Beauty Besties, remember 2016? It was a time before TikTok went viral, but the fashion and music worlds were already buzzing! Chokers became a must-have accessory, band tees were hotter than ever, ripped jeans were everywhere, and berets were making a statement. That year was packed with exciting moments like the Halsey & Halsey collaboration, Justin Bieber’s hit album, Taylor Swift’s cool girl era, Kylie Jenner’s booming business, the nail-biting suspense of ‘Stranger Things’, the Pokémon Go craze, and finally, Leo winning an Oscar! And let’s not forget the celebrity couples who were the talk of the town, like Gigi Hadid & Zayn, Kim & Kanye, and Miley & Liam.
Key Style Moments of 2016:
- Taylor Swift’s ‘Bleachella’ era with her iconic new blonde hair.
- Coachella as a stage for free-spirited style: Kendall Jenner in a crochet dress, Hailey Bieber in ripped denim.
- Zendaya arrived with an edgy rockstar vibe, while Rihanna showcased chic style with band tees and Fenty x Puma.
- Kylie Jenner captivated with her signature ‘King Kylie’ aura, and Sabrina Carpenter displayed sweet teenage style.
- Ripped denim, berets, band tees, and boots were the dominant style elements of 2016.
Taylor Swift: The Bold ‘Bleachella’ Transition
Who could forget Taylor Swift’s look at the 2016 Met Gala? She was completely transformed with a newly dyed blonde bob. This cut served as a bridge between the cheerful ‘1989’ era and the darker ‘Reputation’ era. The ‘Bleachella’ moment was born from her photos at Coachella 2016, which also garnered immense praise. Even cooler, her hairstyle inspired many to try blonde that year.
Kendall Jenner & Hailey Bieber: The Denim Duo That Never Fails
At the 2016 Coachella festival, Kendall Jenner looked incredibly stylish in a classic crochet dress, paired with fringe-strap sandals and a thick silver necklace. Her hair was styled simply but chicly in two space buns. They weren’t just spotted together at festivals; they were often seen coordinating their looks off-stage too. Their signature style? Ripped jeans and suede boots. Their messy bun hairstyle also became a signature. Kendall once wore a long-sleeved sheer top with a Givenchy bralette, while Hailey opted for a brown tank top and a long blue coat. Simple yet so effortless!
Kylie Jenner: The Captivating ‘King Kylie’ Aura
In her ‘King Kylie’ era, Kylie Jenner was a master of making statements. When she was with Tyga in 2016, she sported bold, long orange-red hair, perfectly sculpted brows, and dramatic lashes. The founder of Kylie Cosmetics successfully exuded the fierce beauty aura characteristic of that year. She wore luxurious fur coats, body-hugging bodycon dresses, and lace-up boots. Truly the definition of 2016 glam!
Zendaya: The Timeless Rock Star
Zendaya never disappoints when it comes to style. At Essence’s 7th annual Black Women in Music event, she looked completely different with super short hair, a tight leather jacket, a slip lace dress, and over-the-knee boots. Her appearance was like a rock star ready to electrify the stage. Even years later, her style still looks modern and timeless. Absolutely cool!
Rihanna: Chic New York Street Style
Rihanna in 2016 was the epitome of New York street chic. She once looked amazing in an oversized off-the-shoulder Tupac band tee, paired with super tight leather pants. Her long hair was in a high braid, and she carried two bags at once! The shoes? Of course, Fenty x Puma. Riri’s casual yet fashion-forward style has always been an inspiration.
Gigi Hadid & Zayn Malik: Iconic Couple with a Red-White-Blue Vibe
This celebrity couple was always in the spotlight. During a night out in New York, Gigi and Zayn looked coordinated in red, white, and blue. Zayn wore an iconic Rolling Stones t-shirt and ripped skinny jeans, while Gigi paired a fuzzy red cardigan with a white tank top and ripped blue jeans with a flannel tied around her waist. Total fashion couple goals, right?
Bella Hadid: Rocker Chic with a Touch of Flannel
Following in her sister’s footsteps, Bella Hadid also frequently wore flannel tied around her waist. When she arrived at LAX, she sported an edgy all-black look. From a Chrome Hearts collaboration hoodie, a classic t-shirt, to ripped skinny jeans at the knees. Her Western-style belt added to her cool, timeless vibe. Bella was a pro at combining casual style with a rocker chic touch.
Sabrina Carpenter: The Sweetness of a 16-Year-Old
At just 16 years old, Sabrina Carpenter already had a distinct style. For the 2016 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, she wore a sweet black-and-white outfit from Alice + Olivia. Paired with platform sandals and an Alice in Wonderland clutch from Olympia Le Tan. This was a sweet hint at the musical role of Alice in Wonderland she was about to star in. So adorable!
Zoë Kravitz: The LBD & Slip Dress That Never Fails
At the Alexander Wang fashion show during New York Fashion Week 2016, Zoë Kravitz proved that style is timeless. Despite the details of a choker, chunky boots, and a embellished bag, her slip lace dress remained the star. This was tangible proof that the Little Black Dress (LBD) or a slip lace dress is always a classic choice. Simple yet always sophisticated.
Kim Kardashian & Kanye West: Bold Pattern Contrast
The daring couple, Kim and Kanye, made a splash at Paris Fashion Week. Kim stood out in a leopard print coat, while Kanye wore a marble-dye suit. Together, they showed that contrasting patterns can create a powerful fashion statement. So brave!
Suki Waterhouse: Leather Beret & Standout Red Pants
Suki Waterhouse always had her own unique way of looking fashionable. A leather beret, bright red leather pants, and chunky platform boots were her signature. Her style was unique, bold, and always managed to grab attention. She proved that fashion can be a way to express personality.
Selena Gomez: Glamour On and Off Stage
2016 was Selena Gomez’s year with the Revival Tour and her American Music Awards acceptance speech. During these important moments, she showcased her love for high fashion. Round sunglasses, over-the-knee boots, and cutout bodysuits were some of her most iconic looks. Her style was luxurious yet retained a touch of classy sexiness.
Ariana Grande: High Ponytail & Streetwear Style
On stage in 2016, Ariana Grande often appeared in flannel, light denim shorts, and boots. But her main signature was her iconic high ponytail, which she later brought back to the 2016 Golden Globes. Her streetwear style was catchy and easily recognizable.
Miley Cyrus: Rocker Vibes with a Leather Jacket
At the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Festival, Miley Cyrus was a true rock star. She wore tight leather pants, Billy Idol-esque sunglasses, and a stack of silver necklaces. Her look was rebellious yet stylish. It perfectly suited Miley’s persona, always bringing big energy to the stage.
Charli XCX: A Festival of Color at Festivals and Art Exhibitions
Charli XCX was a master of eccentric and colorful outfits. At Glastonbury 2016, she wore a black-and-green floral top, an orange mini skirt, and muddy Hunter boots. Paired with sunglasses, a zip-up choker, and dark magenta lipstick that became her 2016 signature. Not only that, at the Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition, she appeared in a leopard print beret and matching wide-leg pants. Her magenta eyeshadow was captivating! Her bravery in playing with colors was truly amazing.
