:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/2010ssocial_GettyImages-2173522808-8b7e491e235940f49b558335201dae37.jpg?w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "11 Ways to Reinvent 2010s Fashion (Without Cringing)")
Like the 1990s and 2000s before them, we’re experiencing a resurgence of 2010s fashion. But there are some trends that aren’t making the trip to modern-day: we won’t be seeing shutter shades anytime soon, for example, and wedge sneakers and faux leather leggings can stay in the decade they came from. But it’s much easier to work with clothing that can be effectively updated, even if they were most popular a decade or more ago.
Naina Singla, stylist and fashion expert, specializes in helping clients modernize their wardrobe, particularly if they favor styles that might be outdated. “If a client’s style feels stuck in the 2010s with skinny jeans, long cardigans, big statement necklaces, and shiny faux leather leggings, I’d first acknowledge what they love about their current wardrobe because those preferences are important and part of their personal style,” she says. “Then, I’d gently encourage them to refresh their look by swapping outdated silhouettes and overly trendy details for updated, more modern versions that still feel true to them: trading skinny jeans for high-rise straight or wide leg denim, replacing oversized cardigans with streamlined knitwear or relaxed blazers, and choosing jewelry that’s bold but more refined and sculptural.” It’s about keeping the pieces that still work without sacrificing style, she adds. “The goal is to help them evolve their aesthetic without losing what they enjoy.”
If this happens to be you, or if you like some of these styles but aren’t sure how to wear them, there’s many modern iterations here for inspiration and guidance.
Skinny Jeans
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In the ongoing discussion of whether skinny jeans are “cool,” we’re starting to see the return of slimmer styles, says Singla. “Skinny jeans are making a comeback for 2025 and were seen on the runway at Miu Miu and Alexander McQueen,” she notes. “Today’s take is sleeker and more intentional. I like pairing them with an oversized button-down or a tank and structured blazer to balance the proportions and keep the look modern. A pointed flat or sleek boot instantly makes the outfit feel polished.” Stick to black denim, as we see here, with a bit of slouch; pastel and neon skinny jeans are not part of the ’10s resurgence.
Slip Dresses
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“One of the most wearable and timeless trends from the 2010s is the focus on minimalism. Clean lines, simple camisoles, sharp blazers, and fluid slip dresses defined this era, especially in the mid-2010s with designers like Phoebe Philo at Celine and early collections from The Row leading the way,” notes Singla. A slip — or column — dress still looks incredible today; add a modern bag and substantial shoes for some necessary modern touches.
Athleisure
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Athleisure was huge in the 2010s — specifically a sporty chic vibe with legging sets and a mini purse. “People wanted clothing that could seamlessly transition from errands to brunch to light workouts, all while still feeling stylish,” says Singla. Mercifully, comfortable clothes have real staying power. “Today, athleisure has evolved beyond leggings and hoodies to include elevated matching sets, coordinated knitwear, streamlined silhouettes, and even luxe fabrics like cashmere that make it feel polished enough for daily life,” Singla adds. Pair a matching set like this with luxe accessories for a high-low feel.
Sharp, Tailored Blazers
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While oversized blazers have been popular for the past decade, a cinch waist silhouette has returned for a more fitted look. But it’s not skin-tight or cheap-looking. “In 2025, we’re still loving tailored pieces, but with a looser fit, longer length, or more relaxed shoulder,” says Singla. “Think less boardroom, more effortless cool. One of my favorite ways to wear a structured blazer now is layered over a simple tank, paired with wide leg jeans and a sleek block heel.” You could also double down on a ’10s look with a cap-toe flat, like this.
If you have an oversized blazer you absolutely love, experiment with a belt to cinch your waist. It might create the same silhouette without you having to abandon what you love (or buy something new). Also, blazers are often very easy to tailor if you want to make the commitment.
Soft Patterns
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The loud, sometimes jarring prints of the ’10s can stay in that particular decade, but we can take more subtle versions into 2025. “I’m loving patterns that feel softer and more timeless, like classic polka dots or subtle animal prints. These bring interest to an outfit without overwhelming it and work beautifully with the clean, minimalist shapes that are trending now,” says Singla. If you’re going to go with a bolder ’10s style, like this, channel “chevron, but in a Missoni way: think subtle shimmer or a luxe knit,” notes Ramy Brook Sharp, founder and creative director of Ramy Brook.
Monochrome
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Opting for a “tonal” look — going with the same color on top and bottom — wasn’t something the ’10s invented, but it was a hallmark of the decade. “Back then, it was all about wearing one color from head to toe in shades like beige, ivory, grey, or blush. Today, the focus now is on mixing textures within the same color family. You can pair silk and cotton with soft knits or matte fabrics with subtle shine,” says Singla. In this case, this means keeping the colors in the same family: white jeans, ecru tee, white leather Birkin bag, cream shoes, and beige jacket.
Sculptural Pieces
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You may remember the enormous bubble necklaces that were popular a decade ago: usually colorful and very sparkly, they dominated whatever outfit you were wearing. “In 2025, this kind of accessorizing feels heavy and dated. Today’s approach to jewelry is more refined and intentional,” says Singla. Opting for a chunky chain in a neutral color is just enough shine if you still love maximalist jewelry. “We love them paired with plunging necklines and solids underneath,” says Brook. Another crucial update? Ditch the romper and opt for a jumpsuit instead, like this.
Jeans and a Tee
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Some styles are classic for a reason. “The effortless ‘model off-duty’ aesthetic with jeans, a white tee, and gold layers still hits the mark,” says Maya Brenner, founder and designer of jewelry brand Maya Brenner. In the ’10s, the jeans were probably skintight jeggings, and the top might have had a cold shoulder to it, but a modern iteration would see a more classic fit. A white Saint Laurent t-shirt never goes out of style, and the wide-leg pants and sweater thrown over the shoulders makes this feel very current.
Over-the-Knee Boots
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Tall boots don’t just have to be a thing of the past, so long as they’re sleeker and less bunchy than their 2010 counterparts. They work well with knee-length shorts or a skirt at almost exactly the same hemline, like this, with just a sliver of skin showing. But they also work with that old ’10s standby: the skinny jean. “Just make sure the jeans are tucked cleanly into the boots (no scrunching). We love them with a high boot, a boyfriend blazer, and a bold statement necklace for a sharp, modern look,” says Brook.
If you’ve got a statement piece from the ’10s and don’t know how to wear it, “the key is to mix those throwback pieces with more tailored, easy staples. Add one standout accessory that feels personal, not trendy, and suddenly it all feels intentional instead of costume-y,” says Brenner.
A Tiny Bootcut
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A slouchy bootcut style “nods to early 2010s nostalgia” without going overboard, says Marybeth Cahill, chief merchandising officer at Urban Outfitters. You can pair them with ’00s trends — a lower rise and crop top, like this — or go for an asymmetric top as a “nod to the 2010s while still feeling current,” she adds. Going for something with texture, like this, also helps it feel less like you’re wearing a ’10s-inspired costume.
Dainty Jewelry
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“This was the decade where people really started to express their stories through jewelry in a subtle way,” notes Brenner. In addition to the aforementioned statement pieces, we started to see more delicate gold jewelry take center stage, including with name and initial necklaces as well as tiny rings and chains. If you want to dip a toe into this, “layer in one piece that nods to the 2010s,” Brenner adds, like these delicate rings. “When you mix it with more current silhouettes, the overall look feels thoughtful and totally your own.” It’s a good rule of thumb if you’re trying any of these “throwback” 2010s trends, really.