2010s Fashion Trends

The 2010s were a dynamic and fast-paced decade in fashion, marked by social media influence, the rise of fast fashion, and an increasing push for individuality. Cultural shifts, global pop culture, and rapid technological changes shaped what we wore—often instantly. From the dominance of Instagram and influencer marketing to the growing awareness around sustainability, the fashion landscape of the 2010s was as much about image and accessibility as it was about aesthetics.

What Fashion Was Popular in the 2010s?

The 2010s fashion was defined by athleisure, streetwear, fast fashion, 90s revivals, and influencer-driven trends.

The early part of the decade (2010–2014) built on late-2000s styles but began carving its own distinct identity. Youth subcultures thrived online, and trends spread fast across Tumblr, fashion blogs, and YouTube.

Hipster Fashion

The hipster aesthetic peaked in the early 2010s. Think beards, flannel shirts, thick-rimmed glasses, and skinny jeans. It was a look rooted in irony, thrifted vintage finds, and a certain disdain for mainstream fashion—though ironically, it became mainstream itself.

Key elements included:

• Beards and man buns
• Plaid shirts and denim jackets
• Slim-cut jeans
• Vintage tees and boots
• Urban Outfitters as the go-to brand

Statement Accessories

Accessories became bold, oversized, and unavoidable. This was the era of the statement necklace, which could turn a plain outfit into a “look.” Round sunglasses and chunky jewelry also gained popularity, along with the unexpected return of the fanny pack (which would surge again later in the decade).

Festival & Tumblr Aesthetics

Bohemian styles ruled music festivals like Coachella, where flower crowns, crochet tops, and fringe vests were the norm. Simultaneously, the Tumblr generation embraced soft grunge, indie vibes, and normcore beginnings. Platforms like Polyvore and Lookbook helped spread these looks globally.

Popular pieces included:

• High-waisted shorts
• Flower crowns
• Combat boots
• Oversized knit cardigans
• Galaxy prints and dip-dye hair

From 2015 to 2019, fashion trends became increasingly shaped by social media, celebrity lines, and comfort-driven style. The second half of the decade saw a distinct shift towards function, self-expression, and sustainability.

Athleisure

Athleisure blurred the lines between gym wear and everyday fashion. Leggings, crop tops, bomber jackets, and sporty sneakers became wardrobe essentials.

Notable features:

• Rise of brands like Lululemon and Outdoor Voices
• Slides and branded socks
• Sports bras worn as tops
• Nike and Adidas dominating activewear
  

Streetwear Explosion

Streetwear became the new luxury. Hype culture thrived on limited-edition drops and collaborations, led by Supreme, Off-White, and Yeezy.

Key elements:

• Oversized hoodies
• Graphic tees
• Cargo pants
• Sneakers as status symbols
• Influence of hip-hop and K-pop on mainstream style
  

Minimalism vs Maximalism

The late 2010s saw a divide in style: some embraced clean, minimalist basics (think Uniqlo), while others went full maximalist with bold patterns, textures, and layering.

Minimalist trends:

• Neutral tones
• Structured silhouettes
• Quality over quantity
  

Maximalist trends:

• Clashing prints
• Neon colors
• Vintage mixing and eclectic accessorizing
  

Sustainability in Fashion

By the end of the decade, fast fashion faced major criticism. Consumers began seeking ethical alternatives, and the slow fashion movement gained momentum.

Highlights:

• Brands like Everlane and Reformation rising
• Thrifting and upcycling becoming mainstream
• Increased awareness of fashion’s environmental impact

High-Waisted Jeans & Crop Tops

A clear nod to 80s and 90s styles, high-waisted jeans paired with crop tops became the go-to look, especially among younger women.

Oversized Sweaters & Ankle Boots

A cozy, laid-back look inspired by grunge and indie influences. Often styled with leggings or skinny jeans for a comfy-yet-stylish outfit.

Influential Women in Fashion

Several female icons helped define the decade's fashion:

• Rihanna: Fearless fashion choices and Fenty Beauty impact
• Kylie Jenner: Streetwear-meets-glam aesthetic
• Gigi Hadid: Model-off-duty look and athleisure trendsetter
• Cara Delevingne: Androgynous edge and punk-inspired style

Skinny Jeans & Bomber Jackets

Skinny jeans became a staple, often worn with bomber jackets for a clean yet edgy look. Leather jackets and slim-fit tees also gained traction.

Streetwear and Sneakers

Sneaker culture boomed, with classics and chunky “dad” styles coexisting.

Popular sneakers included:

• Adidas Stan Smith
• Nike Air Force 1
• Balenciaga Triple S
• Yeezys
  

Influential Male Icons

Male celebrities played a huge role in shaping men’s fashion:

• Kanye West: Minimalist streetwear, Yeezy brand
• A$AP Rocky: High-fashion street style, collaboration culture

Chunky Sneakers & Dad Shoes

Though some still swear by them, many saw them as clunky and exaggerated. Fashion-forward or just plain ugly? The debate continues.

Fanny Packs

What started as a quirky revival became overexposed and overdone—especially the crossbody version with logos front and center.

Fast Fashion Overload

The rapid rise of cheap, disposable clothing led to concerns about labor conditions and environmental damage. Fast fashion giants like H&M, Forever 21, and Zara were heavily scrutinized.

Instagram & #OOTD

Instagram became a virtual runway. Influencers, celebrities, and everyday users turned daily outfits into curated content. Hashtags like #OOTD (Outfit of the Day) helped spread trends at lightning speed.

Music and Pop Culture

Hip-hop artists, K-pop idols, and festivalgoers dictated the look of the decade. Style inspiration came straight from music videos, red carpets, and even fan edits.

Vintage & 90s Revival

From chokers to mom jeans, the 90s came roaring back—filtered through a modern lens. Thrifting and DIY culture made retro looks more accessible.

Certain brands were inseparable from 2010s fashion.

• H&M, Zara, Forever 21: Fast fashion powerhouses offering runway looks for cheap
• Urban Outfitters, Supreme: Youth-driven, subcultural appeal
• Adidas, Nike, Uniqlo: Functional meets fashionable—especially in sneaker and basics culture

If you’re interested in seeing how these brands connect to the bigger picture, take a look at our in-depth research on fashion statistics. From industry growth to consumer behavior and cultural shifts, the data offers valuable context for how and why fashion trends evolve across decades.

Key Events and Movements That Shaped Fashion Trends in the 2010s

Fashion didn't exist in a vacuum. Events and digital shifts had a major impact.

• Coachella: Set the tone for festival fashion
• Met Gala: Brought high fashion into public conversation
• Fashion blogging → Instagram influencers: The rise of digital tastemakers changed how trends were discovered and adopted

Periods That Bookend 2010s Fashion

The 2010s blended fast fashion, hipster aesthetics, normcore, and athleisure, influenced heavily by social media and global streetwear culture. To understand its place in the bigger picture, explore the retro 1950s fashion trends, the rebellious 1960s fashion trends, the expressive 1970s fashion trends, the extravagant 1980s fashion trends, the grunge-defining 1990s fashion trends, and the nostalgic 2000s fashion trends.

FAQs About Fashion Trends in the 2010s

What Is the 3-3-3 Rule in Fashion?

The 3-3-3 rule encourages building outfits from 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 pairs of shoes to simplify style and maximize versatility.

What Were the Biggest Fashion Fails of 2010?

Major fails included excessive statement necklaces, neon skinny jeans, and poorly styled hipster layering.

Will 2010s Fashion Come Back?

Yes, many 2010s styles such as athleisure, streetwear, and high-waisted jeans are already resurfacing in cyclical fashion trends.

Bring Your 2010s-Inspired Fashion to Life With the Custom Labels of Dutch Label Shop

The 2010s were all about bold self-expression—whether you were rocking streetwear, minimalist basics, or a full festival look with flower crowns and fringe. And just like every great outfit, a well-made garment or accessory deserves a finishing touch that reflects your unique style.

At Dutch Label Shop, we help you add that final detail with high-quality, custom labels made just for your creations. Whether you’re reviving iconic 2010s trends or launching a new fashion project inspired by the decade, our woven and printed labels can bring your vision to life:

• Custom woven labels for a professional, tactile finish
• Printed labels with bold designs and detailed logos
• Care & size labels to complement your garments
• Iron-on, sew-in, or stick-on custom hang tags for every project
• Small minimum orders perfect for individual makers and small brands
  

From nostalgic DIY projects to full fashion collections, your designs deserve to be remembered—just like the iconic trends of the 2010s.