Ah, the 2010s may not seem like a long time ago, but fashion has a way of evolving so quickly that outfits from just a decade ago seem like a relic from another world.
Instagram was the cultural giant that changed everything.
From the rise of influencer fashion to collaborations between high-end designers and unexpected brands, the fashion scene of the 2010s was an eclectic and dizzying evolution that still makes us smile (and sometimes cringe) today.
But let’s talk about fashion. What made the 2010s so memorable? Buckle up, because we’re about to be treated to a ton of high platform heels, athleisure craziness, and loads of (outfits of the day, of course).
2010s aka The Insta-Era: Where Fashion Went Viral
In the past, dressing well was a way to make a statement to the world in person. Then Instagram came into our lives in 2010 and suddenly everyone had an audience. Fashion wasn’t just about looking good on the streets; it was about getting the perfect photo for Instagram. Each outfit became content.
Influencers like Chiara Ferragni and Leandra Medine Cohen have turned their fashion blogs into Instagram empires. Outfit-of-the-day posts became a staple, and if it looked good on camera, it didn’t matter if it was high-end or fast fashion. Style was a visual language, and Instagram gave everyone the megaphone to shout it.
Here are some trendy outfits from the 2010s that we found impressive (PS- You’ll find lots of celebs here)-

Taylor Swift owned 2010s.




Shoes That Reached for The Sky (Literally)
The platform shoe would have to be the 2010s’ mascot, if there was one. Towering platforms were the rage, from Christian Louboutin’s signature red pumps to Alexander McQueen’s otherworldly Armadillo heels—yes, the same ones that Lady Gaga wore. You felt invincible when wearing them, until you tripped, then gravity had other ideas.
Platforms were trendy, sure, but they also had attitude. They were dramatic, daring and a little bold. The higher the shoe, the closer it was to fashion heaven, right? Or at least, that’s what we told ourselves as we stumbled through the parties.
Fun Fact: A 2013 Vogue article amusingly noted how platforms have caused women to “walk” through life. Despite the advent of more delicate shoes, many still cling to their thick-soled shoes as a safety blanket. Change is hard, especially when it means letting go of shoes that make you feel like a giant.
The J.Crew Era: Business Casual Meets Street Style
Ah, the J. Crew look. If you were into fashion in the early 2010s, you probably bought into this aesthetic. Under the creative direction of Jenna Lyons, J. Crew has transformed preppy and business casual staples into must-have pieces. Imagine pastel skinnies, peplum tops and luxe necklaces.
With a twist, it was business casual: timeless pieces combined with a carefree aesthetic that proclaimed, “Yes, I’m an adult, but I still know how to have fun.”
Workwear has never been more exciting thanks to this trend. The key was to combine tight pieces with unexpected pops of color and that’s it! Office attire doesn’t have to be as casual as it used to be.








Maximalism: When More Was More
The 2010s were all about going big or going home, so forget about minimalism. Maximalism was elevated to a whole new level by Gucci’s Alessandro Michele, whose creations resembled a Wes Anderson movie crossed with your grandmother’s closet. Fashion enthusiasts welcomed the runway’s dominance of oversized glasses, glittering dresses, and wild designs with open arms (and swelling closets). During this decade, dressing was a way to express yourself, and modesty was frowned upon.
I have a question for you: Have you ever enjoyed yourself so much that you found yourself layering items you never would have believed to go together? That was the maximalism of the 2010s: fashion without boundaries.
Dad Sneakers And Mom Jeans: The Ugly-Chic Movement
Not to mention the amazing resurgence of mom jeans and dad sneakers. As if fashion couldn’t get any weirder, high-waisted, baggy pants reminiscent of a comedy from the 1990s and sneakers with thick soles evoking orthopedics appeared. Balenciaga’s Triple S sneakers set the standard, and a flurry of imitations had us all questioning why we had ever been so infatuated with stilettos in the first place.
Mom jeans, with their fitted silhouette and high waist, have become an emblem of style for those who aspire to seem put together yet still stylish. You may seem put together by wearing them with a tucked-in top or an oversized blazer. Ironically, it took a lot of thought to pull off the ideal “I’m not trying too hard” appearance.








































































The Collab Craze: When High Meets Low (and Everything In Between)
In the 2010s, fashion was more about who you wear than what you wear. Designer collaborations between Gucci and H&M, with a geek-chic edge, showed how diverse and inclusive fashion could be. Collaborations have become a marketing treasure trove, with companies coming together in the most surprising ways. Who could forget Christopher Kane’s surreal yet legendary Crocs, or Supreme’s groundbreaking collaboration with Louis Vuitton? The surprise value was the calling card of the decade, and the crazier the collaboration, the better.
What Was Your Favorite 2010s Trend?
Did you like thinking back on the crazy world of 2010s fashion? Share it with others! Spread the word about this post to your friends, and let’s continue the discussion. Trends may come and go, but memories—along with Instagram posts—last a lifetime.
Whether you liked or despised the trends, it was hard to ignore the 2010s; they were a decade unlike any other. And you, what say? Were you an enthusiast of athleisure, a platform-pump queen, or did you completely subscribe to the maximalist mantra? Leave your ideas in the comments section and join me as we take a stroll down the history of fashion.