The events of 2016 have remained with us, even into 2023. We remember the songs we played on repeat, the memes that made us laugh, and the things we all loved in secret. We also remember that some of the trends that came out of 2016 were not just fads, but were important in shaping how we dress, what we listen to, and also how we interact online. The influence that 2016 continues to have on our clothing choices, what we share on social media, our leisure activities, and the way we live our lives today will continue for at least another decade from now.
Hoverboards were a significant example of this. At first glance, hoverboards looked flashy, fun, and very cool. When riding them, you felt as if you were floating through space. The thrill of being able to ride around town on a hoverboard was so great that the temptation to give it a try was overwhelming, even though there was some risk involved in riding hoverboards (over 30 hoverboard-related fires occurred in 2017 because of faulty lithium-ion batteries). Even with the danger element associated with hoverboards, they have become one of the most quintessential representations of the vibe that defined 2016.
Fidget spinners were another key item in the 2016 collection of popular items. At first glance, fidget spinners appeared to be simple toys, but they were highly entertaining to spin, collect, and perform tricks with. Fidget spinners were ideal for killing time, focusing, or showing off your skills. Whenever one thinks about fidget spinners and how much fun they used to be to spin, it brings forth a sense of nostalgia.
Before the rise of TikTok, Musical.ly was all the rage for many people. It created a community of users who not only created their own short clips but also provided a means for users to create and share their creativity with others.
Many videos that were uploaded on the app were focused on making. As a result, they created a fun experience for the users and allowed a safe place to create content that didn’t have to deal with any negativity.
Aside from Musical.ly dance videos, Heelys have a similar appeal, as they are discreet rollerblade shoes that allow you to skate through the hallways or streets with ease, adding an element of style to your activities. It was unique to be able to skate around in front of someone without them knowing what you were doing, and it was really fun to show off your individual style with the many different designs of Heelys.
One of the best things about 2016 was the introduction of many different dance trends. Unlike many of the dances seen in videos today, the dances that were created in 2016 were actual choreographed routines that people could learn and perform with each other.
Examples of these dances include Running Man, Juju on That Beat, Hit the Quan, and, of course, dabbing. The introduction of these dance trends created energy, excitement, and a shared experience in every room and on every device.
Fashion is also filled with memorable moments throughout time, such as skinny jeans; while unfairly scrutinized, ripped skinny jeans were also cute + versatile, and brought so many outfits together in a way few fashions afterwards have done. If styled properly, they were more than just an article of clothing: they were a portion of a complete look/vibe.
2016 was not just a year but a feeling + mood. It had an abundance of creativity, dynamic energy, + a sense of fun that still exists today within our culture. Certain fashions fade away while others keep appearing + reminding us why we originally liked them. Knowing the energy, fun, + excitement of 2016 will never ultimately disappear provides comfort to many of us.
