Order in the Court!: In Defense of Controversial 2010’s Fashion Trends
Words by Lydia Wilcox
Eds. Mistral Zerbi
The 2010s is a decade that critics will incorrectly denounce as unfashionable. 2010s fashion was unceremoniously declared uncool when the Covid-19 stay-at-home orders resulted in skinny jeans plummeting in popularity and ushered in the trend of donning loose, relaxed fit jeans. This campaign against skinny jeans spurred countless articles disparaging a variety of iconic 2010s looks with one The Guardian article stating “the trends of the 2010s were full of questionable ideas and purchases”. Well, I disagree. Everyone was so quick to forget the thrill of sorting through a rack of super-ripped skinny jeans in the Topshop dressing room while the speakers blared music so loud it felt like you were trying on clothes in the club. However, it appears that these formerly controversial trends are making a comeback. The spring/summer 2025 runways were overrun with models wearing an assortment of 2010s-inspired garments and accessories. I contend that it is completely possible to slay a 2010s outfit, the key is simply styling it correctly.
During the Mugler Spring-Summer 2025 show, models strut down the runway unencumbered by an excessive amount of fabric. Instead, they were clad in form-fitting trousers. It is worth noting, as Jake Henry Smith did in a Glamour article listing key Spring 2025 fashion trends, “This season’s best styles are technically slim, not proper skinny…The distinction between straight, slim, and skinny varies wildly from brand to brand” While this is an accurate description, and it is true that many of the trousers included a slit at the ankle, the very fact that a number of designers chose to include tight trousers on their runways indicates that there is a shift in how 2010s fashion is being viewed. While it may not be everyone’s preference, I believe a wholehearted embrace of form-fitting silhouettes should never be shunned. A distinctly 2010s trend that this author earnestly believes has rightfully been revived is tall boots over jeans, specifically, over skinny jeans. If you’re searching for inspiration, look no further than Emily Ratajowski and Kate Moss, who have expertly made skinny jeans and stretch boots a timeless pairing. In 2022, while celebrating the vinyl release of ‘Renaissance’, Beyoncé gave the trend a Western-inspired twist by wearing cowboy boots over her jeans. If you’re still clutching onto your Levi’s ‘94s for dear life, perhaps Charli XCX’s pairing of super baggy jeans with non-stretch leather boots can ease you into our return to 2012. We cannot discuss controversial 2010s trends without a robust defense of elevated athleisure, particularly, sweatpants and high heels. At the time, Rihanna and Kim Kardashian were seemingly very fond of the trend and offered an excellent argument as to why this look can be chic. Pictured in 2019 after touching down at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City, Rihanna showed us how to pair a high-heel with grey sweatpants. In the 2010s, Kim Kardashian was frequently photographed wearing a varying combination of sweatpants and heels but my personal favorite was her 2018 pairing of a neon pink sports bra, grey sweatpants, and sock boots. She topped the look off with a tan walking coat. I support this trend because, though an unexpected pairing, a high-heel instantly takes the athleisure look from casual to uniquely chic in an unexpected way.
2010s trends, recently dismissed as ‘cringe’, have been making a slow but sure comeback to the fashion world. I predict that while today it may be considered a bold choice to wear skinny jeans and, perhaps, even bolder to break out your lace up peep toe booties and pair them with your joggers, come Spring the sound of denim swishing as people walk past will be as nostalgia inducing as hearing a setlist at Throwbacks.