Model Tara Falla captured the essence of London Fashion Week on 22 February 2016, a moment immortalised by photographer Melodie Jeng. This snapshot serves as a poignant reminder of an era that Gen Z now looks back on with fond nostalgia.
Gen Z's Collective Nostalgia for 2016
At just 24 years old, many in Gen Z find themselves unexpectedly nostalgic for their youth, a sentiment amplified by social media trends. Overnight, TikTok feeds have shifted from current memes to throwback content like blinding highlights and matte lipstick, sparking a wave of reminiscence across the generation.
From celebrities like Billie Eilish to everyday individuals, Gen Z is flooding platforms with memories of an era defined by Snapchat filters, selfies, and skinny jeans. While not everyone longs to relive high school days, certain products from 2016 have become indelibly etched in the collective memory.
Uncovering the Standout Items of 2016
To explore this phenomenon, nine Gen Zers were asked to recall their favourite items from 2016, revealing a mix of gadgets, fashion staples, and beauty products. Many cited expensive makeup purchases, reflecting the generation's obsession with YouTube beauty gurus and full-glam looks.
This list of 22 items is perfect for those seeking nostalgic gifts, planning a 2016-themed party, or simply wanting to reconnect with their younger selves.
The Best Gadgets from 2016, According to Gen Z
Apple Wired Headphones: Priced at $15.96, these headphones evoke memories of high school days before AirPods dominated. They were a constant companion, carried to classes and stuffed into backpacks, symbolising a simpler tech era.
Polaroid Cameras: Models like the Fujifilm instax Mini SE ($55) and Mini 12 ($83.71) were highly coveted for creating trendy Polaroid walls, a staple of teenage bedroom decor.
Other beloved gadgets include:
- Pokémon Go: A free app that captivated users like Matthew, 22, with its catch-them-all gameplay.
- Fidget Spinners: At $8.99, these served as stress relievers for bored students, as noted by Haley, 29.
- Rainbow Loom Bracelet Making Kit: Priced at $19.97, it inspired creativity in teens like Jordan, 19.
- S'well Water Bottle: Starting at $34.54, it turned hydration into a status symbol, cherished by Jessica, 25.
- Crosley Record Player: From $71.95, it fueled music passions for college students like Rita, 27.
- Beats Over-the-Ear Headphones: From $149.95, they were essential for listening to albums like Frank Ocean's Blonde, as Ava, 28 recalls.
The Best Fashion Staples from 2016, According to Gen Z
Black High-Top Converse: Priced around $65, these sneakers embodied coolness for many, evoking memories of youthful confidence and music like Cage the Elephant.
Other key fashion items include:
- Chokers: At $8.99, they were a must-have accessory, with Haley, 29, noting their ubiquity.
- Modcloth Dresses: From $12.79, they defined the twee Tumblr era, as Rita, 27, remembers from her senior picture.
- Calvin Klein Bralettes: Available for $20, they were a budget-friendly luxury found at stores like TJ Maxx, per Greta, 26.
- Green Army Jacket: Priced at $79.99, it was central to the 2016 party look, often paired with lace-up crop tops.
- Adidas Platform Sneakers: From $60, they were a cold-weather staple in Paris, worn with skinny jeans by teens like Greta, 26.
- Adidas NMD Sneakers: From $149.90, they offered comfort and style, though Gino, 22, admits he was late to the trend.
The Best Makeup and Skincare from 2016, According to Gen Z
This era was marked by a full-glam aesthetic, with products like:
- Elizaveca Milky Piggy Foam Mask: At $8, its bubbling clay formula was a novelty, as Claire, 27, recalls.
- Tarte Shape Tape Concealer: Priced at $19.20, it was a daily essential for covering acne, cherished by Jessica, 25.
- Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Kit: From $17.40, it empowered bold eyebrow looks, with Bridget, 26, describing it as a personal statement.
- Becca Champagne Pop Highlighter: At $42, it pioneered the highlighter trend, a must-have for beauty enthusiasts like Jessica, 25.
- Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette: From $53, it was a cornerstone of makeup collections, still owned by Ava, 28, years later.
This exploration into 2016 nostalgia highlights how certain products transcend time, remaining cherished by Gen Z for their cultural and personal significance. As trends cycle back, these items serve as tangible links to a formative decade.
