Reflecting on shifts in fashion over the last 10 years

For the past few years I’ve been studying a masters and working remote (because of covid), and therefore not paid very much attention to trends. Recently though I got a new job where I work in a casual office environment. This got me excited to update my wardrobe and follow fashion trends and guide. Not paying attention for a few years and then suddenly paying a lot of attention has made me really notice shifts in trends and fashion. Bigger shifts that are not about trends that blow up one season, but about shifting standards and norms. So, therefore, I want to try and trace the big shifts and patterns I am seeing.

Edit: Apparently my links weren't working. I think they should be fixed now.

I have looked at fashion influencers on TikTok, youtube, and the dying medium blogs, and also on reddit. I've compared how casule wardrobes, like my own I made with Polyvore and the blogger un-fancys looked 2014 - nine years ago - versus the most upvoted ones in /r/capsulewardrobe the , last few months. Particularly this feels very representative of current norms.

These are of course my observations, biased by my perception, social circles, social media consumption, age and geographical context (Sweden). And most importantly probably that I've alway been into subcultural circles with a certain kind of vintage aesthetic. But here are some shifts I have observed:

  • Skinny jeans with some stretch were the norm 2014, especially dark skinny jeans. Skinny jeans is no longer the standard and norm. Sometimes trend forcasters say skinny jeans are back, but then they’re back as a quick trend in the same way as a certain color can be all the rage for a season, rather than a change of norm. Gone are the stretchy skinny jeans that almost seemed like a second skin, instead the skinny trend is more of a cigarette-shaped jean; leaving more room for sturdier fabric.
  • What we consider skinny and wide is changing. What was labeled "mom jeans" on pinterest 2016 when mom jeans first became popular is what I now would call skinny jeans.
  • Mom jeans are the new norm. They are the basis of capsule wardrobes the same way as skinny jeans were 2016, where mom jeans would have been the "trendier option". They are not fashion forward or trendy, they just are the staple of every closet. They are the perfect neutral basic to an outfit.
  • Although cropped flare and culottes were up-and-coming trends for a brief moment, the crop seems to be on its way out. I no longer look current by rolling the hem of my skinny jeans or folding the hem of my mom jeans. The standard flare/wide leg is moving towards full length rather than a culotte crop. (I love culottes though! )
  • The waist is generally higher than it was before. 2015 it was a style statement of me to wear high waisted pants, now it’s expected.
  • The fashion forward dress in jeans that are flared and - this is the real shocker - low rise. Time will tell if there will be shift, or if it will be a trend. As a person with a long torso, I leave this shift for the gen z.
  • Although we’ve seen trends of maxi skirts and dresses before, the over all standard was rather short and skirts had some volume, like a mini, a flared knee lenght skirt or a skater skirt. Now, slim midi skirts, like a midi satin one feels like the norm and standard.
  • Cardigans are generally cropped. I am particularly thinking of this kind of cardigan, as opposed to this length that i used to wear to every outfit. I blame Jeanne Damas for looking so good in shorter cardigans.
  • The resurgence of 90’s and 00’s trends are huge. Among young in a very literal sense, buying thrifted pieces - but in my age group (30+), I see it more in silhouettes, bag shapes, hair styles etc. etc. I recently started craving baguette bags, bucket totes and pointy-toe heels.
  • Shoes are also chunkier. The silhouette of the acne pistols ankle boot used to be all the rage. Now I see boots looking like this, with a bit more weight to their shapes and a bit higher shafts. Personally, I love that because snow used to get into my ankle boots in the winter.
  • And speaking of heels. Heels used to be very high, but now I see a lot of low block heeled shoes and boots. From this height and this to heels like this.
  • Crossbody bags used to have such long straps. Nowadays I see shorter straps, with the hip bag worn as a cross body bag being the ideal. From bags like this to bags like this. Love the practicality - It’s a lot safer and it doesn’t swing all over the place if you need to run to your bus stop - but I do love a long strap. Its very casual though - I wouldn't wear that bag to work. I am however all for a baguette bag moment.

So what are some shifts that you have seen? I would love to have some input! Do you agree or disagree with my observations? Have you seen any different patterns and shifts? Is this true for your area and context? Do you think I mistake trends for shifts or the opposite? How do you feel about these shifts?