Peplum was everywhere in the early 2010s. This fitted silhouette with an extra flounce of fabric was a ubiquitous trend. Peplum tops paired with skinny jeans were considered the peak of fashion. The trend extended beyond tops to include skirts, dresses, and even jackets. This style blurred the lines between business attire and casual wear, resulting in outfits that looked more boardroom-ready than club-appropriate.
Statement necklaces were another defining element of 2010s fashion. These chunky, often collar-like necklaces were worn with everything, even strapless tops. Layered necklaces, far from the delicate chains popular today, were heavy and often made of cheap materials that caused skin irritation. The sheer size and weight of these necklaces were often uncomfortable.
Silly Bandz, colorful rubber bracelets that formed shapes when removed from the wrist, were a craze that swept the nation. These inexpensive accessories were traded and collected like prized possessions, even by celebrities like the Kardashians. The obsession with these simple rubber bands remains a puzzling phenomenon.
Flower crowns, often made of cheap plastic flowers, were a popular accessory for young women. Inspired by celebrities like Hailey Bieber, these headpieces were intended to create a whimsical, fairy-like aesthetic. However, the reality often fell short of the aspiration.
Dip-dyed hair, with the ends of the hair dyed a contrasting color, was a trendy hairstyle. This often resulted in uneven and poorly executed dye jobs that damaged hair. While brightly colored hair remains popular, the haphazard dip-dye technique is thankfully less common.
The 2010s were also the era of viral social media challenges. The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, the No-Makeup Challenge, and the Cinnamon Challenge were just a few examples of these online trends. These challenges ranged from charitable acts to potentially harmful dares.
Facebook albums meticulously documented every social gathering, night out, and even shopping trip. Digital cameras were essential for capturing these moments, which were then eagerly uploaded and shared online. These albums serve as a digital archive of questionable fashion choices and embarrassing moments.
Mustache tattoos on the finger were a quirky trend that has not aged well. While seemingly humorous at the time, these permanent tattoos are now a source of regret for many. The novelty of the finger mustache has long worn off.
Bandage dresses, tight-fitting dresses made of strips of fabric, were a popular choice for evening wear. These dresses were often uncomfortable and revealing. While bandage dresses still exist, modern versions tend to be more sophisticated and less prone to wardrobe malfunctions.
Nerd t-shirts, emblazoned with slogans like “NERD,” “GEEK,” or “RAD,” were ironically fashionable. This trend embraced the nerd culture that had previously been marginalized. The sudden popularity of nerd-themed clothing remains a curious phenomenon.
Gladiator sandals, with their numerous straps and buckles, were a popular footwear choice. These sandals were often uncomfortable and unflattering, resembling “sausages stuffed into a fishing net.” The recent resurgence of interest in Roman history has brought back unpleasant memories of this footwear trend.
Colored skinny jeans, in vibrant hues like neon green and hot pink, were a bold fashion statement. These eye-catching pants were often difficult to wear and easily ripped. The return of skinny jeans in general is acceptable, but the brightly colored variations should remain in the past.
Tumblr, a social media platform popular in the 2010s, played a significant role in shaping the fashion trends of the era. While initially a platform for sharing photos and creative expression, Tumblr eventually became associated with unhealthy body standards, the fetishization of mental illness, and cyberbullying.
