2010’s Tumblr fashion: let’s talk about it.
What was it?
The first thing that comes to mind when I think back on the era is round sunglasses paired with light blue space buns and an Arctic Monkeys shirt.
Tumblr was a space where a variety of styles, including many under the alternative umbrella, thrived in the 2010’s, such as scene, hipster, emo, swag, and one of my personal favorites, pastel goth. In this post we won’t tackle any of these specific genres, but instead the generalized “Tumblr aesthetic,” which can be summarized as edgy, artsy, and relaxed with a touch of boho (although I encourage you to look into some of the other genres if you’re trying to find your style, as there is overlap between many of them and they couldn’t have existed without each other!). It mixed fashion elements reminiscent of 90’s grunge, like flannels, stripes galore, and ripped jeans, with softer aspects like floral prints, loose cardigans, and pastels. Tie it all together with a dark lipstick, flower crown, tattoo choker, and combat boots.
How can you achieve the 2010’s Tumblr aesthetic?
It isn’t 2014 anymore, but it’s never too late to dress like it is.
The core of a 2010’s Tumblr outfit is extremely simple: throw on your favorite ripped black skinny jeans, oversized flannel, and indie band tee, and you’re ready to take on the world and share your outfit to Instagram in a single-photo post unaccompanied by music.
Jokes aside, let’s break it down.
How to ACTUALLY achieve the 2010’s Tumblr aesthetic
If you’ve got anything in your closet that’s plaid, galaxy print, or has a graphic of the moon, pizza, a cat, or aliens, then you’re already off to a great start.
BUILDING BLOCKS FOR A 2010’S TUMBLR OUTFIT
BOTTOMS
This feels like the best category to start with, seeing that there are a handful of bottoms that will automatically breathe the essence of 2010’s into your outfit with minimal effort. (FYI: Pretty much anything high waisted is a step in the right direction.)
Black Leggings
Starting off simple, because there’s a 50/50 chance you already have these in your closet. Pair them with any graphic T-shirt (bonus points if it’s a Union Jack flag graphic) and a flannel, with some funky print Converse, and you’re good to go.
Funky Pattern Leggings
Since half the shirts in your 2010’s Tumblr wardrobe may or may not have been black, you could add some intrigue with fun patterned leggings.
Skinny Jeans
Preferably black–and bonus points if your fishnets are showing through the rips.
High Waisted Shorts
They can be any color, as long as the waist is sky high. Bold colors and prints are encouraged.
Skater Skirts
The skater skirt was a must for any Tumblr girl. Often paired with fishnets, black tights, or knee highs.
TOPS
The loose, drapey oversized top was crucial during the 2010’s Tumblr era. Oversized band tees (be it One Direction or My Chemical Romance) and muscle tees in the summer, and secondhand sweaters big enough to be a dress in the winter.
Baggy tops were almost always loosely tucked into high-waisted jeans or a skirt.
SHOES
Combat Boots, Converse, and Vans were customary. Black was the go-to, but galaxy or floral prints were also in high demand.
OUTER WEAR
The Oversized Denim Jacket
To be specific, the light wash denim jacket with the furry trim.
Flannels
Oh, flannels. Flannels are inextricably bound to 2010’s Tumblr fashion. You could never have too many flannels.
ACCESSORIES
Tights, Fishnets, and Knee High Socks
You could hardly have the high waisted shorts and skirts without the fishnets, knee highs, or a pair of sheer black tights–or a combination of the three.
Flower Crown
That damn flower crown Snapchat filter had such a hold on us.
Honorable mentions include: slouchie beanies, chokers, anything with moustaches on it, and sunglasses.
In conclusion, the formula is pretty simple: lots of baggy graphic tops, tight pants (or mom jeans, in the later 2010’s), and a big flannel or denim jacket on top (probably thrifted). Tie it all together with any combination of fishnets, knee socks, tattoo choker, and beanie, and you’re ready to go take polaroids with your friends in the Wal-Mart parking lot at 3am.
Did we miss anything? What was your favorite part about 2010’s Tumblr?
Check out my 2010’s Tumblr Aesthetic Pinterest board for more inspo: https://www.pinterest.com/artbyshaiyan/2010s-tumblr-fashion/
If your interest was piqued by this exploration into 2010’s Tumblr fashion, I encourage you to do some more digging and see what other 2010’s fashion subgenres resonate with you!
