The fashion industry loves to take itself seriously. Sometimes, we're so caught up in our own world that things like samples and trends and designer switch-ups can seem more important than, well, a lot of more-important things. But if there's anything that's provided a little comic relief to a crazy year in and outside of the style realm, it's the rise of memes — fashion memes, specifically.
Only in today's internet age could a teenage boy become famous overnight for wearing Vans, could a toddler be more of an icon than most adults, and could the world seriously ponder how a dog would wear pants. This year, we saw a few fashion-related memes that we'll never forget, even in this short attention span era we live in. To look back on the better, happier moments of 2016, we rounded up some of its most viral ones. Click on for a few laughs as you take this walk down meme-ory lane.
How Would A Dog Wear Pants?
Ah, life's important questions. Sure, the election may have divided America in ways we never thought possible, but this meme came in at a close second. Here, there were two distinct camps, and we're still pretty unclear of the answer (though we're leaning toward the one on the right, if we had to choose).
Photo via @jaredbkeller.
The Flip-Flops
Remember The Dress? Meet 2016's version, the ambiguously colored Havaianas. As much as we want this madness to stop, we have a feeling it won't.
Photo via @positivedemi.
Hillary Clinton x Death Row Records
Hillary Clinton is probably the last person you'd expect to pull fashion inspiration from Tupac. The Internet, however, thought otherwise, after her debate outfits looked all too similar to those of a few Death Row Records members. Love it.
Photo via @double_cupp_me.
Ken Bone & His Red Sweater
Ken Bone was the epitome of an overnight celebrity. Not only did this bring some lightheartedness to the 2016 campaign cycle, but it was pretty damn good for sweater sales, too.
Photo via @darrenrovell.
Queen Elizabeth Trump
The internet couldn't decide if it was hysterical or horrifying when Instagram account @OGTrumpQueen began photoshopping the President-elect's face onto Queen Elizabeth II's body. What can we say, the man looks great in prim, floral accessories.
Photo via @OGTrumpQueen.
North West > You
Turns out, one of 2016's most-memed humans was under the age of 4. Like her parents, North West's style has taken center stage, mostly because her outfits typically cost more than your college tuition did.
Photo: Courtesy of Sizzle.
Steph Curry's Borderline-Orthopedic Shoes
The web was on fire when star basketball player Stephen Curry debuted his latest shoe for Under Armour. The reactions were anything but positive, though we can't help but think he was actually onto something.
Photo via @SCbchbum.
Jared Leto's Gucci Coat
This runway reaction was a meme waiting to happen when Jared Leto showed up to his Suicide Squad press tour in the very green Gucci coat he ogled over. Sure, he claims the situation was merely coincidence, but we beg to differ.
Photo via @tomshlland.
Chokers Gone Too Far
We agree, chokers got a little out of hand this year. But the Internet lost it when Forever21 styled this jersey with a thick collar that resembled a neck brace. This BuzzFeed round-up of reactions served up some serious LOLs.
Photo via @astoldbyIjeoma.
All The Starter Packs
It's pretty amazing that a photo of different pieces of clothing stitched together into a "starter pack" could have us laughing until our stomachs hurt, but it did. For preservation's sake, we put some of our favorites in one place, right here.
Photo: Courtesy of Tumblr.
When You Order It Vs. When It Arrives
Unfortunately, too many of us have been victims of this situation. It didn't become viral, though, until this meme hit the Twittersphere, igniting a bunch of Twitter users to upload their worst online-ordering surprises.
Photo via Twitter.
Pantone's G-Train Green
Leave it to Twitter to call Pantone out for its cheery new color of the year, which to any New Yorker, just screams "G train" — that, or Patrón, or Kermit.
Photo via @maeve_mcdermott.
Damn, Daniel
Would this round-up be complete if we didn't include Daniel and his white Vans? Not only did the sneaker brand see a spike in sales, but this teen becoming Internet-famous for a quick Vine proved the power of the internet. If you need a refresher, watch the original video here (and if you don't get it, read our explainer, here).
Photo via YouTube.
The Meme Gala
It only takes one wild red carpet moment to make a whole three-days worth of buzz-worthy memes. One standout from this year's much-memed Met Gala was this not-so-subtle reference from Queen B herself (See also: Orlando Bloom's Tamagotchi).
Photo via @979thebox.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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