Staff Writer- Emily Anderson
2026 truly is the new 2016. I mean, think about it. Zara Larsson is living the “Lush Life”, especially since she is on tour with part of her song trending. Audience members have joined her on stage to perform part of the dance. Fetty Wap just ended his visit to prison, which will hopefully mean his best album is on the way, (he did have a while to think about it). Another Zootopia movie, Zootopia 2, the long-awaited sequel, came out this winter. While this might be a ploy to return to the bygone days of simpler living, when the biggest worry was making sure you got the Unicorn Frappuccino, there is no doubt that, to some extent, this era could be making a comeback.
I invite you to take a trip back in time with me. Stores were filled with bright colors, contrasting the modern greys and beiges that fill our current society. Athleisure, ankle boots, and that one choker were found in stores everywhere. Skinny jeans, whether you loved them or not, were all the rage. Sequins, graphic tees, and patterns, many of which we have seemed to stray from in more recent years, were common. Makeup was very bright and bold, with an emphasis on large, such as blocked brows, false eyelashes, or sparkly and colorful eyeliner and eyeshadow.
Bold fashion was not the only thing that shaped this era. Dancing was revolutionized during this time, with kids hitting the quan, stanky legging, and whipping (not to mention nae nae-ing) in schools across the country. All of this to say, nothing compares to the dab. These moves have become legendary, not only online, but are still known today.
Life seemed so warm and bright, which was highlighted through the music. Music was heavily influenced by Caribbean music, whether through music by artists like Rihanna, Drake, or Major Lazer. This is very similar to the music so far in 2026, as Bad Bunny is performing in the Super Bowl. The 2016 Super Bowl featured Bruno Mars, who is coming out with a new album next month. As a whole, pop music featuring EDM filled the radio airwaves, with many of the top songs of the year featuring crossovers between these two genres. I miss the days when Closer by The Chainsmokers and Halsey wouldn’t stop playing. One Direction broke up during this time, which is quite the opposite of what is happening now, as Harry Styles is making a comeback with his upcoming album, “Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally”.
Food trends were not left out of this overall trend of bright and colorful, either. Rainbow foods, such as bagels or donuts, were popular. I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t hoping for a major return of toast being mainstream (especially avocado toast). Cauliflower was in everything, and bowls of all kinds were popular, from burrito bowls to acai, which also showcases the trend of “fresh” foods.
Yet, this era may not have been all sunshine and rainbows. Killer clowns were on the loose, with many of the states across the US experiencing some sort of hysteria. Losses of many icons, including Minnesota’s own Prince, meant the loss of many notable names. Prince himself is popular this year through the use of some of his songs in Stranger Things. Debates were heated, including topics of the next election or the controversy of Harambe’s death.
Movies and TV shows have been trending towards 2016 media.Yuri on Ice, which viewers are comparing to very similar to the plot of Heated Rivalry, came out in 2016, showcasing the joys of gay hockey players. The latest trending show, Heated Rivalry, is often compared to 2016’s Yuri On Ice with its ice-centered queer stories.Stranger Things came to an end, which marks the 10-year history of the popular Netflix show. In other entertainment news, sports are similar to those in 2016. As an Olympic year, I am excited to see the drama unfold. The Broncos, who have just won the AFC West (as I am writing this), also won a game in the 2016 Super Bowl 50.
This aside, the idea of brighter days seems to be incredibly enticing. I really do understand the appeal of 2016. While I don’t know if I could handle wearing skinny jeans again every day, I think there was something in the air that truly could only be captured by a grainy iPhone camera with the dog Snapchat filter over it. I find that sometimes trying to find joy in the modern day is about as hard as using a hoverboard without eating shit. However, with the return of some of the classics of 2016, with some of the fashion perhaps following suit, we can once again be reunited with our younger and more care-free selves. Just remember to look both ways before you cross the street if you choose to play Pokémon Go on campus.