Fashion has always been cyclical, with trends from the past often making unexpected comebacks. However, the resurgence of 2010s fashion—a decade that millennials were the pioneers of—has sparked a unique stir among those who lived through it. From skinny jeans to oversized plaid shirts and edgy Tumblr aesthetics, the return of these trends has millennials both nostalgic and bewildered.
In recent months, fashion influencers and Gen Z creators on platforms like TikTok have started embracing the signature looks of the 2010s, declaring them “vintage” or “retro.” Key pieces such as high-waisted jeans, peplum tops, leather jackets, and combat boots have made their way back into wardrobes, often with modern twists. Even the iconic “hipster” staples, like infinity scarves, thick-rimmed glasses, and bohemian floral dresses, are being reimagined by younger generations. For millennials, it’s a strange experience seeing items they wore less than a decade ago being repackaged as trendy or nostalgic.
One of the most polarizing elements of the revival is the skinny jean debate. Once a symbol of millennial identity, skinny jeans were unceremoniously “canceled” by Gen Z in favor of baggy, relaxed fits. Now, however, skinnies are creeping back onto runways and into Instagram feeds, with stylists blending them with oversized blazers and chunky sneakers to create updated silhouettes. Millennials, many of whom never abandoned their beloved skinnies, are watching the flip-flop with bemusement.
The Tumblr aesthetic, too, has made a surprising comeback. Dark, moody hues, chokers, Doc Martens, and grungy makeup reminiscent of the platform’s heyday in the early 2010s are now all the rage. Meanwhile, accessories like feather earrings and statement necklaces are making appearances in fast fashion collections, reviving memories of simpler, pre-pandemic days.
While some millennials welcome the revival with open arms, others view it with a mix of irony and exasperation. After all, seeing your formative years become fodder for the “vintage” label can make anyone feel old. Regardless of the reaction, the 2010s fashion revival underscores the endless recycling of trends—and the power of nostalgia in shaping today’s style.
