(Image credit: Jeremy Moeller)
By Shelby Comroe
published
in Features
We're fresh into a new decade, but who doesn't love to reminisce about old trends? The 2010s are a critical time in fashion history: Thanks to one app, the industry underwent a major cultural shift.Instagram was born in 2010and our world hasn't been the same since. Along with Instagram came influencers, wellness culture, and the idea of "pics or it didn't happen." Meanwhile, the industry resurrected trends from the past, like'90s-inspired dad sneakersandfestival fashionthat paid homage to the Woodstock era. But this decade also gave us totally new ideas, like athleisure and Instagram-approvedmust-have accessories.Take a trip down memory lane with us.
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Athleisure
Goodbye formalwear, hello activewear! Track pants with heels, yoga pants with a leather jacket and hoop earrings—welcome to the age of athleisure. Thanks to the rise of wellness culture, leggings aren't just for the gym anymore.
(Image credit: Christopher Polk)
Festival Fashion
All hail the reigning queen of Coachella herself, Vanessa Hudgens, seen here sporting her (flower) crown. Thanks to the age of Instagram, music festivals became a fashion show. Boho-inspired clothing ranged from fringe to flower crowns.
(Image credit: Jeremy Moeller)
Dad Sneakers
The chunky sneaker, the dad sneaker, the ugly sneaker—the list goes on when it comes to the name of this controversial trend. Resurrected from the '90s and pioneered by Balenciaga's Demna Gvasalia for his Fall 2017 menswear presentation, these sneakers are here to stay. The Balenciaga Triple S sneakers(named for the three soles layered on top of one another)were the stars of the show, paving the way for countless iterations.
(Image credit: Edward Berthelot)
Streetwear
From Supreme to Off-White, streetwear became one of fashion's biggest markets.
(Image credit: Ray Tamarra)
Celine Luggage Tote
From the Phoebe Philo era, the Celine Luggage Tote is among the bags that defined the decade. Introduced in 2010, the Luggage Tote comes in a variety of sizes and colors.
(Image credit: Christian Vierig)
Mini Bags
The itty-bitty accessory is far from functional but looks great in an Instagram post (which is what it's all about anyway). The JacquemusChiquitobag took the fashion world by storm in 2018 and the bags have gotten smaller and smaller ever since.
(Image credit: Edward Berthelot)
Valentino Rockstud
A product of then co-creative directors Pierpaolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri, these little studs became synonymous with the decade. The ankle strap pumps were by far the favorite among the Rockstud collection, which includes bags, jewelry, and shoes.
(Image credit: Bauer-Griffin)
Bomber Jacket
Bomber jackets, specifically theAlpha Industries MA-1,were a street style staple. Many stars sported their bombers with leggings for an off-duty atheisure look.
(Image credit: Melodie Jeng)
Wedge Sneaker
Another controversial sneaker trend: The wedge sneaker. Isabel Marant took the athleisure trend and ran with it with her Bekett sneaker.
(Image credit: Jackson Lee/Star Max)
Skinny Jeans
We started the decade with skintight skinny jeans. Honorable mention to Rihanna's Givenchy Doberman T-shirt, which was also huge back in 2012.
(Image credit: Jackson Lee)
Mom Jeans
It didn't take long to say goodbye to skinnies for a much more forgiving style—the mom jean. The retro high-rise style took over, and with mom jeans and dad sneakers now in fashion, it turns out our parents are cool after all!
(Image credit: Daniel Zuchnik)
Borrowed From Your Boyfriend
The idea of stealing your boyfriend's clothes has a sexy allure. In the 2010s we saw the rise of the boyfriend blazer and jean. The trend was an ode to your man's loose-fitting clothes that actually fit you.
(Image credit: Ben Hider)
Statement Necklaces
The bigger, the bolder, the better. Statement necklaces, bib styles in particular, were all the rage. Honorable mention goes to Leandra's Proenza Schouler Ps1 bag, another huge 2010 staple.
(Image credit: Alo Ceballos)
Givenchy Antigona Bag
First introduced in Givenchy's Fall/Winter 2011 collection, the Antigona quickly gained "it-bag" status. The structured bag is simple and sleek, not only gaining traction for its design but for its functionality. With a two top handles and a detachable crossbody strap, this bag ispractical. No wonder it was beloved by so many.
(Image credit: Rabbani and Solimene Photography)
Alexander Wang Rocco
The Alexander Wang Rocco bag became a downtown It-girl staple. Retailing under $1,000, cool chicks everywhere loved this edgy studded duffle.
(Image credit: Edward Berthelot)
Crop Tops
We saw the rise of wellness culture and brand mottos like, "Strong is the new skinny." The crop top allowed you to show off your body in a fashionable way.
(Image credit: Bauer-Griffin)
Mansur Gavriel Bag
Launched in 2013, the Mansur bucket bag quickly garnered both attention and a waitlist. TheLos Angeles Timesdescribed the bag as "stealth luxe" for women who want low-key luxurious bags without overt logos and labeling.
(Image credit: Christian Vierig)
Logo Mania
Flashy logos are perfect for an Instagram photo op, and they were all the rage in the 2010s.
(Image credit: Gotham)
Super Small Sunnies
The 2010s gave us some interesting trends, but microscopic sunnies surely top the list.
(Image credit: Christian Vierig)
The White Sneaker Worn With Everything
Leave your heels at home—the 2010s were all about the sneaker. Adidas' Stan Smith sneakers were all the rage, andeveryonehad to have them. Women paired the classic tennis shoe with skirts and dresses to give their elegant looks a downtown-casual feel.
(Image credit: Christian Vierig)
Bike Shorts
Another side effect of the athleisure trend: The return of the bike short. This trend made its way from the sidewalk to the catwalk back to the streets and into our wardrobes. The most inspiring quality about the resurgence of these bottoms is the way people style them. Many street style stars created a juxtaposition by pairing their lycra leg wear with high-fashion pieces, from blazers and blouses to heels.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for theMarie Clairenewsletter (subscribe here).
Shelby Comroe
Shelby Comroe is the Credits Editor and Fashion Assistant at Marie Claire covering all things fashion and giving credit where credit is due. Check her out @shelbycomroe on Instagram if buying designer handbags is your idea of a retirement plan!
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