Waking up to see teal capris mixed with a statement belt and tomato-red, round, chunky sunglasses wasn’t a part of my vision for 2026 spring fashion, yet here we are. Styles that once would have been considered “socially unacceptable” to wear out of the house have officially taken over and society has somehow fallen victim to their wrath. Instead of viewing this style as cringy, cousin hand-me-downs, people see this as “vintage,” “chic,” and “retro.” So, naturally, the question becomes: how did we get here?
Back in the 2010s, the same style that is resurging now—athletic sneakers, capris, neon bright colors, and chaotic patterns—was the hot topic that dominated fashion. Every millennial roamed the streets wearing an awkward mix of athleisure and streetwear, fully representing their generation through their style, but managing to make it look quirky and authentic. Since the start of this year, however, Gen Z collectively created a 2016 manifesto. With the constant interaction with exposure to different trends through social media, it is inevitable that people will get their inspiration from their feeds, but the influence that 2010s style has had on spring fashion has been drastic. This is an issue that has divided the internet—some feel it is cute and nostalgic, while others think that it has been taken too far and feels phony.
The trends started off cute and casual, as people posted their videos online using fun nostalgic songs, put 2016 filters on their posts, and wore throwback pieces here and there. But as the months have passed, people have taken it to the extreme. The typical “florals for spring” energy was expected, but the 2010s revival has overshadowed it.
What makes the trend feel so inauthentic isn’t necessarily the style, which in some cases can be harmonious, but rather the staged, unnatural, and forced feel of this whole trend that you know will not be here in a couple of months. Fashion resurgences usually occur decades after the style was initially trendy, and once enough time has passed for it to feel new, fresh, and exciting. This revival, however, feels artificial and rushed. Last year we were poking fun at 2010s fashion, and now we are pulling up to public events in bright teal bandage dresses and pale pink lipstick as if the era has always been untouchably iconic.
Something else that I have observed is the speed at which trends now develop and die. What once took years to naturally develop and evolve through the inspiration of revolutionary fashion icons and magazine covers now becomes oversaturated. Within weeks, there is a new “curated” trend that will pass once the next virality surfaces. The result is a fashion culture that isn’t personal but rather synthetic and pasted from social media.
Despite all of this, I don’t think a 2010s renewal is doomed to fail. There are elements from the decade that deserve a comeback—just not in the exaggerated, costume-like way social media has recreated them. Something fun to see would be fashion inspired by the 2010s, rather than simply regurgitated.
Some simple ways that we can start to incorporate style elements from the 2010s into our modern-day closet are by blending them in with modern style. For example, wearing a polka dot top with a lace scarf, jeans, and a kitten heel, instead of pairing them with bright teal capris. Or, people could wear oversized sunglasses and softer pastels with hints of authenticity reflecting their true selves through their fashion.
When it comes to style, individuality is always key, which means that style should be a representation of persona and individuality, rather than internet virality. If someone genuinely loves flip-flop heels and chunky sunglasses, they should feel free to embrace them at all costs. But when every other person is wearing the same curated style, it feels more performative than true to oneself. As trends continue to recycle, the thing that will outlast every trend is personal style—which, if kept in touch with, will be recognized and appreciated.
