Summer 2026 is almost upon us, and people are counting down the days, excitedly preparing for it. They’re creating bucket lists full of fun activities to try, shopping for the ideal summer wardrobe, and more. However, many people—especially teenagers—are craving some nostalgia and preparing as if summer 2026 is actually summer 2016, a decade earlier. The question is: how are they going to do this? Let’s go back in time and figure it out.
It all started with the viral TikTok and Instagram trend “2026 is the new 2016.” Users all over the world took to their social media accounts to share nostalgic content from 2016, pairing it with a throwback song. The goal is to escape the current media-filled world and bring back a simpler, more peaceful era in our lives. In order to fully make this change in the summer, teens are focusing on 2016 fashion trends, music, and even activities.
First off, we have fashion trends from 2016. Thrifting has been gaining popularity on social media for quite a while, and 2010s-themed pieces are what almost every current thrift-shopper is looking for. The mid-2010s were defined by streetwear aesthetics, including bomber jackets, choker necklaces, and ripped skinny jeans. We might be thinking the same thing—skinny jeans, really? Yes, they’re definitely not for everyone, but that was what people liked back then. I’ve thrown out all the pairs I owned after seventh grade, so if you wanted to embrace the 2016 style this summer the way I plan to, you might want to fill your cart up with cutoff jean shorts, satin slip dresses, and off-the-shoulder tops.
Next, let’s talk about music from this era. The 2010s, especially 2016, were accompanied by plenty of dance-pop songs and soft rap tracks. Some of the biggest hits on the Billboard chart during this time were “Love Yourself” by Justin Bieber, “One Dance” by Drake, and “Work” by Rihanna. To set the vibe for a 2016 summer, I’d recommend creating a playlist with these songs, plus other essential summertime ones. One, in particular, that is commonly used on TikTok for this trend is called “Lean On” since it’s upbeat and makes you want to get up and dance. And finally, of course, we have “Tumblr Girls,” named after a popular social media platform in the early 2010s. This song encapsulates the 2016 summertime aesthetic perfectly.
Lastly, we have activities/social media trends popularized this year. Recently, fidget toys have been making a huge comeback. However, the mid to late-2010s is when the hype for them began. It all started with fidget spinners, the most trendy toys to own during 2016-2017. They were meant to help kids focus and maintain stress levels. However, they ended up becoming something to flaunt at school instead. When you’re bored this summer and want it to feel like 2016, see if you can get your hands on a fidget spinner. You can also try making slime, another viral trend from this year. All you need is liquid glue, shaving cream, and laundry detergent. Just be sure not to make a mess. For more outdoor summertime activities to bring back the nostalgic vibes, you can try slip-and-slides, water balloon fights, and hula-hoop contests.
Overall, there are many ways in which you can make this summer feel as if you’ve time-traveled back to 2016. Whether it’s through your fashion, music, or the activities you spend your time doing, you’ll be sure to get a hint of nostalgia somewhere. Have fun turning summer 2026 into summer 2016!
