Word on the street (my TikTok algorithm) is that the early 2000’s fashion resurgence is out and 2010’s fashion is in.
When I first saw this, I felt physically uncomfortable that enough time has passed for my high school wardrobe to go out of style and then come back into style, (mortality and all that). But if you can’t stop time, you might as well dress like it hasn’t passed.
When Charli XCX, Gabbriette Bechtel, and other It girls began reviving Y2K fashion, dressing in low-rise jeans and bedazzled trucker hats, it was sort of exciting. I was only 8-years old in the year 2000, so while I recall flipping through glossy magazines to see the paparazzi shots of Paris Hilton, Brittney Spears, and Lindsey Lohan in frameless glasses, butterfly halter tops, and jean skirts, I wasn’t old enough to wear those things just yet. By the time I was old enough to emulate the party girls, those looks didn’t interest me anymore.
In 2010, however, I was 17-years old, which meant I fully experienced dressing for this era. I wasn’t exactly setting trends as a teenager growing up in a coastal area of southern Massachusetts, but I definitely started to develop my personality style in the early aughts of the 2010 decade. 2010 is also the year I committed to attending Boston University, and although I’d hardly call Boston a fashion powerhouse, knowing I was moving to a city that coming fall felt like an excuse to become more daring with my aesthetic.
At 17, I found myself trying to emulate the looks I saw on Audrina Patridge and Lauren Conrad from MTV’s The Hills or the sleek, elevated styles Whitney Port wore on The City. And while most of those looks have mostly stood the test of time (ballet flats, cardigans), I found other sources of inspiration that admittedly did not. E!’s the The Kardashians and MTV’s The Jersey Shore were other popular shows of the decade and the stars of the shows had a pension for wearing heavy glam and neon animal-print styles that never quite worked as well on me as they did on Snooki.
Because of my varied references, my wardrobe ended up a juxtaposition of timeless staples and absolutely out of pocket “going out” tops in Aztec prints. If fashion is how you tell the world who you are, I was probably telling the world I was a little bit confused. Although, perhaps that was right. What is an 18-year old, after all, if not a little confused?
Despite my unorganized aesthetic, I recall the 2010s being an exciting time for me in fashion. It was formative. A period when I was spending my own hard-earned ice cream scooping money building out a wardrobe. I hold a fond place for 2010 in my heart, and for that reason, I’m open to resuscitating some of its best looks. I’m not talking to you though, hair feathers, you can stay buried.
Read on to see the 2010 styles I’m excited to give another pass at, the ones I’m on the fence about, and the others I refuse to acknowledge. P.S. I did a bit of social media digging to find some of the 2010 trends in their original form on my accounts. Enjoy at my expense.
2010 Trends I’ll Try Again
Tumblr Girl
Ah, the good old days of Tumblr. The micro-blogging app, which features the latest trends, artsy photo collages, and silly GIFs is still around, but it was really in its hey-day back in 2010. Tumblr girls — a name given to “bloggers” who documented their life on the site — emulated moody fashion at its finest. Think black and white, slightly grainy photos of girls wearing LF (RIP), Urban Outfitters, and American Apparel. I might be alone in this, but I actually think most of the hipster-inspired looks hold up today. I loved the layering of silver jewelry, circle skirts, striped tops, and jean jackets. I also appreciate the practical muted color palette. I probably won’t be stepping foot in a Brandy Melville anytime soon, but here’s how I’d shop for the trend today:
Flounce Skirt ($98, Reformation)
Cross Ring ($16, Free People)
Julia Cotton Jersey ($135, A.L.C.)
Statement Necklaces
Even though we’re no longer wearing candy-colored bubble necklaces, I do think statement necklaces have already come back around. Accessories like chunky charm necklaces, bright beaded jewelry, pendant cord necklaces, and more be found just about everywhere. It’s a nice change from bold hoop and earring aesthetic from 2016 and offers just the right amount of drama to dress up an outfit. If you haven’t hopped on the trend yet, here are a few initiation pieces:
Mixed Charms Pearl Necklace ($68, Athropologie)
Shaylan Necklace ($25, Princess Polly)
Beaded Camp Icon Necklace ($58, Anthropologie)
Military Jackets
The first time I wore my military jacket in college, my then-boyfriend now-husband called me “Goose,” like the fighter pilot from Top Gun. I’ll admit, pairing the jacket with aviators was maybe an overkill, but also I loved this look. The utilitarian-ness of it was so edgy and the convenience of all those pockets can’t be beat. I still have my OG military jacket from college, but you can shop similar styles here:
Corey Jacket ( $350, Anine Bing)
Camo Printed Utility Jacket ($119, Lucky Brand)
Lace-Trim Utility Jacket ($158, Dolan Left Coast)
2010 Trends I’m on the Fence About
Infinity Scarves
The cozy girl in me is BEGGING for the infinity scarf resurgence. The scarves were comfy, practical, and instantly made it look like you put some effort into your leggings and sweatshirt outfit when all you did was throw knitwear over your head. Oversized scarves work, too, and I’ll be checking out these styles come fall:
Classic Plaid Oversized Muffler ($68.40,
$228; Coach Outlet)Lambswool Blanket Scarf ($139, tbco.)
Chunky Winter Scarf ($19.99, Amazon)
Acid Wash Denim
Sometimes wearing acid wash denim made me feel like a cool rocker chick and sometimes it made me feel like Amy Poehler from that SNL Mom Jeans skit. It’s a wash best worn in small doses for me, which is why I always liked it for a skirt or shorts, like these or these.
Peplum Tops and Dresses
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but as long as the peplum piece isn’t made of neoprene, I think I’d be willing to give it another go. The style is super flattering and adds just a touch of intrigue to a simple silhouette. I could never get behind the polka dot pattern versions though, even in 2010. Here are some modern peplum options I’d dabble in:
Juniper Warped Gingham Emmaline Top ($136,
$248; Tuckernuck)Tailored Denim Peplum Mini Dress ( $297.50,
$425; Self-Portrait)Seesucker Check Smock Blouse ($255)
2010 Trends That Can Stay the Hell Away From Me
Colored Skinny Jeans
Mint, peach, lavender, and any other pant in a color named after a fruit are not for me. Despite slightly more refutable brands, like J.Crew, selling these pastel-colored pants in 2010, they just remind me of Forever21 and the other cheap fashion brands that would churn out tight, low-rise, ill-fitting versions of the denim like clockwork. I’ll stick to blue jeans for now, but if pastels are your thing, you can try out something like the Extra High-Waisted Wide Leg Jeans from Old Navy or the Le Jane Wide Cropped Jeans from Frame.
Chevron Print
Every girl growing up in 2010 fell victim to a Pinterest-inspired chevron DIY project. I’m specifically recalling the cork board trend, but coffee mugs, rugs, and wall art were also popular at the time. Because of this, I truly can’t see chevron in the same way. It feels to preppy and bubbly for me, but I did find these pieces that feel a lot more muted and boho that might pique your interest:
The Open Back Tank Top ($157.50, $225; MOTHER)
Ella Stripes Knitted Maxi Dress ($220, Capittana)
Kaiya Chevron Cotton-Blend Shorts ($395, Ramy Brook)
Animal Print to Excess
Sorry for the jump scare, but my friends and I actually wore an iteration of this print to homecoming our sophomore year. Black and pink zebra print, neon cheetah print, and full leopard print looks we’re unfortunately the It girl style of the 2010s. Bonus points if you paired the pattern with a fake tan and a bump-it in your hair. To be fair, even then I remember thinking how these looks would not last. It was like the big hair and teal eyeshadow of the ’80s. Regardless, it was fun to try it out for a bit. These animal print looks are much more doable to me:
Leopard Cargo Trousers ($165, Damson Mader)
A-Line Maxi Dress ($70,
$140; Banana Republic Factory)Cow Print Crinkle Sleeveless Top ($44.99, Topshop)