I woke up yesterday to the news of Freaky Friday and The Devil Wears Prada sequels, freshly filled French tips, and a Juicy Couture bag on my feed. For a brief moment, I genuinely forgot what year it was. But no, it’s not 2010—it’s 2025. We may no longer be bopping to Call Me Maybe, watching Kim Kardashian’s 72-day marriage unravel in real time, or posting grainy Valencia-filtered selfies on Instagram (which had just launched, by the way), but our outfits are starting to say otherwise. After years of Y2K overload—think butterfly clips and dangerously low-rise denim—it seems fashion has turned the dial forward ever so slightly. Welcome to the early 2010s revival.
Personally, I find it kind of refreshing. As someone who grew up during that era, I can say with confidence that not every 2010s trend deserves a comeback (RIP, peplum tops), but a few are definitely worth a revisit. We’re talking combat boots, skinny jeans (yes, really), and oversized statement necklaces that could double as armor. My personal uniform circa 2012 included a striped tee, cuffed skinny jeans, and white Converse. I answered calls on my Android, scrolled Twitter like it was a full-time job, and spent hours downloading highly questionable LimeWire tracks to my iPod Nano. Ahh, simpler times.
Ahead, five early 2010s trends worth trying again, and exactly how to style them in 2025—without giving full-on Delia’s-core (remember when?).
1. Skinny jeans
Arguably the defining trend of the early 2010s, skinny jeans were practically a rite of passage. If the phrase alone makes you shudder (same), take a deep breath—2025’s skinnies aren’t the vacuum-sealed pairs you once wore with riding boots and an infinity scarf. Today’s styles are sleeker, more tailored, and styled with a bit more intention. Think: a sharp ballet flat and an oversized blazer, sans the chevron print and bubble necklace.
2. Combat boots
Like it or not, combat boots have officially (re)entered the chat. But today’s versions are a far cry from the Dr. Martens of our yesteryear, once worn exclusively with skinny jeans and teenage angst. This time around, the silhouette feels more elevated: chunkier soles, higher shafts, and a streamlined edge that’s anything but grungy. The key to making them feel current in 2025 is all in the styling. Instead of defaulting to denim, try them with something unexpected like a tiered skirt or tailored trousers. It plays into the “wrong shoe theory” and instantly gives your outfit that intentionally undone look fashion people love.
3. Oversized bags
If you’ve grown weary of the micro handbag trend (no, that tiny Jacquemus purse still doesn’t fit your phone), fear not: oversized bags are officially back in rotation. Thanks to a boho-meets-indie-sleaze revival, extra-large totes are making a grand return, just like they did in the late 2000s. Slouchy, oversized silhouettes like The Row’s Margaux Tote and Celine’s Luggage Bag are leading the charge, bringing us bags big enough to hold our laptops, lip glosses, and the emotional baggage of a long week.
4. Statement necklaces
It’s hard to hear the phrase “statement necklace” without immediately picturing a J.Crew bubble necklace and a chambray shirt. Chances are, if you lived through that era, you’re probably still recovering—but I wouldn’t write them off just yet. This year’s options are sleeker, more sculptural, and far less kitschy. A bold pendant over a crisp white tee and a midi skirt reads more “quiet luxury,” less “I can’t wait to post this on my Tumblr later.”
5. Layered basics
In the early 2010s, layering became second nature. Personally, I almost never left home without a tank under my tee or a collar peeking out from a blouse. Now, the layering trend is back, but with a much cooler, more effortless approach. Instead of aiming for preppy perfection, today’s take is all about balance: tanks over tees, long-sleeves under short-sleeves, and yes, some pieces even come pre-layered for ease. It’s practical, it’s fashion-forward, and best of all, it’s way less uncomfortable.
Tinsley Crisp, Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer
Tinsley Crisp is a Fashion & Beauty Staff Writer at The Everygirl and specializes in reporting on the season’s latest trends and hottest products. As a New York City-based stylist, she’s committed to injecting joy into the art of getting dressed and delivering attainable yet aspirational content to our readers.
Products included in graphic linked within the article. Feature graphic images credited to: Susan Halewood | Adobe Stock, Isabela Dono Peixoto | Dupe, Leire Cavia | Unsplash, and Sarah | Adobe Stock
