Ten years is plenty of time for a culture to evolve and change in the wake of social and political evolution. The 2010s ushered in drastic changes in what we wear from day-to-day, as well as our perceptions of different cultures, whether those be our own or those foreign to us.

The early 2010s were defined by styles allowing people to take control of their own lives. The power balance bracelet contained holograms which the company claimed the bracelet improved a person’s balance and strength by reacting positively with their natural energy field. 

This bracelet was coupled with an increased focus on mental health. The decade was defined by public acceptance of mental health issues. Society became more focused on bringing issues like depression into focus. 

“I have such debilitating anxiety because of everything going on that I literally wake up in the middle of the night with full-on panic attacks,” influencer and model Kendall Jenner said in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar.  

Jenner was a part of a wave of influencers opening up about their mental health issues. This was coupled with an influx of acceptance across society. 

The legalization of gay marriage in 2015 was one of the pivotal victories of progressivism. Many celebrities were coming out and accepting their sexuality in public. This led to a trend of androgynous fashion. 

“Everyone is trying to feel something different through the way we express ourselves through dressing. This process of personal style is not driven by the pronoun we use to identify ourselves,” fashion designer Ty Ziskis said in a statement to garmentory. 

The man-bun surged in popularity, as well as short pixie cuts for women. These looks demonstrated a culture where gender roles were becoming more fluid, allowing people were becoming more comfortable expressing their personality. 

The pixie cut originally rose in popularity in America in the 1950s with Audrey Hepburn sporting the haircut in her film Roman Holiday. Chokers from the 90s made a comeback to accompany the new look. The athleisure trend and cut off jean shorts also had their moment in the 2010s.

 “I like seeing all of the trends that were once popular ten, twenty, or even thirty years ago cycle back in. For example- scrunchies, overalls, oversized sweatshirts,” fashion construction teacher Katelyn Shaefer said in an interview with the Omega. 

Instead of role models and runways, it was Instagram influencers who were making trends really blow. Over 70% of young Americans follow influencers online Adweek, a weekly American trade publication reported.  

With this, teenagers became more invested in fashion as well as finding their own personal style. The late 2010s were defined by the variety of teenage styles and aesthetics. 

“I see more teenagers moving away from the status quo of what other people are wearing- everyone is trying to be unique in their own way,” Schaefer said.