2024 Is The New 2014 - Fashion Trends Come Full Circle
By Isabella Balikian | October 29, 2024
Remember 2014? The year when selfies ruled supreme, #KingKylie reigned over our Instagram feeds, and we all thought we looked absolutely flawless with the Valencia filter cranked up to 11? Well, buckle up, fashionistas, because 2024 is serving up some serious deja vu that'll have you doing a double-take at your calendar. Let's dive deep into this time-bending fashion phenomenon and explore why what goes around, comes around – especially when it comes to style.
The Great Sneaker Swap: From Superstars to Sambas
In 2014, you couldn't scroll through your feed without spotting a pair of Adidas Superstars. These iconic sneakers, with their distinctive shell toe and three stripes, were the ultimate cool-girl staple. Fast forward to 2024, and it's all about the Samba. Once the "it" shoe of the late '90s and early 2000s, the Samba has made a triumphant return. Why the switch? The Samba, originally designed as an indoor soccer shoe, brings a sleeker, more understated look to an outfit. But don't mistake understated for unremarkable – Sambas have evolved into a true statement piece. Unlike the mostly monochromatic Superstars, Sambas come in a wide array of unique color combinations and patterns. This versatility allows wearers to express their individuality and make these shoes the focal point of their outfit, rather than just an accessory. The Samba's rise also aligns with the growing interest in practical fashion – these shoes aren't just stylish, they're functional too. A historic shoe in the Adidas canon, popular because of their traction and stability, the Samba had its previous peak in popularity during the late 90s and Y2K period. Thus, Gen Z and younger millennials who embrace this style emulate what their older siblings or even parents might have worn. It's a perfect blend of nostalgia and contemporary style, offering both comfort and a bold fashion statement.
Snap Back to Reality: The Camera Revolution
Remember the days of Polaroid cameras, when we'd eagerly wait for our photos to develop right before our eyes? Well, in 2024, we're experiencing a different kind of instant gratification that's taking the fashion and tech worlds by storm: the return of the digital camera. Cameras like the Canon G7X, blend retro appeal with cutting-edge features, offering a unique way to capture and share moments that feel distinctly different from the typical phone snap. Why the sudden appeal? There's something undeniably cool about the deliberate act of taking a photo with a dedicated device. It's a subtle pushback against the constant stream of casual smartphone photos flooding our feeds. The “outdated” tech of a physical camera feels fresh again. It's like rediscovering a classic vinyl record in a world of digital streaming. With society’s current thirst for authenticity, high-quality, intentionally captured images stand out in a sea of filtered selfies. It's not just about the end result; it's about the process, the aesthetic, the statement it makes.
Lip Service: The Evolution of Pout Perfection
Gone are the days of EOS eggs and Baby Lips tubes rolling around the bottom of our bags. In 2014, these cutesy, fruity lip balms were the height of cool, offering a hint of color and a whole lot of nostalgia for our middle school days. 2024, however, is all about that glossy, hydrated pout courtesy of brands like Rhode and Summer Fridays. We've traded in our fruity flavors for sleek packaging and ingredients we can actually pronounce. This shift reflects a growing awareness of skincare-makeup hybrids and a preference for products that not only look good but actually nourish our lips. It’s all about the “clean girl” these days - looking effortlessly polished.
Why Does History (and Fashion) Repeat Itself?
You might be wondering, "Why are we recycling trends faster than we recycle our plastics?" Style is cyclical.We're all suckers for a good throwback. Revisiting trends from our past gives us a cozy feeling of familiarity in an ever-changing world. It's like comfort food for your closet. In uncertain times (hello, post-pandemic world), this connection to the past can feel especially comforting. Fashion typically operates on a two-decade cycle. What was old becomes new again, but with a modern twist. It's like your favorite song got remixed – familiar, but fresh. This cycle allows enough time for a trend to feel novel again to a new generation of consumers.
As we become more conscious consumers, there's a growing appreciation for second-hand and vintage pieces. Reviving old trends directly reflects this eco-friendly mindset. It's not just about looking cool; it's about making sustainable choices and giving new life to old styles. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have made it easier than ever to rediscover and romanticize past trends. One viral post about low-rise jeans, and suddenly it's 2002 all over again. These platforms create a virtual time capsule, allowing trends to resurface and gain traction rapidly. Designers and influencers put a fresh spin on classic styles, creating a perfect blend of homage and innovation. This remixing keeps fashion exciting and allows for personal expression within familiar frameworks.
Looking Forward (or Backward?)
As we strut into 2024 with our Sambas on, digital cameras in hand, and glossy lips pouted, remember – we're not just following trends, we're time travelers with great taste. This cyclical nature of fashion isn't just about repeating history; it's about reinterpreting it for our current moment. Who knows? Maybe in 2034, we'll be writing about how 2024 was the new 2014, which was the new 1994. Fashion is the never-ending reinvention of one’s self-expression. So embrace it, have fun with it, and remember – in fashion, as in life, everything old is new again. Stay stylish, time travelers! And next time you raid your older sibling's (or even your parents') closet, remember – you're not just finding clothes, you're discovering the next big trend.