Reliving 2016 on TRR

The ones that got away....

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve scrolled The RealReal and come across an old flame, or a piece I’d once lusted after. It really is like seeing an ex. My first thought is always: Oh my god, I need it. And then my second thought is usually: Do I even like it anymore?

I’ve been feeling these feelings more than usual this month, as everyone is unearthing embarrassing photos of themselves from 2016. When I scrolled back on my own Instagram, I had to laugh. These looks! It’s almost sweet that I ever thought they looked cool. Almost…

At the time, I could not afford designer clothing, and The RealReal was not yet on my radar. (I joined in 2017.) Now, so many of the things I would have killed for ten years ago—Rachel Comey kick-flare jeans, a Mansur Gavriel tote, and Off-White by Virgil Abloh sneakers—are available for a steal.

A great tip ^

Some pieces from that time have weathered better than others. Those furry Gucci slides could use a good bath, and the Dior “WE SHOULD ALL BE FEMINISTS” t-shirts are just depressing. But I saw someone carrying a Balenciaga Shopper the other day and was reminded how much I still like them. (Demna joined the brand in 2015.)

I combed through A LOT of pieces from 2016, using the above hack, and here are some iconic styles from the era that deserve another chance in my closet…

Alessandro Michele’s grandma-chic Gucci

I could be on my deathbed, and I’d still be able to pull these looks out of a lineup. That’s how iconic they are.

Gucci 2016 Silk Evening Jacket | Gucci 2016 Midi Length Skirt | Gucci 2016 Mini Dress

Demna’s bold Balenciaga

This era altered my brain chemistry.

Balenciaga 2016 Virgin Wool Peacoat | Balenciaga Leather Leather Bazar S Shopper Tote Large | Balenciaga 2016 Midi Length Dress

Phoebe Philo’s sophisticated Celine

She left the brand in 2017; the end of an era.

Celine 2016 Straight Leg Pants | Celine Leather Luggage Mini | Celine 2016 Jumpsuit

Hedi Slimane’s skinny Saint Laurent

Then Hedi left Saint Laurent to take her spot.

Saint Laurent 2016 Virgin Wool Bomber Jacket | Saint Laurent Leather Shoulder Bag Small | Saint Laurent 2016 Skinny Jeans

Miu Miu’s girlish frills

Those sunglasses were the closest I could get to luxury at the time.

Miu Miu 2016 Mini Dress | Miu Miu 2016 Cat-Eye Sunglasses | Miu Miu 2016 Mini Dress

Millennial pink

You couldn’t escape it then. You still can’t!

Gucci 2016 Tie Neck Button-Up Top | Prada 2016 Knee-Length Skirt | Miu Miu 2016 Nylon Evening Jacket

2016 looked good. (And tbh, is a pretty good deal on TRR. All but one piece in this post are under $1,000.) So: which of these pieces do you still really want? And which ones are you going to just let wither away in your obsessions? I saw a girl wearing wedge sneakers in public the other day, just saying…

XOXO

The RealGirl