tan_official)
A social media flashmob featuring archive photos from 2016 has been spreading for several weeks. Ukrainian designer Andre Tan recalled the iconic trends of that time: chokers, hats, cosmic prints, and other items that defined the style of an entire generation.
The designer shared on his Instagram which pieces remain symbols of 2016 fashion.
Hats and round sunglasses
"There was crazy hype around hats back then," Tan notes.
They looked especially striking when paired with round sunglasses and dark burgundy lipstick.
The look was completed with black skinny jeans, creating an outfit that immediately caught attention. This combination became a kind of symbol of urban fashion during that period.
Andre Tan on 2016 trends (photo: instagram.com/andre_tan_official)
Plaid shirt
Another 2016 trend was plaid shirts. According to Andre Tan, a red and black shirt was more than just clothing – it was the voice of a generation.
People wore it for years, pairing it with jeans, shorts, or even under leather jackets. At the time, this wardrobe piece defined style just as much as accessories or shoes.
Andre Tan on 2016 trends (photo: instagram.com/andre_tan_official)
Chokers
Accessories at the time were minimalist. The choker, a simple black ribbon worn around the neck, became a must-have for any outfit.
"We didn’t bother with jewelry: a choker meant a black ribbon, simple and everywhere," the designer explains.
Andre Tan on 2016 trends (photo: instagram.com/andre_tan_official)
Space everywhere
Space-themed prints took over young people’s wardrobes. Vans with space prints, leggings, sweatshirts, even phone cases – everyone wanted that cosmic vibe.
According to Tan, the space theme appeared as early as 2014, but it was in 2016 that it became widespread and stayed popular longer than any other trend.
Andre Tan on 2016 trends (photo: instagram.com/andre_tan_official)
High waist and crop tops
Low-rise jeans were considered the ultimate anti-trend in 2016. On the contrary, high-waist bottoms and crop tops were must-haves for any fashionable outfit.
Short shorts with raw edges, long sweaters, and T-shirts – all of these created the distinctive silhouette of that time.
Andre Tan on 2016 trends (photo: instagram.com/andre_tan_official)
Brands everyone wore
Calvin Klein outfits, Levi’s T-shirts, leather backpacks – these mid-range items were considered a dream back then.
According to Andre Tan, these brands defined the basic style of young people and became must-haves for photo zones and social media.
Andre Tan on 2016 trends (photo: instagram.com/andre_tan_official)
Items that defined 2016
According to the designer, some pieces were unmistakably associated with 2016:
-
Leather backpack;
-
Bandana around the neck;
-
Triangl swimsuits.
“Without all of this, 2016 simply wouldn’t have existed,” Andre Tan concludes.
Andre Tan on 2016 trends (photo: instagram.com/andre_tan_official)
Earlier, Andre Tan named trending colors that will be popular all year.
