Is Coachella Stuck in 2016? Why Coachella Fashion Will Forever Feel Nostalgic

It's that time of year when we see our feeds flooded with glitter, crochet, braids, and cowboy hats; it feels like for two weekends, we are transported back in time to 2016. Coachella fashion and festival fashion thrive off nostalgia and take heavy inspiration from 2016. As Kendall Jenner said, “This was Coachella 2016; this was the vibe at the time.” 

The 2016 Aesthetic

@seeratsaini

2016 stands out in Coachella history because that’s when fashion really became a key part of the festival. It wasn’t just about the music anymore; it was about showcasing these curated looks that were extravagant and bold. Coachella turned into a space where people could experiment with their style—flower crowns, glitter, and bold, mismatched looks, and at Coachella, they somehow worked.

Celebrities like Vanessa Hudgens and the Jenner sister started embracing Coachella, giving them a chance to thrive in a setting that fans don’t usually see. People saw them in maximalist outfits, wandering around the desert with the crowds, which polarized the internet. Coachella evolved into a cultural haven, where people could immerse themselves in the music, absorb the electric atmosphere, and express themselves through bold fashion choices. That same energy is still alive today, and that’s a big part of what makes Coachella what it is, thanks to this iconic era.

The Nostalgic Pull 

 @wilcarvalho

Nostalgia is a powerful force, shaping our opinions, decisions, and interests, and it's taken over the pop culture landscape. There’s something incredibly comforting about revisiting familiar aesthetics, especially in a fast-paced fashion world where trends constantly evolve. This sense of nostalgia is what makes Coachella so appealing for so many—it’s not just about the music or the event itself, but the memories it stirs up. Whether it’s recalling past Coachella experiences or remembering the excitement of watching others attend, it fosters a connection to a shared cultural moment. It’s why entire eras, like the ‘90s and Y2K, continue to resurface in style. Nostalgia even extends to periods you weren’t around for, creating a sense of connection. And that feeling of anticipation and excitement is what keeps Coachella’s influence alive.

New and Improved

Although the 2016 aesthetic still dominates Coachella—think headscarves, crochet sets, lace, and other boho essentials—festival style has naturally evolved. We’re now seeing new trends like ‘Americana,’ with cowboy boots and a dash of country flair, alongside ‘Boho Moto,’ which lends a grungy, edgy twist to classic boho. Inspiration drives fashion, so being ‘stuck’ in a past era isn’t really a drawback. Instead, it’s about celebrating a moment that reshaped pop culture—a moment that still fuels our sense of self-expression today.

The Ever-Evolving Fashion Legacy of Coachella

 @gucciganggabi

In the end, Coachella’s fashion legacy isn’t about being stuck in 2016—it’s about the power of nostalgia and how it continues to shape how we express ourselves. The festival has evolved, mixing new influences and trends with the spirit of past eras, creating a unique space where fashion and music intersect. Whether it’s the bold experimentation of 2016 or the reinvention of past decades, Coachella is a living, breathing example of how nostalgia keeps fashion alive and constantly evolving. For those who attend, and for those who watch from afar, Coachella remains a celebration of the past, the present, and the ever-changing future of style.

xoxo, Tegan Gould, Fashion Editorial Coordinator