Editor's Picks 2026 February

Call it nostalgia or a 10-year revival, but 2016 just made a comeback and this time, we are recreating it the Korean way.

In 2026, the aesthetic has evolved and is elevated through Korean beauty and fashion standards. Silhouettes are cleaner, textures more elevated, beauty more intentional.

And for anyone feeling the pull of that 2016 energy? Here’s how to recreate its most iconic trends, exclusively through a Korean lens.

The

Satin dress

remains another defining staple of this period and it has long been a core silhouette in Korean fashion. The Adit’s Satin Bra Mini Dress is the perfect example. Its halter neckline and adjustable straps make layering effortless, while the open back introduces a subtle edge when worn on its own.

No piece captured 2016

effortless style quite like the bomber jacket: versatile, cool and perfect for any occasion. If yours is not waiting in your old wardrobe, the Bibora Shirring MA-1 offers a modern update. Designed to hug the silhouette in all the right places, it features softly ruffled sleeves and a two-way zipper for styling flexibility. Prefer a subtle pop of colour over classic black? The khaki version offers a slightly fresher edge.

The Comeback Edit

2016 REVIVAL

with a Korean twist

Back in 2016,

eye makeup was unapologetically bold, but in 2026, the shift is unmistakable. As Korean beauty reshaped global standards, minimalism took over.

Today, beauty prioritises muted browns and skin-toned shades that sculpt the eyes subtly, creating depth without overpowering the face. Rom&nd’s Better Than Palette (#05 Shade & Shadow Garden) captures this shift perfectly, by offering wearable neutrals designed for effortless dimension.

A statement top calls for an equally strong accessory. The

delivers instant edge, proving that accessories don’t just complete an outfit but they define it. Available in three colours, it pairs seamlessly with any kind of bottoms, adding an extra something to every outfit.

Stud Logo Belt

If 2016 was the era of the full-glam look, 2026 refines it. As the clean-girl minimalism begins to soften, fuller coverage is stepping back into focus, but now with glowing and skin-first makeup inspired by Korean beauty. Two beauty essentials deserve the spotlight: the TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion and Etude Nymph Aura Volumer. Mixed together, they create long-lasting coverage with a natural glow: the kind that makes highlighter feel unnecessary.

From long-sleeve to

sleeveless (have you checked this one yet?), the off-the-shoulder top remains a standout fashion choice and the best one you can make is the Hoodhood Three Star Lettering Off Shoulder Sweatshirt. With an edgy vintage graphic and a wide neckline, this top screams absolute Y2K energy.

Free the sholders now!

The lip combo

completes the look. Korea’s reinterpretation leans into blurred contours and gradient-friendly nudes rather than harsh lines. Rom&nd’s Lip Mate Pencil subtly shapes the lips, while Etude’s Fixing Tint in Dusty Beige adds a muted, modern finish.

No 2016 wardrobe is complete without the perfect graphic T-shirt. The Bibora’s Pigment Crop T-shirt taps into the street-style nostalgia replicating the trendy T-shirts we used to wear. This vintage-inspired, 100% cotton tee features a bold street-style print, using a special technique for a naturally worn-in look. Pair it with a stylish skirt, the Stud Logo Belt and iconic ankle boots for a cool fit.

Brows have evolved in the same direction. Inspired by K-beauty’s clean aesthetics, sharply carved arches have been replaced by softer shapes. For naturally defined, long-lasting brows, Etude’s Drawing Eye Brow Pencil offers

precision without harshness.

The best part? It has both a fine tip to shape and fill and a built-in spoolie to blend and soften the brows.