The 2010s Trends I’m Loving and Leaving Behind

Our tween and teen nieces spent the first half of 2023 reviving our high school fashions.  From peasant tops to low rises, I felt like I was back bopping to N’SYNC in my mint-green sedan for a minute.  Now, our 20-something direct reports are bringing back the 2010s in a big way, and I am not mad about it.

Everyone is talking about the rise of the 2010s (also, here) and 2000s in fashion.  Our glory days (well, the glory days of blogging, in those pre-influencing years) are making a comeback. That doesn’t mean, however, that I am embracing the reappearance of every trend from my teens and twenties.  So here are the new-old trends that I’m loving and the ones I’m leaving behind me (where they belong.)

Peplums // Yes, please, bring these back in force.  My post-pregnancy body thanks you for this flattering style that I already know I love.  I am ready for all of it.

• This sleeveless peplum sweater-shell caught my eye.  Halogen makes a similar style in plus.  This would be a great look under a blazer with denim.
• I bought this Halogen v-neck immediately to wear with black wide legs at the office.
• As for work dresses, Ted Baker and Calvin Klein both have you covered.
• And, I will probably splurge on this jacket, because it is currently living rent-free in my mind.  Maybe I can convince Kyle that I deserve a present for Sloane’s birthday…after all, I did give birth to her.

Skinny Jeans // No. I was behind the times and just let myself get back into wide legs. I forgot how much I loved them, and you will not lure me back.  I still have my AG Farrah’s and I will wear them when the mood strikes, but these jeans are my new jam.

Wide Belts // Yes, my waist needs this definition.  Plus, all of my sleek sheath dresses will benefit from this accessory-boost.  I love this knot-detail one and this incredible buckle-free one that’s <$100.  Also, the slightly dominatrix-corset feel of this one speaks to me in a way that I’m just going to embrace.

Crop Tops // This is more of an early-aughts trend, but shorter shirt lengths are back in a big way.  I will not.  I can not.  I shall not.  I Mom So Hard can it explain it better than I can.

Color Blocking // This is a trend that I am happy to embrace in moderation.  I want it to be intentional, not sloppy.

•  This swimsuit is my vibe in a selection of pinks.  If you’re not feeling the return of this trend, vacation is a good place to revive it.
• If you want work clothes, this Tory Burch dress in a neutral color-way or this Boss dress in black-and white.  For something mid-price, try this dress but lose the weak tie belt and go with a simple wide black belt with a slim buckle.
• Into this look for a sweater? This pop of lime is very cool, also in plus.

Shearling Jackets // I skipped this trend the first time. After all, I lived in D.C. where it was routinely 50-degrees in December.  But now, it’s cold where I live, so bring it on.  I already bought a Patagonia Retro pullover last year.  I also might add a $99 faux shearling aviator jacket to really embrace that vibe.

Shearling not for you?  Bombers are also back.  This oversize one from Maeve is fun.  I also like this classic flight-green jacket with orange lining.

Studded Heels // Nope. Can’t do it.  Those Valentino Rockstuds were a 2012 birthday purchase, and the second I put them on, I realized the shoes were wearing me, not the other way around.  I own these Nordstrom flats, and that is as far as my studded styles will be going.

Statement Necklaces // I want to jump back into this trend, but I am being cautious.  There will be no bubble necklace or chonky styles.  I just can’t go that deep.  The PTSD might be a little stronger than I anticipated.

However, I still love a good large-bead necklace ala Diane Lockhart.  If you want something with impact that won’t overwhelm you, Anthro has this cool gold knot-chain necklace and this silver one.  Both of these would look fab with a crewneck sweater.

So which trends are you excited to bring back and which should stay in the past?  Leave your thoughts in the comments.

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