The 2016 Throwback Trend: A Decade of Change
Table of Contents
- The 2016 Throwback Trend: A Decade of Change
- Heather Rae El Moussa’s 2016 Throwback
- Kylie Jenner’s 2016: A Lip Kit launchpad
- Mindy Kaling’s Neon Nostalgia
- Amy Schumer’s 2016: A Memoir and Athleisure
- Hailey Bieber: From Chokers to the ‘Clean Girl’ Aesthetic
- lucy Hale’s 2016 Style Flashback
- Shay Mitchell’s Coachella Vibes of 2016
- Camille Co’s Pastel Hair Era
It’s interesting to see how much can change in ten years, and the side-by-side comparisons of celebrities highlight this change.
Heather Rae El Moussa’s 2016 Throwback
Heather Rae El Moussa joined the 2016 throwback fun on Instagram. On January 16, 2026, the “The Flip Off” star shared a carousel of old photos, reflecting on her life a decade earlier. “[D]riving around in the car blaring music with my girlfriends, traveling the country, and being on a billboard for real estate seemed wild,” she wistfully wrote.Her heavier eye makeup and long, layered curls in 2016 stand in stark contrast to her sleek, parted ponytail and simpler makeup of today. While her style has evolved, one particular school outfit remains a memorable moment from her past.
Kylie Jenner’s 2016: A Lip Kit launchpad
For Kylie Jenner, 2016 was a pivotal year. On January 15, 2026, she shared a collection of photos from that time, captioning the post: “you just had to be there.” It was the year she officially launched Kylie Cosmetics, building on the success of her initial lip kit release in 2015. Jenner propelled trends like the full, pouty lip and bold hair colors, demonstrating her influence on global beauty standards. her style transformation from that era of colorful hair to her current aesthetic showcases just how far she’s come.
Mindy Kaling’s Neon Nostalgia
Mindy kaling tapped into the collective love for 2016’s neon colors and preppy headbands. Sharing photos from the filming of “The Mindy Project,” Kaling showcased her vibrant wardrobe, filled with pink, orange, and vivid prints. “I saw this 2016 trend and loved it and almost didn’t post because I look different but these pics are too fun not to share,” she wrote in the caption. Indeed, she looks different now. At a January 2026 party, Kaling opted for tones of gray, a minimal makeup palette, and no headband-a clear departure from her radiant color era.
Amy Schumer’s 2016: A Memoir and Athleisure
Amy Schumer also shared memories-and fashion-from 2016. Capturing significant life moments, including the publication of her memoir, “The Girl with the Lower back Tattoo,” Schumer posted snaps from that year, adding the caption: “2016 was cray.” The photos offered a glimpse into the growing popularity of athletic wear, from ball caps to leggings paired with sweaters tied around the waist. By 2026,Schumer looks markedly different.She is among many celebrities who have undergone transformations, and has also adopted a more polished and formal style of dressing.
Hailey Bieber: From Chokers to the ‘Clean Girl’ Aesthetic
hailey bieber’s 2016 post proves her status as an It Girl for over a decade. But it also highlights how much style has changed. Back then,Bieber sported chokers,pastel hair,messy buns,crop tops,and winged black eyeliner. Ten years later, she’s become a leader of the “clean girl” trend. While she still wears buns, they are now sleek and off-duty.Her makeup is more subdued, and her style is minimal-a transformation from party girl to fashion trendsetter.
lucy Hale’s 2016 Style Flashback
Lucy Hale of “Pretty Little Liars” also participated in the 2016 throwback trend. “Soo much has changed but DAMN I appreciate all these memories & people so much,” she wrote in the caption, reflecting on her life a decade ago. The carousel of photos featured 2016 fads like off-the-shoulder sweaters, flared pleather trousers, and dresses with drawstrings. Heavy under-eye makeup and kitten ear headbands (popularized by Ariana Grande) were also common. By 2026, Hale favors sleek, structured tailoring and a simpler wardrobe.
Shay Mitchell’s Coachella Vibes of 2016
Shay Mitchell of “pretty Little Liars” shared her own nostalgic memories of 2016 with a series of photos. “I heard 2026 is the new 2016 and I’m so okay with it,” she wrote in the caption, acknowledging her past fashion choices, including very tight skinny jeans and ankle boots. She embodied the quintessential Coachella look, complete with an off-the-shoulder peasant top and a plaid shirt tied around her waist. The infamous Snapchat dog filter also made an appearance. But 2026 showcases a new Mitchell, with a pared-down makeup style and a more effortless wardrobe.
Camille Co’s Pastel Hair Era
Fashion influencer and blogger Camille Co provided an iconic example of the pastel hair trends of 2016.Pinks, lavenders, and cornflower blues were all acceptable-and even trendy-hair colors a decade ago. For her throwback Instagram post, Co wrote in her caption: “Cue the start of my unicorn hair era. I spent way too much time on Photoshop and lightroom.” By 2026, Co has returned to a rich, natural hair color, and her wardrobe is more preppy, structured, and tailored-a much sleeker and more minimal aesthetic.
