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A decade after 2016, its pop stars, fashion choices and internet-fueled crazes are surging back into view. From Bruno Mars and Zara Larsson to collectible toys and extravagant treats, 2026 is beginning to look strikingly familiar.

“The [2016] style is coming back and a lot of people are reminiscing about [2016],” sophomore Nora Bogacki said.

Influencers and their followers have helped drive the revival by sharing “flashbacks to 2016” and posting photos and videos inspired by the era.

“I see so many Instagram posts about influencers’ flashbacks to 2016, so I think they’re going to bring it back,” Bogacki said.

Several current obsessions echo the viral products of a decade ago. The colorful Starbucks drinks that once filled social media feeds resemble today’s fascination with Dubai chocolate. Nee-Doh toys have renewed the fidget craze once dominated by fidget spinners, while sought-after Labubu figures occupy a role similar to Funko Pops on collectors’ shelves. The 6-7 meme has also joined the wave of trends defining 2026 online culture.

Music may provide the clearest link between the two years. Zara Larsson, Harry Styles and Bruno Mars—all major names in 2016—are attracting renewed attention through new releases and tour announcements.

Larsson’s “Lush Life” returned to the U.K. Top 40 for the first time in 10 years, reaching No. 8. Its tropical-influenced pop sound has helped make the song an especially vivid reminder of the period.

New albums and tours from Styles and Mars have added to the nostalgia. Styles was a member of One Direction, the group behind songs including “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Night Changes.” Mars, meanwhile, is again drawing attention to music from the era, including “Finesse” and “24K Magic.”

“I am so excited to go to Bruno Mars’ concert in May,” senior Dani Diaz said. “I remember listening to him when I was little, so I know my friends and I are going to have so much fun.”

The rewind extends to clothing. Microtrends and fast fashion are again gaining ground, with SHEIN now offering the inexpensive, quickly available outfits that shoppers once sought at Forever 21.

Knee-high boots, chokers, ballet flats and highly individualized styles are also returning. Whether the revival lasts—and whether 2026 will receive its own comeback in 2036—remains to be seen.

“I hope that 2016 really does come back this year,” Bogacki said. “The culture seemed like so much fun and we were so young back [in 2016].”