Many trends come and go, and with the new year, decade-old trends have been experiencing a revival. A trend cycle is the lifespan of popular fashion, products and media, beginning from its rise to its peak all the way to its decline. Trends often begin with online users sharing their personal styles or interests, followed by others constructing new forms of media. While many trends are brand new, sometimes a trend is inspired by something from the past. And when these trends “revive,” they are coupled with aspects of modern pop culture.
Currently, many things are popular, but “there will be things we go back to,” AP World History and Modern Civilization teacher Mr. Holland explained. “It’s always mixed with something new. So we look back, and we’re like, oh, I like that from whatever decade or era it’s from. But it’s adapted to the present. So it never comes back exactly like it was.” For example, Mr. Holland explained that trends often take inspiration from the past but are rebranded to fit current culture.
With the new year, the slogan “2026 is the new 2016” has been circulating and certain trends are experiencing a comeback. This slogan draws inspiration from nostalgic things people enjoyed during that era, including specific fashion styles and more. In addition, this revival encourages changes in style and unique expression inspired by past trends. Sophomore Katie Dang describes this renaissance as a good thing: “a lot of people’s styles are rather uniform right now, so it would be cool to see something new.” Dang explained that she noticed an increase in 2000s-style fashion, like low-rise jeans or baby-doll tops. “Personally, I’d hope to see ballet flats with jeans come back, or other similar shoes.”
The media cycle does not revolve solely around fashion trends; movies, television and books are also experiencing a revival. West Ranch Chapters President Faith Wong shared her perspective on trends within the book community: “I think [trend cycles] will repeat sometimes, or something will bring them back. Like, maybe a series will become popular again, or a new author might show up.” Wong mentions “Percy Jackson” and the series’ revival both as a book trilogy and a television show. “Percy Jackson has come back because of the TV show. They had the movies, and that was way before 2016, but they’ve definitely made a comeback within the last decade, especially.” The Percy Jackson series grew in popularity several years ago, but with the release of a new adaptation, the books gained exposure and a new set of readers.
At West Ranch, students and staff alike express themselves in various ways, from laughing at new memes to reviving different decades. Mr. Holland adds, “a lot of the styles from the 80s kind of came back between 2019 and 2020 on social media. The grunge style from the 90s had come back, and I felt like I could relate.”
This does not just apply to trends in the past, “What you’re wearing now is gonna pop up later,” Mr. Holland added. He emphasized that while new trends are always emerging, some items have a longer run than others, and some trends even influence the resurfacing of others.
The modern trend scene is currently filled with different styles from various decades. As 2026 progresses, the influence of older trends and media is likely to remain strong, continuing the cycle seen in previous years. As the “2016 revival” continues to unfold, it gives us the chance to embrace our favorite elements of the past alongside modern ideas. So, Cats, be sure to enjoy both the old and the new!
