If you’re chronically online, you’ve likely seen the trend currently circulating on social media. One swipe through your Instagram feed and you’d think it was 2016, as visions of cat-eye eyeliner, black chokers, skinny jeans, and the Snapchat dog filter dance through your head.
The Internet Is Time-Traveling Back to 2016
It is, in fact, still 2026—but millennials are yearning for a simpler, more authentic era—a time that feels like it was just yesterday but was actually a decade ago.
Get in, loser—we’re going back to 2016.
In 2016, we couldn’t stop talking about the bags of the KarJenners, the Chanel Boy Bag, and Phoebe Philo’s Céline. We alternated between playing Justin Bieber’s “Love Yourself” and Rihanna’s “Work” on repeat. Some (read: not me) of us were obsessed with overlining our lips à la Kylie Jenner, which paired perfectly with our oversized GG Marmont belts.
The Bags That Defined 2016
Alessandro Michele was finding his footing at Gucci, and Clare Waight Keller’s Chloé was ruling the handbag world. What a time to be alive!
In 2016, I began the interview process and was later offered a junior role at PurseBlog—yes, I’m celebrating a decade here at the end of the year! I had just completed an internship and freelance opportunity at Chloé and was obsessed with every Chloé bag.
I would eventually go on to buy a Chloé Drew, but in 2016, I favored the Chloé Marcie bag I carried while working in the office and yearned for a C(é)line Luggage Tote.
Which bags did you love back then?
At the start of the collapse of American democracy (2016), my favorite bag was a classic Chanel flap in navy blue.
I find it so interesting that we (I) associate buying and carrying our bags with different events or periods of time in our lives. I suppose it’s really no different than doing so with music and songs.
Yes! You are so right Kimberly!
Why was it the start of the collapse of American democracy and why did you feel compelled to reference that in a blog about PURSES?
Because TDS is found all over and they cannot help themselves supposedly. Class cannot be brought. 2016 was the start of opening our eyes to so many lies… kinda like the fashion world now… everything made in China but labeled Italy.
Look around, Barbara. Purses don’t exist in a social, political, or cultural vacuum.
You really ate with your comments. Even though this is true, I’m cracking up at my work desk.
A 2015/16 bag that is still in my closet and I still adore it is the Loewe Puzzle medium.
Easily every Chloe bag.
Wore my Chloe Marcie almost everyday then, including that crisp morning I went to vote😊
Same!
Gucci Marmont. I love this collection so much. I bought a black and white camera bag and a large top handle animalier tote in black. Love both still!
Great purchases! Of all the bags mentioned the Marmont stood the test of time, other bags either petered out or disappeared completely.
I had my first child that year, so all I was rocking was some sort of diaper bag 🤪 🥰
Yes, my second came in 2016 and I had a little one already as well. I’m struggling to recall any bags I used besides my work bag from target and the diaper bag! Perhaps my mom’s old coach satchel?? I don’t think we went out or did anything very much back then!
Same boat. All of a sudden few things I own worked. Mostly used LV Totally GM and Gucci Abbey Tote
Is t this about the time when everyone was going crazy for the small Antigona? I sold mine, perhaps a sale I regret. I still like the Antigona very much.
Anya Hindmarch All over sticker bags and Anya Hindmarch Pixel bags
I’m a huge AH fan.
I purchased most of my bags after 2016, but some were at the peak of their popularity in 2016. I love and still wear my Loewe Puzzles, Celine Belt Bag, Phantom Luggage Tote, and Small Givenchy Antigonas.
i bought 2 bags that year givenchy nightingale and valentino rockstud tote…i sold the nightingale last year
Chloe Hudson in camel suede (actually dusted her off last summer for a more boho look and enjoyed her) and a Gucci marmont camera bag (pale pink and wore her endlessly).
In 2016, I was wearing my Black Balenciaga Metalic Edge City Bag. I also putchased my red Gucci Marmot and Gucci Tian medium with the gold chain strap. All 3 of these bags from this era were equally my favorite and they’re still part of my collection today!
Omg I still have the exact same marmont bag and still love it! I can’t believe it’s already 10 years old!
Louis Vuitton Never full GM
The Chloe Drew. I owned a couple of them, however I quickly got tired of the style. They Barely lasted a year in my closet.
The Marmont was certainly a favourite and held the test of time as far as handbags go. My very favourites are always by Celine anything that they produce it is classic and classy,the belt bag for example.