As we bid farewell to 2023 and adjust to the new year of 2024, it’s an opportune moment to cast our gaze back in time and reflect on the significant changes that have unfolded, particularly in the dynamic realm of fashion. A decade has passed since 2014, and the shifts in style trends have been nothing short of transformative. So, please join me as we embark on a journey through the fashion landscape, exploring how trends have evolved and identifying those that have managed to withstand the test of time.
In 2014, certain fashion staples immediately came to mind. One iconic item that has managed to retain its popularity over the years is the Ugg boot. While the higher-rise Ugg boots were all the rage back then, the famous brand is still relevant due to their ankle mini platform boots and the Tazman slippers every girl wears to their 9:15 a.m. lecture class. The enduring appeal of Ugg boots highlights the timeless nature of certain fashion choices that seamlessly integrate into different eras, just in a different way.
This can be said about another trend that captured the fashion scene in 2014: the ubiquitous infinity scarf. To capture this moment in time, I just so happen to be wearing a chunky purple infinity scarf in my yearbook photo in 2014. Fast forward to the present day, and although it’s rare to spot someone sporting the once-popular infinity scarf, the skinny scarf style has emerged as a modern alternative and is one of my favorites to style and layer with. Another take on the chunky scarf is being used in the balaclava style to create an edgier style. The evolution of scarf fashion underscores the adaptability and ever-changing nature of style preferences.
Yoga pants, a quintessential item in the 2014 wardrobe, have not lost their popularity. In fact, they have transformed, with the contemporary twist being the prevalence of “flared leggings.” The love for comfortable yet stylish activewear demonstrates the staying power of certain fashion elements that seamlessly blend comfort and trendiness, especially the flared legging and mini Ugg combo.
A notable aspect of the 2014 fashion scene was not a specific item, but rather a lifestyle and aesthetic. The emergence of scene girls, characterized by their distinctive style and their chronic obsession with Tumblr, emphasizes the constant introduction of “it-girls.” Today, one might draw parallels between the scene girls of 2014 and the e-girls of 2024, epitomized by social media influencers such as TikToker Tara Yummy (Tara if you’re reading this give me your wardrobe). The e-girl has a similar grungier style and chronic online presence as the scene girl—it’s just a more modern take. The scene girl was known for their crazy side bangs, but you can see e-girls rocking fringe bangs. The cyclical nature of fashion trends is evident as certain subcultures and styles find their way back into the mainstream.
The past few years have witnessed a resurgence of trends from the early 2000s, sparking a wave of nostalgia among fashion enthusiasts. The question that lingers is whether this revival is just a fleeting moment or a sign of an ongoing trend. As we continue to witness the cyclical nature of fashion, it becomes evident that the industry thrives on the constant reinvention of the past, offering a fresh perspective on classic styles.
Whether it’s the popularity of Ugg boots, the transformation of scarf styles, the evolution of activewear, or the reincarnation of subcultures, the past decade has been a testament to fashion’s ability to revitalize itself while paying homage to its roots. As we step into the future, the only certainty in the world of fashion is that change is the only constant.
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Hi! I’m Annie Gleydura, A Magazine’s editor-in-chief. My staff and I are committed to bringing you the most important and entertaining news from the realms of fashion, beauty and culture. We are full-time students and hard-working journalists. While we get support from the student media fee and earned revenue such as advertising, both of those continue to decline. Your generous gift of any amount will help enhance our student experience as we grow into working professionals. Please go here to donate to A Magazine.
