The 2016 trend, as explained by one of the year's most influential stylists

Summary

The Glossy Podcast — Episode Summary

Episode: The 2016 Trend, As Explained by One of the Year’s Most Influential Stylists

Host: Jill Manoff (Editor-in-Chief), Dani Parisi (Senior Fashion Reporter)
Guest: Michaela Erlanger (Top Hollywood Stylist)
Date: January 23, 2026

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Overview of the Episode

This episode dives into the resurging "2016 trend" sweeping social media, exploring why a seemingly innocuous year has become a nostalgic focal point. Host Jill Manoff interviews Michaela Erlanger, who topped The Hollywood Reporter's list of powerful stylists in 2016, to unpack the era's fashion signatures, dissect its most memorable (and questionable) moments, and discuss how nostalgia shapes trends today.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The 2016 Trend Craze and Nostalgia ([00:25])

• The episode is prompted by the social media resurgence of “2016,” seen through throwbacks and trend revivals.
• The team questions: Is this about nostalgia, cyclical trends, or was there something distinctive in 2016's fashion?

“It was driven by the idea of the 2016 trend... Is everyone just, like, nostalgic? Is it about kind of, I don't know, the recycling or looking back at the fashion trends of the moment?”
— Jill Manoff, [00:25]

• Both hosts reflect on their personal styles in 2016, with references to skinny jeans, "hipster" aesthetics, and brands like Uniqlo and Muji.

2. Michaela Erlanger’s 2016 Experience ([05:25])

• Michaela recalls how 2016 was professionally pivotal, following Lupita Nyong’o’s Oscar win and the rise of Erlanger’s own profile.
• She managed a roster of around 30 clients, including red carpet luminaries, and was lauded for trend strategy and narrative styling.

“I was really being sort of lauded as not just a stylist, but someone that really thought about, like, creating narratives and trend strategy and really thinking about the power of the red carpet…”
— Michaela Erlanger, [06:34]

3. Notable Clients & Looks of 2016 ([07:17])

• Meryl Streep: Began working with Meryl that year, notably a custom Givenchy gown at the Golden Globes.
• Lupita Nyong’o: Debuted Alessandro Michele for Gucci at Cannes; honored African heritage with method dressing on the "Queen of Katwe" press tour.
• Common: Elevated men’s red carpet style with jewelry and an all-white tuxedo.
• Jared Leto, Gal Gadot: Other prominent clients and major fashion moments.

“I put [Common] in this all-white tuxedo… [with] a diamond lapel pin from Fred Layton. And he...got so much buzz and play for really elevating men's fashion…”
— Michaela Erlanger, [08:06]

4. Breaking Ground on Men’s Jewelry ([08:51])

• Michaela claims early credit for the now-mainstream trend of men wearing jewelry on the red carpet.

“I actually am gonna say that maybe I'm responsible for it. Yay.”
— Michaela Erlanger, [08:58]

5. Storytelling and Signature Style ([09:24])

• Erlanger emphasizes crafting client narratives, incorporating elements like cultural heritage, and avoiding trend-chasing in favor of "classic and timeless" style with playfulness and optimism.

6. Trends from 2016: What’s Aged and What Hasn’t? ([11:06])

• Questionable Trends:
  • Excessive skinny jeans ("painted on"), lingerie as outerwear, colored hair and lipstick.
• Personal Regrets: Peep toe booties, “jeggings.”
• Despite some fads, Erlanger feels proud of most work: “I stand behind it.”

7. Nostalgia’s Pull & The Trend Cycle ([12:26], [17:52])

• Fashion pulls from its own recent history, with the look-back window growing shorter (now only a decade).
• Current climate’s "heavier, darker" mood drives people toward nostalgic, joyful, or hopeful styles.
• Designers are referencing earlier collections, with revived trends like slip dresses, ballet flats, and even “Millennial pink” returning to runways.

“You don't have to look that far back to draw inspiration to create something new... there's, I think, a desire for more inspiration.”
— Michaela Erlanger, [12:26]

8. What Should Stay in 2016? ([16:01])

• Logo belts, especially flashy “G” Gucci versions, are best left behind in favor of today's "quiet luxury."
• Backless loafers ("confused… why are you wearing it in winter?"), peep toe booties, and the ankle-bootie-with-jegging combo also cited as trends to skip.

“The logo belts have got to stay in the past. I own one... but respectfully, no logos. Quiet luxury is here to stay. That is the new trend.”
— Michaela Erlanger, [16:01]

9. Vintage on the Red Carpet: From Taboo to Revered ([19:24])

• Michaela shares her early passion for vintage <span>[19:24]</span>; back in 2016, wearing archive looks was "taboo," but now vintage is coveted and respected in high fashion.

10. The Changing Nature of Social Media ([21:50])

• Instagram’s role in trend formation has changed: 2016 was filtered images and rare posts; now, behind-the-scenes, stories, and real-time shares are dominant.
• The scarcity of vintage images from that era is itself a nostalgia trigger.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On men's jewelry as a trend:
  “I actually am gonna say that maybe I'm responsible for it.” — Michaela Erlanger, [08:58]

• On what should stay in the past:
  “The logo belts have got to stay in the past. I own one… but respectfully, no logos. Quiet luxury is here to stay.” — Michaela Erlanger, [16:01]

• Reflecting on nostalgia and trend cycles:
  “Fashion… we look to the past a lot. Every single collection, every single designer is referencing archives… now, we're looking at a shorter window.” — Michaela Erlanger, [12:26]

• The emotional pull of the 2016 trend:
  “People are looking to the past for not just nostalgia, but joy and a fresh perspective to move forward with.” — Michaela Erlanger, [17:52]

• On vintage’s new status:
  “It brings me tremendous joy… to see vintage on the red carpet today and for it to kind of be, like, revered and respected as, like, just as major as, like, a couture custom moment.” — Michaela Erlanger, [19:24]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• [00:25] Introduction to the 2016 trend phenomenon
• [05:25] Michaela Erlanger details her 2016 workload and client roster
• [07:17] Notable 2016 fashion moments and celebrity looks
• [08:51] Influence on men’s jewelry trend
• [09:24] Signature styling philosophy and storytelling
• [11:06] 2016 trends revisited: hits, misses, and cringe-worthy fads
• [12:26] Discussion on nostalgia and the evolution of fashion cycles
• [14:10] 2016 trends poised for a comeback
• [16:01] Trends that should stay in the past
• [19:24] Rise of vintage and archival fashion on the red carpet
• [21:50] How social media practices have shifted since 2016

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Episode in a Nutshell

This episode offers an engaging, expert look into the ongoing “2016 trend” craze, unpacking both the fashion high points and the less-memorable moments of that era. Michaela Erlanger’s industry insights traverse everything from the politics of the red carpet, trend origination, and the sensitive art of vintage dressing, to the evolution of social sharing and nostalgia’s powerful role in fashion’s present and future. Anyone curious about why 2016 has become the new 1990s—and how tastemakers work behind the scenes—will find this episode a stylish, substance-filled listen.

Transcript

[A]

Hello and welcome back to the Glossy Podcast. I'm senior fashion reporter Dani Parisi, and I'm here with our editor in chief, Jill Manhoff. Hello, Jill.

[B]

Good morning.

[A]

Good morning. Good to talk to you. How are you doing?

[B]

Good, how are you?

[A]

I'm good. Thank you for being here and you handled this week's episode. Why don't you tell us who did you talk to and what did you talk about?

[B]

It was driven by the idea of the 2016 trend that I'm sure you've seen. It's sweet, sweeping all of the social media platforms. 2016. And we kind of. Anyway, it was driven by that. So we started talking internally about, like, what's it about? Is everyone just, like, nostalgic? Is it about kind of, I don't know, the recycling or looking back at the fashion trends of the moment? What was actually different at the time? And so that kind of queued up this idea to look at fashion trends of the moment and who was driving them. And, um, we landed on the Hollywood reporters list of the top, the most powerful stylists of 2016. And somebody at the top of that list was Michaela Erlanger. And I mean, every celebrity of the time, she was their go to stylist for both men and women, which I didn't know about the male side of things, but we talked about it on the podcast and yeah, she. She's still going strong. She's. She's got a lot, a lot of clients to this day. But we talked about trends of the E. What should never come back. That was hot. Then what she's still loving and all the things.

[A]

Yeah, I was thinking about. Well, first of all, the trend is kind of funny because it's like 2016 is such a random year. It's just like 10 years ago, I guess. But I don't really think of it as having a super strong aesthetic. But I was thinking at that time, for me, 2016, I had graduated college. 2015, I just moved to New York. I wasn't covering fashion yet. I didn't really start covering fashion until 2017, but I was, like, knowledgeable, a little bit of fashion. And I had just discovered Uniqlo and Muji, and I was very obsessed with both of those at the time. But I feel like for menswear, which is my main experience at the time, 2016 was a little bit still leftover, like skinny jeans, hipster lumineers, Urban outfitters type of twee vibe. You know, there's a lot of skinny jeans and, like big glasses and suspenders and stuff.

[B]

We talk about skinny jeans on the episode. That's funny that you mentioned that. And were you in New York at the time you said?

[A]

I was, Yeah. I moved to New York in 2015, so 2016 was like my first year in New York. Where Were you in 2016?

[B]

I was in San Francisco. I was working for Mode Media as the editor of glam.com. but I don't know. Would you say your style was edgy?

[A]

Probably, yeah. It was more so than it is now.

[B]

That's what I thought for myself.

[A]

Like looking back at the old ripped jeans and such. Yeah.

[B]

Looking back at the old pictures, at one point, I have this Zainabane collar on. It's like very hardcore. Definitely more edgy. And when I was talking to Mikayla, she reminded me that 2016 was the heyday or the onset of the Alessandro Michele era at Gucci. And so also within my camera role during that year, I. When I was going to New York Fashion Week, I have a definite kind of DIY version of a Gucci outfit. It's like this dark floral suit with kind of a. Anyway, it's. It's a hodgepodge, kind of very vintage looking with a floral kind of scarf at my neck. And yeah, very cool vibes. But I definitely sense that trend and what I was trying to do there.

[A]

Yeah. And. And Michele is now at Valentino. Briefly, we could mention that Valentino Garavani passed away. I mentioned in my briefing, but very influential figure. And then I also want to ask one more quick thing before we go into the episode. But. So Mikayla was, like you said, one of the top stylists in 2016. She's still styling, though. Who's she working with nowadays?

[B]

Yeah, Meryl Streep, I thought was so interesting. And I really wish we had kept the ball rolling in terms of the recording for the podcast because we.

[C]

We got.

[B]

We wrapped it up and she told me about her busy day ahead and she was saying they're starting press for the Devil Wears Prada too, and that, you know, Meryl Streep, she was her client back in the day and that she's still working with her now. And so anyway, she has her hands full now in terms of, like, preparing for that press tour and dressing Meryl Streep. So I thought that was very cool. That was a name that stood out in my mind.

[A]

Yeah. Well, it sounds like a great conversation. How about we ramp up and let's take a listen to Jill speaking to Michaela Erlanger. Foreign.

[B]

I have to admit, I did the 2016 trend. I posted some throwback photos. I mean, just to kick things off. I have to ask you, did you get on board this trend? Are you posting?

[C]

It's so funny. I actually just went through my camera roll, like, last night because I felt compelled to jump on board the Instagram trend that we're seeing right now. And it was amazing, actually. I forgot about so many incredible highlights that happened that year. So I really enjoyed. Was fun.

[B]

Well, we thought of you for this, this interview, this topic, because, yes, looking back, we. I remember that you were on Hollywood reporters powerful stylist list. You. I mean, you are still, like, going strong 10 years later, which is iconic and amazing. But tell me about your. Your clients 10 years ago. What. What you had your hands in, kind of what was keeping you busy at that time?

[C]

Yeah, it was kind of a remarkable time. So 2016 was two years after Lupita sort of burst onto the red carpet scene, where she won the Academy Award for Best supporting Actress. And her sort of rise also led to my rise, which is when I landed on the COVID of the Hollywood Reporter. And things really took off for me professionally in the years that followed. So 2016 was two years after that, and it was such a remarkable time. I mean, I had a massive client roster. I think I had, like, close to 30 clients. I was working with some of the biggest names in Hollywood. I had multiple clients for the Oscars, for the Globes, for Cannes. I had world tours. I was included in the Hollywood Reporter power stylist list yet again. And, I mean, there was just so much press and so much excitement, and I think I was really being sort of lauded as not just a stylist, but someone that really thought about, like, creating narratives and trend strategy and really thinking about the power of the red carpet and really being at the forefront of that in my field. So it was an exciting time.

[B]

Definitely. Were there certain looks that. I mean, if you can narrow down a single year, but certain looks that you created that year that you're really proud of or that really still stand out to you to this day?

[C]

There were so many looks that year, it's kind of hard to choose a favorite, but I think definitely, like a career highlight, and one I'm really proud of is that was the year that I began working with Meryl Streep. And I'll never forget we worked with Givenchy to custom design this incredible gown, which she wore to accept the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes. And that was just iconic. And earlier in that season, we worked on her press tour for Florence Foster Jenkins, and that was also just, like, an incredible run. We had so many looks that season, so that was really exciting. I think also that was the year that Lupita wore the first ever gown designed by Alessandro Michele Fukuchi at Cannes Film Festival, which was huge. Common was having a moment bringing men's style to the red carpet. And I'll never forget, I put him in this all white tuxedo. It was Dolce. And we added a diamond lapel pin from Fred Layton. And he. He just got so much buzz and play for really elevating men's fashion on the red carpet. Who else? I was working with Jared Leto back then. We did the Met Gala. I mean, like, it was crazy Gal Gadot for. For Wonder Woman. I mean, it was a really busy year for me with incredible highlights. And, yeah, going through the camera roll brings it all back.

[B]

So fun. Oh, my God. Were you first or very, very early to this men's party? Wrote jewelry on the carpet trend?

[C]

I actually am gonna say that maybe I'm responsible for it. Yay.

[B]

I love that trend.

[C]

Well, there we go.

[B]

Let's talk about your signatures. Looking back again, ten years later, maybe they started then. Are there certain things you're known for? Is it that storytelling component that you talked about? Or maybe as you're working with clients all the time, do the. Do you build signature looks around them?

[C]

I think that I definitely have a reputation for really thinking strategically about what my clients are wearing and how they're showing up in the world and what that narrative is. I have never really been one to, like, follow trends, but, of course, by virtue of working with, you know, a variety of designers and all of the houses, you know, you do start to see some themes come out. But I think back in 2016, this was also when I was kind of experimenting with method dressing and thinking about how we were going to communicate a character on the carpet to an audience, have some storytelling, generate some buzz. And that was, like, a perfect example of what I did with Lupita Nyong' o for the Queen of Katwe premiere and press tour, where we were really looking to honor her African heritage and what she was wearing. We did turbans. We did. We worked with a lot of African brands. I mean, like, we really. We really embodied that. But I think that my work has always been incredibly classic and timeless overall. And I also think that it has, like, a sense of, like, optimism and playfulness and, you know, joy that I. That I hope that I bring to my client style. And so, yeah, there was a lot of that that year. And it makes me smile when I look back on it.

[B]

I love that. Well, considering you don't really, I don't know, weigh in or you don't go hard on trends, is there anything looking back where you're like, wow, that was so 2016, or maybe I wouldn't do that today.

[C]

I mean, I think some of my choices in footwear were maybe questionable. Lots of peep toe booties and things of that nature where I'm like, huh, what was going through my mind then? No, but I think overall, I'm actually really proud of the work that I did and I stand behind it. But I do think that there were in general, some questionable trends that were emerging out of 2016, like the super, super skinny jean or what else? There was like, a lot of, like, lingerie as outerwear. Yes. There were some interest, beauty trends going on, like colored lipstick or colored hair. Not that my clients necessarily did these things, but there. It was a time there. There was a lot going on in 2016.

[B]

Yes. Were you a skinny? I. I mean, I loved my skinny jeans.

[C]

I still wear my skinny jeans, but they were extra skinny back then. Yeah. Like painted on skinny, which I don't think I recommend. Yes, some jeggings, exactly.

[B]

For sure. Well, what do you think is going on today? We're all excited to post 2016 pictures. I mean, what is the fascination as you see it?

[C]

Well, I think that there's definitely nostalgia, and I think that this isn't something that's really new. I think that we're in a time right now where people are looking for a little bit more optimism and inspiration. And it's also funny to think about the fact that history always repeats itself. And particularly in fashion, we look to the past a lot. Every single collection, every single designer is referencing archives and so forth. And while it used to maybe be 30, 40 years ago or even longer than now, we're looking at a shorter window. We're looking at a decade ago. And I think that's also just kind of a sign of the times. And you don't have to look that far back to draw inspiration to create something new. And so, yeah, there's some nostalgia. There's, I think, a desire for. A desire for more inspiration. And, you know, history informs that.

[B]

Yeah, everything felt really fresh because we're all used to seeing everybody wearing the same thing on TikTok, if I do say so myself.

[C]

I mean, I was so surprised that I still have a Lot of the things that, like, I wore 2016, while I may or may not still be wearing them, they are absolutely in my closet.

[B]

Yeah, some of those things, I mean, they're just fun to look at. Any trends from 2016 that they're really, like, as you see it and you see the. The trend cycles, you think they're really, like, primed to make a comeback. You're expecting them to maybe be on the runways this coming season or something like that?

[C]

Oh, gosh, yeah. I mean, I think, again, I mentioned, like, lingerie as outerwear and slip dresses and so forth. I mean, we're absolutely starting to see that in the collections. I think in regards to footwear, like, ballet flats were really big back then, and we're seeing those come back. I mean, I think this idea of, like, comfortable footwear is not something new, but it's definitely something that we're seeing, I don't know, more and more on the runways. I think Millennial pink is also kind of having a moment again. And all the Pantone colors are also something that I feel like we're looking forward to. To hearing about. I forget what this season says. I think it was white or cloud or totally white. Yeah, right. But, like, that sort of being like a little moment. What else? I feel like beauty trends are also something to really consider. Like, back then, I feel like it was, like, colored hair and, like, over lined lips and contour and matte lipstick and or colored lipstick even. Like, I feel like the Kardashians were, like, really popping off and setting a lot of trends back then and now. You know, we certainly look to them, too, today. But, like, you know what I mean? I think, like, the beauty trends, again, people are having a little bit more exploration. It's a bit more personal. It certainly is all about self expression, and we're seeing that evolve.

[B]

What styles? Like, we know which ones we're kind of gravitating toward.

[C]

We're.

[A]

We're.

[B]

We're hungry for them to make a comeback. But which ones should stay in 2016, would you say?

[C]

I think the logo belts have got to stay in the past. I own one. It's in my closet. It was the Gigi Gucci one, but respectfully, no logos. Quiet luxury is here to stay. That is the new trend.

[B]

Do you think that west are Western belts, the new logo belt? I feel like Western belts are it.

[C]

I mean, Western belts are having a moment, but I feel like the Western trend, we see that, like, every couple seasons. And I do also feel like it is pretty classic. At least with American fashion. So, like, I don't know. That one's a question mark for me, but there's a time and a place, and it's like a seasonally appropriate thing. Right on. Backless loafers. Do you remember that trend? Yes.

[B]

Like, almost a slipper, but not.

[C]

Yeah, like, we're confused, but, like, why are you wearing it? And winner. I don't know. Like, that's got to go.

[B]

That's amazing. Good call. Yes.

[C]

You know, I mentioned this before. I don't know why I'm focused on footwear, but, like, peep toe booties. Like, yes, please know.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Oh, I follow someone. Morgan Stewart, who really? She's like, she's made me rethink any ankle booty as an ank booty.

[C]

Okay. If it, like, okay. Oh, my God. Ankle booties in general were, like, a thing. Ankle booties with skinny jeans, but not even skinny jean with a jegging. Yes, it was something special. And. And it deserves. It deserves to be in the past. I agree. So I don't know, these are some of the things that come to mind for me. I agree across the board.

[B]

So do you just think. I mean, nostalgia may be hot as ever, but this has always been a thing. Like, we've always recycled is always thrown back. Like, is there anything unique about this moment?

[C]

I think that people are really looking for inspiration right now. I think that, like, culturally, what we're going through in the world at this moment is, like, a little heavier, a little darker. And I think people are looking to the past for not just nostalgia, but joy and a fresh perspective to move forward with. So I feel like maybe that's why this is something that's resonating. That period also was, like, such a different time. Right? Like, social media was new. There was so much curiosity. There was so much freedom and sharing. And now I think, I don't know, I feel like the time is just inspiring us to look back and not forget or lose sight of what that moment felt like. And so I love the trend, and I'm so glad that I opened my camera roll and I got to relive those days. It was a really big year for me personally. And it also, like, allows me to reflect and feel really grateful for how much, like, I've accomplished, like, even since then and how much I was doing back then. So. Amazing.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And speaking of, like, 2016, offering inspiration for the average Jo, when it comes to, like, your work, like, what would you say? And you're working with your clients today, like, what's Inspiring you now?

[C]

Oh, gosh. You know, I've always been a vintage girl, like, at my core. From the first red carpets I ever did, I was pulling vintage. I was requesting the archives. It used to actually be kind of taboo back then because everyone wanted to be in the new new. It was only good and exciting if it was the newest, latest, and greatest. And that was never my ethos. My. My mentor actually really inspired me to learn about fashion history and to learn about the collections and to learn about the designers and to. And to respect that. And so back then, I was working with a lot of the archives, and I was working with designers in a way that I think is now actually much more common. And so it brings me tremendous joy. Joy to see vintage on the red carpet today and for it to kind of be, like, revered and respected as, like, just as major as, like, a couture custom moment. The there. It's so exclusive, like, the. The work that it takes to be able to access an archive or to be able to source really important vintage design. I think it is just incredible that we're able to, you know, be respected now for referencing the past when perhaps it was once taboo.

[B]

Yes. I'm sure it speaks to your years of relationships when you get that access. No doubt.

[C]

Absolutely. And I think I also just enjoy, like, the discovery and the storytelling and the research that's involved. And I work with vintage dealers, too, separately from the houses to do that. So it's a big part of my job that I really enjoy and love.

[B]

Definitely. Well, hey, looking forward to next year, 2027. Do you think we'll be doing.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

Are we going 2017 recap? I don't know.

[B]

I don't know. Significant about 2017. I'm trying to think. I'm sure there is.

[C]

I'm sure. We're back. And look, I'm like, what was I doing then? I just don't even remember. It's crazy time.

[B]

Everything's a blur. Oh, my gosh. Michaela.

[C]

Yes.

[B]

I'm excited. I could. I need to look on your social. See what you did or what you dug up.

[C]

I mean, let us not forget that, like, Instagram came out in, like, what, 2014. We were all putting filters on our photos and we were all doing these weird collages. And even the social media trends have changed, like, the way that you engage with the content, the way you share the content. Also back then, it was, like, kind of taboo to show behind the scenes of your process of my work, with my celebrity clients, of any sneak peeks and now it's a huge part of the job. And so it's funny if I go back and look at my camera roll from 2016 or 2017, I probably don't have that much. And that's also interesting to reflect upon.

[B]

Totally fewer images altogether. Like there were no Instagram stories. Right? Like I don't think it was like.

[C]

Posting one time a day, not six. Yeah, stories. Stories wasn't out yet.

[B]

Like yeah, it's so wild. Yes. Times the era changing. We'll see what happens when we hopefully reconnect again in 10 years or like sooner.

[C]

We'll see hopefully sooner.

[B]

Michaela, thank you for being here. This was so fun to go down memory lane and yeah to talk the trend.

[C]

Thank you so much. Great chatting.

[B]

That's all for this episode. Our theme music is by Otis McDonald. If you liked this episode, be sure to share it with someone else you think would. Thanks for listening to the Glossy podcast.