In 2019, teenage fashion saw a vibrant mix of comfort, nostalgia, and eco-consciousness. Stepping into any school or social gathering, you couldn’t miss the explosion of unique styles embraced by young women. Let’s dive into the top trends that defined girl’s fashion in 2019.
Graphic tees made a huge comeback, reflecting a growing awareness of sustainable fashion. Thrifting became a popular way for young adults to stay stylish while being mindful of the environment and their budgets. Secondhand stores became treasure troves for unique graphic t-shirts, perfectly aligning with the eco-conscious and budget-friendly mindset of 2019. The sheer versatility of graphic tees solidified their place as a fashion essential. Whether worn oversized for a relaxed look or cropped for a trendier vibe, they offered endless styling possibilities. Popular retailers quickly caught on to this vintage-inspired trend, further fueling the graphic tee craze.
Scrunchies, the quintessential 90s hair accessory, experienced a massive resurgence in 2019. This fabric-covered elastic, originally invented in the 60s but popularized in the late 80s, was spotted on wrists and in hairstyles everywhere. Synonymous with the fun and playful fashion of the 1990s, scrunchies perfectly complemented the “VSCO girl” aesthetic and the Lara Jean inspired looks that were trending. Available in countless colors, patterns, and materials like cotton and velvet, scrunchies became an easy and affordable way for girls to add a pop of personality to any outfit.
Dr. Martens boots, with their timeless vintage appeal, proved they truly never go out of style. These iconic boots, originally designed as comfortable work shoes, transitioned into a fashion staple thanks to their rebellious and versatile nature. The classic Dr. Martens 1460 boots, particularly in black and white with the signature yellow stitching, were highly sought after. Revived by fashion icons like Gigi Hadid, DMs became a must-have footwear choice, effortlessly paired with everything from jeans and pants to skirts and dresses, adding an edgy touch to any girl’s 2019 wardrobe.
Plaid patterns dominated clothing racks in 2019, appearing on flannels, skirts, pants, and scarves. This pattern, reminiscent of the iconic Clueless movie style, has roots in tartan, the traditional patterns of Scottish clothing. While tartan holds symbolic meaning in Scottish culture, plaid became the broader term adopted in Britain and America. Seen on runways at Paris Fashion Week 2019, plaid made a strong resurgence, solidifying its place as a chic and versatile pattern in modern girl’s fashion.
Platform sneakers offered the perfect blend of comfort, style, and a touch of nostalgia. These chunky-soled shoes instantly elevated any outfit, becoming a favorite for pairing with dresses, jeans, and skirts. While white remained the most versatile and classic color, platform sneakers were available in a wide array of colors and designs from brands spanning from high-end designers like Gucci and Prada to popular streetwear brands like Vans, Adidas, and Converse. The booming sneaker industry further cemented platform sneakers as a key trend in 2019 girl’s fashion.
Mom jeans, characterized by their high-waisted, relaxed fit, stormed back from the 90s. Originally just “jeans” in the late 80s, they were later dubbed “mom jeans” in the early 2000s when skinnier styles took over. However, the late 2010s saw a major revival, with celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Kylie Jenner embracing the look. The comfortable and easy-to-wear nature of mom jeans made them ideal for everyday wear, easily styled with fitted tops for a balanced silhouette or loose sweaters for a more casual, laid-back vibe, becoming a denim staple for girls in 2019.
Jumpsuits emerged as a comfortable, stylish, and incredibly versatile one-piece outfit. Originally designed as “tuta” for parachutists in 1919, Coco Chanel reimagined the jumpsuit as a chic summer fashion piece in the 1920s. From there, jumpsuits steadily gained popularity, becoming a disco era staple in the 70s. In 2019, jumpsuits were embraced for both casual everyday looks and more dressed-up occasions. Their effortless nature, requiring minimal styling to create a complete and fashionable outfit, contributed significantly to their widespread appeal among girls.
Sherpa, resembling soft teddy bear fur or sheep’s wool, was the go-to material for fall and winter 2019. Originating from the Sherpa people of the Himalayas, this cozy material was initially designed for survival in harsh mountain climates. In 2019, sherpa became a widely popular choice for jackets, hoodies, and scarves, adding warmth, texture, and comfort to any outfit. Sherpa jackets became a must-have for staying warm and stylish during colder months, explaining their immense popularity among girls.
E-boy and e-girl fashion, a digitally driven trend, made a significant impact in 2019. Characterized by layered black clothing, silver chains, and often incorporating masks and makeup, this style draws inspiration from various subcultures. Elements of 2000s skater fashion, South Korean streetwear, and 90s emo culture all contributed to the e-boy/e-girl aesthetic. Popularized primarily through TikTok, this trend highlights the powerful influence of digital platforms in shaping contemporary fashion trends among young girls.
