The 2010s are back. At least that’s what almost every current fashion trend points to. Skinny jeans were just the tip of the iceberg- undoubtedly a significant sign of 2010s fashion. Now we are seeing ballet flats, slouchy hobo bags, and peplum tops- just to name a few.
This comeback is polarizing. Many millennials who were the trendsetters back then are cringing at the idea that the styles they threw away years ago are now creeping back up, and so soon. Whereas the icons who embodied 2010s fashion never fully abandoned the pieces they once loved. For example, Alexa Chung, who gained traction for her effortless, quirky style still embraces her original identity to this day.
What is the trend cycle?
The trend cycle is a researched phenomenon- historically, it was the 20-year trend cycle. This meant that the groups creating and influencing trends drew inspiration from their childhood, which was most likely 20 years ago, and brought it into modern fashion. However, today, the trend cycle is getting shorter and shorter. This progression can be credited to TikTok trends and the popularization of micro trends. According to this article on Vice, “The traditional life cycle of a fashion trend consists of five stages: introduction, rise, peak, decline, and obsolescence” (Ewens 2022). In the past, trends would last a couple of years, but now they last only months or even just a few weeks.
This diminished trend cycle explains why we are becoming nostalgic for trends that began less than 10 years ago. We now see the same number of styles once seen in 20 years within just a few years.
This is why we are currently experiencing a resurgence of styles popular in the 2010s. This comeback can also be attributed to the music and media that are trending at the moment. HBO’s Girls ran from 2012 to 2017 and is currently back in cultural rotation. This show features four girls, all with varying styles, each representative of the time period in which it was filmed. It is no surprise that the content we consume influences our day-to-day choices, specially fashion choices.
So, let’s look at all the 2010s styles creeping back into the 2025 zeitgeist.
Slouchy Hobo Bag
One niche of 2010s fashion was the bohemian, beatnik aesthetic led by icons like Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. One key part of this style was the boho bag- it is both cute and practical, as it can fit almost anything you need. These bags are often quite large and sack-like, so they can fit lots of goodies. They are currently sold everywhere- from Gap to Gucci, catering to all audiences and providing an option for every price range. The boho bag is just one of many ‘it-girl’ bag options of the season, from totes to buckets; there is something for everyone right now.
Ballet Flats
Ballet flats have never been out of style as they are timeless, classic pieces.
However, they stood as a fashion pillar in the 2010s- specifically within the twee community. Zooey Deschanel’s style embodies twee fashion, especially her looks in the 2010s. This style is inspired by vintage and indie culture, featuring bright colors, Peter Pan collars, and retro patterns. Deschanel exemplified this aesthetic and often wore ballet flats when playing Jessica Day in New Girl, which aired from 2011 to 2018, the prime time for 2010s fashion.
Peplum Tops
The peplum top of the 2010s is quite specific and is generally considered a style no one wants to see back in fashion. It was often sleeveless, tight on top, and had a dramatic peplum. The style itself has existed for centuries, originally dating back to Ancient Greece, and was then becoming more modernly popular in the 1940s/50s. However, iterations of peplum tops are coming back today. There are all sorts of styles- from runway looks with more detailed elements- to something simple like this top from Aerie.
Statement Necklaces
Another piece that draws in a specific association is statement necklaces. The pieces of the 2010s were large, colorful, and often adorned with stones and beads. The looks from back then were mass-produced, playful styles that have not exactly aged gracefully. While we may not see these exact styles, the idea of a large necklace elevating a more basic top is back. Today, statement pieces are focused more on the craftsmanship and quality.
Big Sunglasses
The 2010s were clearly a time for accessories, especially sunglasses of all kinds. However, the style we see coming back today is large frame, dramatic shades. This style was worn by just about every celebrity of that era- Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, Rihanna, and the Olsen sisters, just to name a few. The big sunglasses came as a result of the ever-present paparazzi of the 2010s, which came as a result of an uptick in reality television. Just about every brand is back in on the style today, from Balenciaga and Chloe to Free People, as pictured below.
Skinny Jeans
Last, but certainly not least, skinny jeans. Skinny jeans are perhaps the most controversial piece making a comeback, considering so many people expressed their distaste for the item in the past few years, as wide-leg pants dominated the scene. However, once Alix Earle collaborated with FRAME to make her own pair, they returned to the closets of many. This collaboration further proves the influence TikTok and social media influencers have on trends of the general public. Even if most viewers do not purchase a pair of FRAME jeans, they may scour their childhood bedroom for their own pair of skinny jeans.
The 2010s were the first decade to be digitized as we know it today. With the popularization of Instagram and Snapchat, users were taking photos, posting, and saving content much faster than ever before. This means there is more content to look at and get nostalgic for, more inspiration to draw from. Additionally, emerging young adults seek the peace they felt was portrayed when they were children and are exercising their nostalgia. This may be through media- television and music- that is from this time and then translates into fashion choices.
