Chokers, knee-high socks, American Apparel, and low-rise jeans are taking the world by storm. It was so influential that Arctic Monkeys made a song called “Knee Socks” on their then-most-influential album, “AM.” Millennial optimism was an era from the late 2000s to the 2010s. Building on indie sleaze, it gave young people the chance to express themselves in new, experimental ways. They drew inspiration from early-2000s icons such as Alexa Chung, the Olsen Twins, and Tumblr icons.
Alexa Chung, Early 2000s
Images: Pinterest
The Olsen Twins, Early 2000s
Images: Pinterest
Image: Pinterest
Tumblr, Instagram, and MySpace changed the game by letting people discover new aesthetics, share outfits, and develop their identities through fashion. The quality of images from older phones also adds a timeless quality as people continue the legacy today. The "optimism" aspect comes into play because many people remember the 2010s as an ultimately joyful time period. It was new and refreshing; people began wearing colorful and bright accessories along with statement pieces, and a new culture of self-expression was emerging.
The spirit of the past is finding a second life amongst Gen Z, especially since we grew up watching Millennials shape contemporary fashion. The nostalgia runs deep; there’s an appeal in seeing how carefree they approached fashion and how it shaped their identities.