How to Live Like it's 2016: Your Guide to Relive the Best Moments

The year 2016 brought a unique blend of culture, technology, and lifestyle trends that many still remember fondly. If you find yourself nostalgic for that time or want to experience the vibe of 2016 again, you can bring elements of that year into your daily life. This post offers practical tips and ideas to help you live like it’s 2016, capturing the spirit of that memorable year.

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Rediscover Music and Entertainment from 2016

Music defined much of 2016’s cultural landscape. Streaming services were growing, but physical formats like vinyl records were making a comeback. To relive that year:

• Create a 2016 playlist featuring top hits from artists like Drake, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and The Weeknd. Spotify and Apple Music have curated playlists from that year. The Billboard Year-End Hot 100 featured major hits, with "Love Yourself" by Justin Bieber taking the top spot, followed by "Sorry". Other notable songs included "One Dance" by Drake and "Closer" by The Chainsmokers, which became the longest-running number one song of the year.

• Listen to vinyl records or CDs if you have access to them. The tactile experience adds to the nostalgia.

  • Some popular albums from 2016 in Lemonade by Beyonce, Views by Drake, and Starboy by The Weeknd

• Watch popular movies and TV shows from 2016 such as La La Land, Stranger Things (season 1), or Moonlight. These titles captured the mood and style of the year.

  
  

This approach helps you reconnect with the sounds and stories that shaped 2016’s entertainment scene.

Bring Back 2016 Fashion Trends

Fashion in 2016 was characterized by bold styles, including chokers, knee-high boots, and a mix of casual and edgy looks that defined the mid-2010s aesthetic. To channel that look:

• Wear high-waisted jeans and crop tops, a popular combination that year.

• Try bomber jackets or denim jackets with patches or embroidery.

• Accessorize with chokers and layered necklaces, which were trendy.

• Choose sneakers like Adidas Originals or classic Vans for casual wear.

• Experiment with bold makeup looks, such as matte lipstick shades and winged eyeliner. (a King Kylie go-to look)

• Get cozy with some Victoria's Secret PJ's, a staple for every IT girl in 2016.

  
  

Shopping at thrift stores or online vintage shops can help you find authentic pieces or similar styles from that period.

Use Technology as It Was in 2016

Technology evolved quickly after 2016, but you can recreate the experience by:

• Using smartphones from that era, like the iPhone 6s or Samsung Galaxy S7, if available.

• Limiting app usage to those popular in 2016, such as Tumblr, Snapchat, Instagram (before Stories became dominant), and Vine (which was still active until early 2017).

• Playing mobile games that were hits in 2016, like Pokémon Go or Clash Royale.

This digital rewind can help you appreciate how people interacted with technology back then.

Cook and Eat Like It’s 2016

Food trends in 2016 focused on fresh, healthy options with a twist of indulgence. To eat like it’s 2016:

• Try avocado toast, which became a breakfast staple.

• Explore poke bowls, a Hawaiian-inspired dish that gained popularity.

• Make homemade kale salads with nuts and berries.

• Enjoy artisanal coffee or a fun drink from Starbucks, which were booming in cafes.

• Bake treats like cronuts or unicorn-themed desserts, which were viral food trends.

  
  

Cooking these dishes at home or ordering from local spots that embraced these trends will bring back the flavors of 2016.

Reconnect with Social Habits from 2016

Social life in 2016 had a different rhythm compared to today’s fast-paced digital interactions. To live like it’s 2016 socially:

• Host game nights with board games or card games instead of relying on online gaming.

  • Some classics include Uno and Twister!

• Send handwritten notes or postcards to friends and family.

• Meet friends for coffee or brunch without distractions from smartphones.

• Attend local events or meetups that focus on shared interests like book clubs or fitness groups.

  
  

These habits encourage deeper connections and a slower pace reminiscent of 2016.

Decorate Your Space with 2016 Style

Home decor in 2016 favored minimalism with personal touches. To style your space:

• Use geometric patterns and pastel colors in cushions, rugs, or wall art.

• Display succulents and small indoor plants for a fresh look.

• Incorporate vintage or mid-century modern furniture pieces.

• Set up a dedicated reading nook with cozy lighting.

• Add string lights or Edison bulbs for warm ambiance.

  
  

These elements create a comfortable environment that reflects the aesthetic popular in 2016.

Wrapping It Up

Reliving 2016 is all about embracing the music, fashion, food, and vibes that made that year so memorable. But here is the fun part 2026 can be your chance to bring all those favorite trends back updated for today. Think of it as making 2016 your

own but with a modern twist.

Whether you are spinning vinyl, rocking chokers, or baking the trendiest treats there is no reason the best parts of 2016 cannot live in your 2026 lifestyle. If you are looking to shop for some of the items mentioned in this post, check out the links throughout to recreate your own blast-from-the-past experience because your 2026 self deserves a little nostalgia too.