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Name a brand that’s had a stronger comeback than UGG—we’ll wait. What once seemed like a uniform staple for basic girlies everywhere, has quickly morphed into one of fashion’s must-have staples, especially the Ugg Classic Ultra Mini Platform Boots. First, fashion’s lovechild Bella Hadid was spotted wearing the boots with crew socks and very cheeky shorts in the dead of summer, and then other “It girls” like Gigi Hadid, Elsa Hosk, and Keke Palmer quickly followed suit. But, with so much hype tied to these platform stompers, it’s no surprise that they’ve been sold out for months, and re-stocks are easy to miss. So, naturally, I had to find a lookalike for you, because who has the patience to stay on the waitlist for a ‘2000s shoe?
One quick scroll through Amazon’s endless amount of shopping pages led us to the Cushionaire Hippy Pull-On Platform Boots. These look nearly identical to the viral mini shoes and are nearly half the price. At just $79.99 you can have these iconic shoes at your doorstep in just two days (shoutout to Amazon Prime shipping).
When it comes to appearance, these check off every box you might be looking for in platform Uggs. They’re thick, warm, have a sky-high bottom to add a few inches to your height, and are super comfy thanks to memory foam. And, unlike actual Uggs, however, these have a faux-fur lining on the inside, if sheepskin isn’t your thing. You can wear these for a hungover morning run to the bagel shop (bacon, egg, and cheese PLS!) or to go spend money on things you don’t need at Target—you know, the important things. Just pair them with your favorite leggings and you’re good to go, unless you’re channeling your inner Hadid sis and want to wear them with cheeky shorts—which is totally fine too.
And avid Amazon shoppers give these their stamp of approval too. These not-Uggs have a 4.6 rating on the site. Unsurprisingly, these are also a hit among TikTok fashion creators too.
So, the bottom line is that not only are these cheaper than a pair of Uggs that are nearly impossible to get your hands on, but they’re just as comfortable and high-quality as the real deal. There are good reasons as to why these have an average 4.6-star rating on Amazon, and the positive reviews speak for themselves. Sure, winter might almost be over, but if Bella Hadid can wear these in all-year-round, so can you. What are you waiting for? Snag these Ugg lookalikes for $79.99 and channel your most basic vibes today.
You know the saying, “April showers bring May flowers?” I’m calling BS—because here on the east coast, it’s been raining literally all year long. And aside for the obvious reason as to why this sucks, I have a confession to make about why it’s giving me added anxiety.
All the way in the back of my closet—behind the pile of clothes that still have tags on them that I promise I’ll wear next year—are the pair of rain boots I’ve had since 8th grade. Yes, seriously.
You know exactly the ones I’m talking about: They have interchangeable sock-liners to match your Pinterest-perfect outfit, go up to your knee, and are so stiff it’s nearly impossible to bend your ankle. They’re terrible for walking, but then again, they could make a great dupe for an ankle cast (I kid… kind of). I can’t count the number of times I’ve tripped down the stairs because I refused to believe the Hunter rain boots I begged my mom to buy me for three years weren’t actually worth the money. You mean to tell me that taking off rainboots shouldn’t cause so much pain that you’ve considered permanently wearing them for the rest of your life?
But now that I’ve upgraded from a flip phone to an iPhone, I’ve come to the quite literal painful realization that it’s probably time to say goodbye to the Hunter boots. And since finding a good pair of rain boots can be harder than getting a reservation at Carbone (IYKYK), I’ve done the hard work for you and found the best ones. And because I’m super-low maintenance, my criteria was that they needed to be cute, comfortable, a neutral color, easy to get on (and off!), could be purchased online, hand-delivered to my front door, and can be exchanged for a full refund, no questions asked. Is that really too much to ask?
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Enter: The Steve Madden Women’s Sahara Rain Boot.
They literally hit every box—they’re comfy, cute, black (like the rest of my wardrobe, duh)—and I bought them on Amazon because you know I’m all about the free shipping and returns. They’re short enough that you can wear them during any season and comfy enough to wear on a marathon shopping spree. The best part: The price point is actually super affordable.
I was skeptical at first, but I figured that if I get the chance to buy a new pair of boots while remaining fully horizontal, I don’t really have much to lose. Granted, I don’t know if my husband will be too pleased that I have yet another Amazon shipment on its way, but it’s all in the name of self-care, right? And did I mention they come in three colors? Say no more.
Steve Madden Women’s Sahara Rain Boot
Steve Madden Women’s Sahara Rain Boot, $49.30, Amazon
Background image credit: Photo by Pixabay
Whether or not we’re excited for summer to end, I think we can all agree that we’re excited to shop for fall fashion (I mean, we’ll really take any excuse to shop, but for now, let’s focus on the fall season). As much as we all love a Zara moment, putting in the effort to shop for sustainable, ethically-made products can really pay off. Not only will it make you feel better about shopping in the first place, but you’ll also get to brag about being super ethical to all of your friends. You’re welcome.
So, without further ado, here are 10 sustainable brands to shop for the fall season.
Dr. Scholl’s
Everyone knows about the Dr. Scholl’s clog, but everyone might not know about the company’s amazing commitment to sustainability. Thanks to this, over 35.2 million plastic bottles have been diverted from landfills into the recycled fabrics used in their shoes. Dr. Scholl’s also has a partnership with Trees for the Future, so with every purchase of an original collection shoe, Dr. Scholl’s shoes donates a tree to the organization to offset carbon emissions.
New shoes for fall? Check.
Apparis
Apparis is an NYC-based vegan lifestyle brand with some of the most chic jackets we’ve ever seen—and its first-ever pre-fall 2022 collection its the most environmentally-conscious one yet. The collection features recycled alt-silk and marled re-knit (read: sustainable fabric), and includes recycled hardware and trims.
Trust us, you’re going to want to buy everything.
Baggu
Baggu makes everything from bags, to socks, to blankets, to laptop covers and even pouches and backpacks, all in a ton of fun prints and styles.
They are fully committed to sustainability. This shows up in the materials they use, such as recycled nylon, canvas and more. Fall is the perfect time to commit to staying more organized, so this is basically the perfect place to start.
Volcom
Volcom—yes, that cool surfer brand that you were probably too shy to walk into when you were younger—now has an Eco-True collection. It’s made with REPREVE recycled fibers that give new life to discarded plastic bottles. Its fall 2022 collection was made in collaboration with surfer pro Coco Ho and this sustainable surfer-meets-streetwear set is ideal for the upcoming season.
Szade Recycled
Szade Recycled sunglasses are made from other sunglasses. They collect tons of overrun, out of use, faulty and wasted frames, and then break them down and turn them into Szades. Not only is this company doing their part when it comes to sustainable operations and transparency, but their glasses are also beyond cute. We’re partial to the blue light transition glasses.
Girlfriend Collective
This athletic wear brand uses 100% recyclable packaging and makes their clothing from materials like post-consumer water bottles, fishing nets retrieved from the seas, fabric scraps, and other waste. We have a feeling the sports bra will be the first clothing item you reach for once you finish your laundry since it’s comfy but supportive.
ÉTICA Denim
Based in Los Angeles, ÉTICA is rooted in the ideals of fair labor, environmentally conscious manufacturing and social responsibility. They’re on the cutting edge of sustainability in premium denim, and you’ll want to stock up on their best-sellers just in time for the cooler weather.
PANGAIA
Pangaia is a sustainable fashion brand with a focus on everyday lifestyle products that puts fast fashion to shame. Start with one of their sweatsuit sets because you’ll thank yourself for it when it’s 40 degrees outside.
Saie Beauty
Saie Beauty is hands-down my favorite makeup brand of the moment. Their products are extremely high quality, clean, and the company is invested in sustainability of course. You can’t go wrong with any of their products, but for daily use, try the Slip Tint, the Mascara 101, and their new Lip Blur.
NK Imode
NK IMODE’s 100% Zero Waste Robe is crafted using optimal pattern efficiency, meaning that this garment leaves behind no fabric pieces that may end up in landfills. Designed with luxury in mind, this biodegradable style is made of the softest OEKO-Tex certified silk (crafted without chemicals that are toxic to the environment). Plus, it’s handmade within NK IMODE’s ethical, family-owned factory.
Image: PANGAIA
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Picture a yellow halter top with bedazzled details and a coordinating floral skirt paired with strappy sandals. Did this outfit come from the Children’s Place’s 2008 summer catalog, or did you just see it on your Instagram feed from influencers like Shy Smith or Devon Lee Carlson? Turns out one of my favorite elementary school outfits could totally pass for a going-out look in 2022, meaning Y2K fashion is back and better than ever. While some things should stay hidden in the archives forever (we’re looking at you, dresses over jeans), this summer we’re excited for our chance to recreate some of our most memorable looks with 10 of our favorite Y2K trends!
Butterfly Clips
It seems like everyone and their mother has hopped on the butterfly clip trend, and for good reason. While we may remember stars like Britney Spears, Mandy Moore, and the Olsen twins rocking these in their golden blonde waves, butterfly clips look great in a wide variety of hair textures. The key is finding quality clips—like these ones from Etsy—of the right size that’ll keep your curls in place. And the best part is, you can accessorize as much or as little as you want, opting for a minimalistic style that keeps your hair out of your eyes, or going full glam with face-framing pops of color. Creator BettyDreamShop offers a wide variety of clips with a sophisticated color palette as the perfect elevation from your middle-school pastels.
Strappy Sandals
Whether you’re attending a graduation ceremony, a summer barbeque, or enjoying drinks in the city, a pair of strappy sandals are a summer must-have. This pair by Marc Fisher has a low block heel, making them easy to walk in and comfortable for long stretches of time. Pair with a flowy sundress or a pair of low-rise jeans (like the ones up next) to complete your Y2K aesthetic.
Low-Rise Jeans
Love them or hate them, low-rise jeans are a 2000s fashion staple we never thought would return, but here we are. While I’ll always be biased toward my high-rises, these outfits from Lori Harvey, Bella Hadid, and Rihanna definitely make me want to reconsider with these skater jeans from American Eagle.
Mini Skirts
Built. In. Shorts. That is the key to nailing the miniskirt trend this summer, keeping you comfortable and stylish. This tennis skirt from Aritzia comes in 22 colors and is made with recycled materials to produce a sweat-wicking fabric that’s breathable enough to handle all of your adventures… even if they just include walking your dog for a puppuccino.
Cut-Outs
Cut-outs are a super sexy and fun detail that can be seen in everything from tops and dresses to pants. They can be dressed up or down based on fabric colors, patterns, and cut-out placements, making them a versatile standout in your wardrobe.
Lace Camis
Didn’t we all own the same lace cami in every color of the rainbow, or was that just me? This classic piece is a step up from the Aeropostale tanks we used to love, trading elongated hemlines for a cropped lettuce hem and adding subtle cross lace detailing. For an extra bit of nostalgia, layer your cami over a plain tee or long-sleeved top—just don’t bring Polo shirts into this, k?
Colorful Sunglasses
If Beyoncé was a fan of pink sunglasses, I’m a fan of pink sunglasses. The 2000s were all about oversized square frames, lots of rhinestones, and if you’re feeling extra bold, you can go for the full shield look.
Beaded Necklaces
Everyone from Dua Lipa to Harry Styles has been seen rocking chunky, beaded necklaces. Emulating a DIY vibe, this set is made with recycled plastics and adds a playful pop of color to any outfit. You can also look for necklaces with a variety of charms to spell out your name to add a personalized touch.
Halter Tops
My elementary school self would be proud of this choice. I am absolutely obsessed with this halter from PacSun. The fabric is thick, yet breathable, making it perfect for warm summer days and cooler nights. Plus, the butterfly pattern is the perfect not-so-subtle nod to the 2000s… let me grab my hair clips!
Baby Tees
We couldn’t close out a Y2K fashion round-up without mentioning the infamous baby tee. Bonus points if yours doubles as a graphic tee, like these ones from Garage and Betches.
Millennials and Gen-Zers might still be arguing about who does 2000s fashion better, but no matter where your vote lies, these trends are back for a reason and we’re ready to see them all summer long.
Images: Martin Pisotti / Deathtothestockphoto.com
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Amazon Prime Day is officially here, which means you can fill your cart to your heart’s desire without feeling guilty about it. Although, let’s be honest, you shouldn’t feel guilty about treating yourself to a little something—I call it self-care.
Let me get straight to the point: It feels like there are an infinite amount of deals happening, so we’ve done you a favor and curated our favorite sales on clothing. You may call it extra, but we’ve even plotted them out for all different occasions in your everyday life.
Get Your Fit Together
There’s nothing quite like wearing a fresh ‘fit to the gym. IDK about you, but sometimes all it takes to get that renewed sense of exercise excitement is a new pair of yoga pants. We also included some basics because it’s no fun buying socks full price.
Night On The Town
From date night to drinks with the girls, these options are all great staples in the “going out” rotation. Shopping a sale is also a great way to test out a new look. Hint: Cut-outs aren’t going anywhere, so try the trend without breaking the bank.
Comfy & Cozy
If you’re feeling like your social battery is at an all-time low and it’s time to hang at home in hibernation for a little while, we’ve got an outfit for that. There’s even a stretchy romper to help you look like you’re put-together (even if you aren’t).
Your New 9-5
At this point if you aren’t in the office 100% of the time, you’re probably going in at least a few days a week, which means you might need real pants. Here are some basics that will help ease the pain of picking out office-friendly ensembles including a new pair of jeans (hello, casual Fridays!). P.S. Please don’t look at us funny, Ballet Flats are back.
Vacation, All I Ever Wanted
It’s time to use up all that extra PTO you’ve been stashing. While you’re at it, go ahead and buy that vacation wardrobe you’ve had your eyes on. It’ll make packing so much easier.
Image: AGUSTÍN FARIAS / Deathtothestockphoto.com
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Welcome to wedding season: where the hangovers are real, the dress codes are confusing, and we’re all sweating. As if the uptick in vaguely specific dress code attire hasn’t made finding a wedding guest outfit hard enough, summer weddings also require finding something that’s dress code appropriate while also seasonally appropriate. There’s a lot of “vibe interpreting” required for all these confusing wedding dress codes that, frankly, most of us just aren’t cut out for. So to help guide you on your seemingly treacherous wedding guest outfit search, here are some options based on the different dress codes.
White-Tie
Clearly I need to reevaluate my entire circle of friends because I’ve never attended nor have I even been invited to a white-tie wedding. White-tie dress code is the most formal of them all, requiring floor-length gowns, no exceptions. Your gown should be paired with your most elegant clutch and accessories and, if I were you, I’d take full advantage of the occasion and even add some trendy elbow-length gloves. You can make your gown more seasonally appropriate by choosing summery colors and fabrics.
Black-Tie
Personally, this is my favorite wedding dress code out of the ones I’ve attended because I love an excuse to dress up. Black-tie dress code means you can wear a formal gown or elevated jumpsuit, either of which paired back to elegant accessories. Basically, think prom-adjacent attire minus the over-the-top tackiness and vodka-filled water bottles. Similarly as with white-tie, you can make your black-tie ensemble more summer- appropriate with light and bright colors, airy fabrics, and more breathable silhouettes.
Formal or Black-Tie Optional
This dress code can be confusing and definitely requires some of that “vibe interpreting” that I mentioned earlier. Black-tie optional is pretty much equivalent to formal and just means slightly less formal than black-tie. The biggest difference for women’s attire is that a full-length gown isn’t required, but something of the same dressiness “vibe” is still recommended. Basically, if you want to get wild and show your ankles then you have permission to do so but I’d avoid going above the knee for your hemline. Add a summer-feel to your formal look with vibrant summer colors or a lightweight mesh fabric.
Cocktail
Cocktail attire means that women can wear shorter hemlines but still need to look dressy. Long story short, it would be inappropriate to wear a gown but also inappropriate to wear a sundress. I realize that leaves quite a large gamut, but basically just think a specialty mini dress, elevated midi dress, or eloquent jumpsuit. Overall, this dress code does imply a bit more of a flirty and playful vibe, so have fun with it but still look classy. Keep it summer appropriate with shorter hemlines, seasonal colors, or even an elevated floral print.
Semi-Formal or Dressy Casual
Semi-formal or dressy casual might be the most vague of all the dress codes because there are no “hard lines” beyond no sweatpants. Rather, you really have to feel into the vibe of the wedding, so maybe just grab a crystal and the invitation and mediate on it? On second thought, maybe just text a fellow wedding attendee to see what they’re wearing and go from there. At the end of the day, err on the side of being over-dressed rather than under-dressed. Remember, it’s about special event elegance without crossing the line of “fancy.” Vague, I know, so best of luck.
Beach Formal
As someone who recently attended a beach formal wedding, my biggest piece of advice is DO NOT underestimate the heat. As someone who also attended said wedding in a long sleeve bridesmaid dress, I’m going to suggest you steer clear of sleeves and any material that could potentially show sweat. Instead, opt for lightweight summery fabrics like linen or gauze. And, if you’re really someone who sweats easily, go for an airy printed maxi to help disguise any possible sweat stains. Oh, and bring a handheld fan, you’ll thank me later.
Daytime or Casual
Covid has made the backyard wedding quite a trend, and given how expensive weddings can get, I definitely see the appeal. Backyard or daytime weddings are usually more casual which means they’re perfect for a breezy sundress, pretty mini dress, or sophisticated set. The only “don’t” here is going too casual or too dressy. Just avoid dressier fabrics, overly casual fabrics, stiletto heels, sneakers…and you should be good to go from there.
Images: Omar Lopez / Unsplash
Well, the 64th Annual Grammy Awards happened last night. This year’s award show was notable, not only because it served as one last opportunity for celebrities to offer a career-ending, unsolicited hot take on the Will Smith and Chris Rock situation, but because it took place in Las Vegas. I know an award show’s location generally means nothing to anyone who isn’t attending, but bear with me for a moment: According to Page Six, stylists were having “meltdowns” over the location change because there are “no expert tailors” and everyone’s outfits had to be dragged through “smoky casinos that smell bad.” So as you scroll through Instagram, carefully reading the captions of outfit photos your faves have shared to make sure they aren’t sprinkled with misguided statements about current events before you double tap, remember that behind every great ensemble is someone asking, “Does it smell like Newports in here? It’s not me. I vape.”
Anyway! Let’s discuss the fashion of the night. Some of it was good. Some of it was bad. Lots of it was just straight-up confusing. (I have a theory that famous people are unaffected by weather. I can’t think of another reason why John Legend, Kelsea Ballerini, and Cynthia Erivo were all wearing velvet on an 80-something degree day in April in the literal desert.) I will not be dividing these looks into “best” and “worst” categories because I am simply not qualified to do so. However, after a lifetime of talking people’s ears off about things that have nothing to do with me, I am confident in my ability to just talk my shit in an unorganized way. Here you go!
Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia’s Vivienne Westwood dress strikes the perfect note for her segue from Disney star to pop punk princess, because it’s simultaneously a tribute to the “…and you’re watching Disney Channel!” magic wand commercials of the early aughts, but like, cute. Although, I will say that it also feels like she came back from spring break with one of those T-shirts with the outline of a woman wearing a bikini, gave it to her stylist, and was like, “I want this.”
Lil Nas X
Remember the stunning Balmain dress Kim Kardashian wore to her bachelorette party in Paris in 2014? This is her now. Feel old? No, but seriously, Lil Nas X’s pearl-encrusted suit with matching chunky platform boots is probably one of the most indisputably flawless serves of all time. I look forward to attempting this subtle blue eyeshadow look, but when I do it, I will definitely just look like a Smurf with eye boogers.
Billie Eilish
I love to see Billie paying homage to one of the most reliable figures in my life: the chair in the corner of my room where I toss the clothes that I’ve worn, but am not quite ready to wash yet. The piecey half-updo, on the other hand, is giving popular girl at the school dance in a 90s rom-com, and I feel like she’s about to bully me for wearing last season’s dress.
FINNEAS
Millennials, before you freak out, this is Billie Eilish’s brother. During a red carpet chat with Laverne Cox, Finneas said that he felt he and his girlfriend Claudia Sulewski “look like Easter.” *Throws away joke list* I guess I’ll go with Mad Hatter? Nvm, his is better.
Megan Thee Stallion
Meg, who graduated high school in 2013, took the GRAMMYs as an opportunity to finally let all of us late twenty-somethings see what our ultimate prom vision could have looked like if we were actually rich and hot. The zebra print lining… the bejeweled one-shoulder neckline… the flawlessly executed smokey eye… this is the look I have been dreaming of since junior year. Pick your joke: A) Caroline Baskin could never B) The Real Housewives of New Jersey are shaking.
Justin Bieber
You know what cures Bieber Fever? This red carpet look. It’s giving Stu Pickles. One glimpse at it and I immediately forget all of the feelings I had for Justin during the Purpose era, and remember that at the end of the day, he is really just the man who used “squish out a nugget” as a euphemism for childbirth. And I won’t be the one to complain about designer Crocs having a moment, but can we please not wear them to red carpets of major award shows? There’s a time and a place, people.
Saweetie
To be fair, I will always lose my mind when someone shows up to a red carpet in this particular shade of pink (I think it’s PANTONE’s “Expensive,” no?), but I genuinely believe that Saweetie’s Valentino GRAMMYs look is as close to perfect as it gets. I’m going to go out on a limb and predict that we’ll be seeing brides rocking a short skirt version of this set in white to their bachelorette parties as soon as the evil masterminds at Revolve will allow it.
Halsey
Halsey looks like a very rich Sim with a romance aspiration. V into this Janet Snakehole cosplay.
H.E.R.
You know what? I’m going to return the SAD lamp I just ordered from Kohl’s and replace it with a screenshot of H.E.R.’s sunny Aretha Franklin inspired look. IDK what 1970s-esque cult she’s about to lead wearing this jumpsuit, but I do know I’m joining it. I can also respect how much H.E.R. probably sacrificed to look this good, because between the floor-length sleeves and the fact that jumpsuits are historically the worst article of clothing to go to the bathroom in, her pee breaks were probably a nightmare.
Dillon Francis
Dillon Francis, the DJ who soundtracked some of your most questionable college decisions, showed up wearing a wrinkled shirt with a Walgreens bag of snacks in tow. I don’t really know what else I expected, but it wasn’t for the Green River Killer to make an appearance on the Grammys red carpet.
Dua Lipa
Nothing will ever top Maya Rudolph’s Donatella Versace impersonation, but Dua Lipa made a very good attempt. Pretty sure I own this set from Victoria’s Secret and have never figured out how to get into or out of it.
Doja Cat
Doja Cat walked the red carpet in the sartorial version of a thirst trap with a refreshingly witty caption. With a corset bodice and sheer skirt, this custom Versace look screams, “I’m obviously hot,” but it also says “I have a great sense of humor,” by accessorizing with a glass bag full of candy and a JBL speaker. Flawless execution here. Nothing but respect for my Statue of Liberty.
Lady Gaga
I would say “Cruella De Vil but make it high fashion” but I’m pretty sure Cruella’s whole thing was being a fashion bitch. Lady Gaga’s red carpet vibe these days is basically just looking like the most regal person you’ve ever seen, and I have no complaints.
Images: Frazer Harrison (4), Lester Cohen (2), Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Recording Academy; ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images; Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic (3); Amy Sussman/Getty Images (2)
It’s a Friday night in 2011. You’re getting ready for a night out with friends. You’ve thrown on a yellow shift dress from Modcloth, polka dot tights, and a faux collar that eerily resembles a doily straight off your grandma’s kitchen table. On your way out the door, you grab your ukulele—you and your friends are having a coffee shop photoshoot so you can post on a new app everyone’s using called Instagram. You don’t actually know how to play anything, but it doesn’t matter. Instagram only allows pictures anyway.
If this image fills you with nostalgia—congratulations! The aesthetic of your youth is now considered “vintage” (cue the existential crisis) by teens on TikTok, the gatekeepers of all things cool. GenZers have discovered this era of fashion, media, and culture, known as “twee” as of, like, 15 minutes ago, and some of its most prominent fashion elements are making their way onto For You Pages and even fashion runways. Trend experts are forecasting that “twee” is the next fashion era to return from the grave, in all of its cutesy, preppy, lo-fi glory.
After diving deep into the twee hashtag on TikTok (which has 56 million views as of writing this article), it seems people are struggling to put their finger on the pulse of where exactly it came from. The word “twee” is British slang for anything cute or quaint, usually in excess. And although nobody remembers calling it that when it was actually a thing, the images of what it supposedly means are striking a chord. Most videos under the hashtag follow a specific formula: people share throwback photos of themselves in the peak twee era of the late 2000s, usually clad in some kind of loud whimsical pattern, and almost always posing with props like tea cups and typewriters, or standing in front of random brick walls. The videos are usually paired with the song “Why Don’t You Let Me Stay Here,” by She & Him, Zooey Deschanel’s folk duo with M. Ward. The song has been named the “twee” anthem, much like Deschanel herself has become the unofficial poster girl for its aesthetic. Both encompass the essence of what “twee” is about: rompy melodies and all things preppy, pastel, and cutesy.
But there’s a debate on whether it can come back, or even if it should—the last time around, twee peaked at a time when Tumblr was full of fatphobic, pro-ED content, which spilled over into the fashion at the time. Many people are worried that with the resurgence of this trend will come more toxic narratives around body image in the mainstream. As someone who was a chubby teenager at the convergence of Tumblr and twee’s respective peaks, I understand the concern around what the revival of this trend could potentially mean for a world that is even more social media centered than it was ten years ago when it first emerged.
However, I think more than anything, trends aren’t so much about the visuals or the aesthetics of the thing, but more the memories we associate with them. The real power comes when we are able to make our own rules, to learn from the past while still giving ourselves permission to be nostalgic for the things that genuinely brought us joy. When I think of “twee” I don’t necessarily think of the doom scrolling through my Tumblr feed and the grueling workouts I saved to the Pinterest board that were born out of my own self-loathing. I think of the day I bought my first Modcloth A-line dress, and that it was the first time that I felt safe and comfortable in my body, celebrating it for what it was, not what I thought it should be.
Fashion can be a mirror of the ugly cultural implications of the time, but it can also be a vessel for self-acceptance, a way to materialize the version of ourselves that we want to be. The cool thing about the cyclical nature of trends is that it allows us to pull the things we want to take with us, and leave behind the things that we don’t. As far as I’m concerned, the glamorization of thigh gaps and faux collars are not a package deal. As the dialogue around body positivity continues to gain traction, and pressure is subsequently put on the fashion industry to make more decisions that are informed by size inclusion, the trends of the past will have no choice but to morph accordingly. Maybe 2022 will come with Modcloth dresses and faux collars and statement cardigans. But it will mean something entirely different this time around, and then it will be gone again, just as quickly as it came. As fleeting as trends are, can’t they just be seen as memories, as either relics of our past selves or celebrations of how far we’ve come—can’t that be enough?
Image: Jason Merritt/WireImage
