Dear Allie,
I myself, was born in the year 2000 – making me a tween or then, young teen, in the 2010s. So, I think I’m as qualified as the next ageing Gen-Z to address and educate others in this topic.
The decade began with me, aged ten, sneaking off into town and buying a neon pink vest top with the words ‘Sexy and I know it’ branded across the front in gold lettering, much to the horror of my mam; this pretty much set the tone for the rest of my life.
Growing up in Newcastle, the early 2010s were defined by secretly watching early seasons of Geordie Shore, dreaming of one day going clubbing in Bijoux in a bandage LBD, getting ‘mortal’ and ‘necking on’ with a boy in fake tan and a V-neck T-shirt. It was a time fit for £1 Primark thongs, neon pink bras underneath school polos and listening to Katy Perry’s Roar on the water speakers I got for my 13th birthday. It was fake geek glasses, Barry M crackle nail polish and wearing shag bands to the school disco – in the hope someone would find me promiscuous and alluring. The early 2010s were tacky, whacky and I loved every second. So, since they’re apparently making a comeback according to TikTok and trend forecasters, here’s how you can get the look – for better, or for worse.
In my opinion, the best trend of the 2010s was flared skater skirts. They’re flattering on everyone, they’re appropriate for day and night and they’re comfy. In terms of casual wear, leggings and baggy sweaters ruled. After all, this was the time in which Wattpad fan fiction detailed the messy bun and no makeup combo you wore whilst being sold to One Direction. Printed leggings were huge, so no Lululemon – galaxy, geometry, skulls, even moustache patterns were what got you street cred back then. Baggy jumpers should be ginormous; if they have the name of an American University or a meaningless adjective such as ‘geek’ written on them, even better.
When dressing for a night out, business casual in the club was the norm. Imagine the Molly-Mae Hague blazer-over-a-mini dress trend but uglier and, simply, worse. Dresses were midi length, possibly due to the poor economy, and peplum style, meaning flared at the waist like a badminton shuttlecock. There were no beige blazers here, either – everything in the 2010s was mint green, magenta or neon. In the 2010s, we all adored neon.
Maximalism is key in styling a 2010s look – chunky statement necklaces, plastic bangles and oddly, pendants shaped like owls are must haves in curating a 2010s jewellery box. For hair accessories, ditch your Good Squish and tie your hair up with a bandana instead. Alternatively, plump for a flower crown or a natural look with a band made from braided synthetic hair which doesn’t match your hair colour, no matter how much you insist it does. Hair feathers and coloured clip-in extension’s were also big, sported by our favourite celebs Miley Cyrus and Avril Lavigne.
In terms of brands, the early 2010s were dominated by Hollister, Jack Wills, Superdry, Topshop and Paul’s Boutique. Buy genuine 2010 items from these brands on Vinted rather than their new releases, and remember, the more branded they are – the better. A T-shirt with the Hollister bird logo on the front? Stunning! A waterproof coat that says Superdry on your shoulder blade? Takes me back! A denim mini skirt with ‘Paul’s Boutique’ embellished on the arse in rhinestones? Now you’re getting the hang of it.
The return of 2010s fashion feels quick to me; wasn’t it only yesterday I was peace signing into a Blackberry camera, applying a filter on Retrica and making it my BBM profile picture? Or writing a declaration that me and my high school boyfriend would be together forever in my Facebook bio? (We weren’t, thank God.) I do predict that the resurgence of 2010s fashion is inevitable, though there’s some trends we can leave in the past (I’m looking at you, Aztec print). If the 2010s really are back, I just hope it means Primark lower the price of their thongs.
Pictures: Stock Images
Designs: Pius Bentgens