The Pharo Edit

I opened Instagram today and the first ten posts, literally the first ten, were people sharing their 2016 photos. Celebrities, acquaintances, and friends were feeling my feed and stories with pictures that, let’s be honest, no one would have dared to post if the 2016 aesthetic hadn’t made its comeback. Because in 2026, no one posts the way we did back then — not without the polish, the curation, the influencer instincts we all picked up along the way.

Back in 2016, we posted without thinking about branding, engagement, or future screenshots. Before influencers and brand deals became part of everyday vocabulary, the internet felt looser, less self-aware — and a lot more forgiving.

So, since 2016 seems to be back and doesn’t look like it’s leaving anytime soon, here’s my starter pack for a year that suddenly doesn’t feel as distant as it did just a year ago. From sporting events to it makeup moments, this is a guide for anyone feeling nostalgic and ready to relive 2016 — at least for a moment.

Sports that felt genuinely collective

In August, Rio 2016 was appointment viewing (even if it was you 5AM local time): Simone Biles redefining greatness, Michael Phelps’ final victory lap, and Usain Bolt turning wins into moments — with both competing in their last Olympic Games. It felt like watching history in real time.

Euro 2016 took over group chats, bars, and living rooms. Cristiano Ronaldo finally won his long-awaited trophy with Portugal, while Zara Larsson and David Guetta gave us what many still consider the best Euro theme song. And Leicester City winning the Premier League felt like proof that underdogs still stood a chance.

Across the Atlantic, the NBA Finals delivered one of the greatest sports moments ever: LeBron James leading the Cavaliers back from a 3–1 deficit to win Cleveland its first championship. Sports weren’t just entertainment — they were shared emotional experiences.

Music as a cultural event

Lemonade wasn’t just an album, it was an event. Drake’s Views was everywhere. Rihanna’s ANTI soundtracked late nights. The Chainsmokers dominated the charts whether you liked it or not.

Songs didn’t just trend — they defined entire summers, phases of life, and very specific memories.

TV & movies everyone watched at the same time

It only feels fitting that the final season of Stranger Things arrived one day before 2026 — almost exactly ten years after its debut. When season 1 dropped, suddenly everyone was watching the same show again, talking about it the next day, theorizing together.

Moonlight’s Oscar win felt historic in real time. That envelope mix-up still lives rent-free in people’s minds — and it makes you wonder if we’ll ever see a moment like that again at the Academy Awards.

The internet before optimization took over

Pokémon Go summer. Being outside. Talking to strangers. Not caring about likes. Posting blurry photos without checking insights.

Twitter was messy but fun. BuzzFeed quizzes were unironically important. People were sincere online — and not embarrassed about it yet.

Beauty that went all in

Kylie Jenner lip kits selling out in seconds. Matte lips, heavy contour, bold brows. Makeup was maximalist, experimental, and unapologetic — not “clean,” not minimalist, just fun and real.

And let’s not forget the iconic one-minute YouTube videos of a girl silently applying lipstick. If you know, you know.

Fashion we wore without irony

Skinny jeans ruled. Chokers, bomber jackets, distressed denim, Adidas Superstars. Outfits were about the vibe — not whether they’d age well on the grid.

So if you’ve been scrolling through your own throwbacks or just soaking in the vibe, take a minute to enjoy it. Because 2016 isn’t just back on trend — it’s reminding us of what it felt like to post, laugh, and live without overthinking every single move. And honestly? That’s a feeling worth holding onto, even in 2026.