2020s in fashion

COVID-19 pandemic At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, wearing a face mask was a common and often mandatory practice. The mask shortage, the desire for self-expression, and the ability to quickly make masks without specialized technology soon led to a multitude of mask designs. People started selecting masks in different fabrics, colors, and patterns to match their masks to their clothing, allowing people to follow health recommendations while expressing their style. wearing a matching cloth COVID-19 mask at the inauguration of Joe Biden, her grandfather After the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, fashion trends shifted significantly, with a resurgence of 1980s-inspired styles such as scrunchies and modern 80's hairstyles. On social media platforms such as TikTok, nostalgia for the 1980s also grew through the popularity of VHS-style edits and filters designed to imitate the look of analog video recordings. Another shift in fashion trends was the notable shift towards comfort. This change was particularly evident in American public schools and universities, where students embraced more relaxed and casual clothing options. As remote learning became normalized, students in both K-12 schools and higher education increasingly favored comfortable clothing like pajamas, crew socks, sweatpants, and athleisure wear, reflecting a broader cultural shift toward prioritizing comfort, functionality, and ease. The shift toward casual dress codes also allowed students to prioritize comfort over formality, even in academic settings. After quarantine and the return to physical classrooms, many students continued to embrace comfortable clothing, including pajama-style pants and loungewear, in public school and university settings. Despite the return to maximalism in certain fashion circles, the vast majority of Americans continued to choose comfortable clothing, reflecting the growing emphasis on casual and relaxed styles in everyday life and a shift toward prioritizing functionality and comfort in fashion choices. Over-consumption and fast fashion The growth of social media in the 2010s, especially Instagram and TikTok, made it easier to discover and share styles, leading to the rise of microtrends, which were often short-lived and varied widely, sometimes even contradicting each other. As a result, it sometimes felt like many different styles were trending all at once. In the 2020s, the increasing popularity of TikTok and Instagram Reels made microtrends more common and allowed them to spread faster, with some microtrends lasting only a few weeks or months. Clothing brands and manufacturers felt pressure to keep up with microtrends, increasing the prominence of the fast fashion industry, where clothes are made and sold quickly and cheaply to fuel continuous overconsumption. The quick production and constant demand for new styles have raised concerns about the environment. Many environmental advocates have pointed out that the fast fashion industry causes a lot of waste and pollution, contributing to bigger environmental problems driven by overconsumption. According to UN News, “The fashion industry is one of the world’s most polluting sectors, responsible for up to eight per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.” Social media played a major role in the decline of a "mono-fashion culture," where one dominant style defined an entire era. This sparked the rise of the "anti-fashion" trend, which was a response to how the internet turned microtrends into mainstream subcultures and niche aesthetics. The anti-fashion movement pushed back against the idea of following fleeting trends, focusing instead on rejecting traditional fashion rules and celebrating individuality. Athleisure and activewear Jalen Green wearing 5-inch inseams, crew socks, and visible boxer briefs—a common early 2020s style choice. The 2010s saw a significant rise in the demand for athleisure, as athletic clothing became not only functional for workouts but also a fashionable choice for everyday wear, which is a trend that continued into the 2020s. Athletic wear such as yoga pants, hoodies, athletic shorts, crew socks, sneakers, and sweatpants remained staples in millennial, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha wardrobes. Leggings and sports bras for women continued to be popular in athleisure wardrobes, while 5-inch inseam athletic shorts and sweatsuits for men were commonly worn for their comfort and mainstream style. Athleisure could be considered the decade-defining style due to its cross-generational appeal and everyday function. While some pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as a catalyst for the prevalence of casual clothing, market research suggests that athleisure never truly went out of style. In fact, athleisure has been gaining popularity for years due to its ability to seamlessly transition from the gym to everyday activities. This trend is further reinforced by the increasing focus on health and wellness, as people seek clothing that allows them to stay active and comfortable throughout the day. Gen Z's professionals are increasingly adopting activewear as suitable workplace attire, allowing companies to support their employees fashion choices. Maximalist fashion and 2010s backlash , 2023 As the decade started, maximalist fashion made a resurgence on the runway to express individuality and break away from the minimalist fashion of the previous decade. After spending time indoors during the pandemic, many fashion designers were drawn to bold, colorful, and creative styles. Although maximalism became popular in high fashion and online communities, streetwear continued to favor comfort and simplicity. The TikTok algorithm repurposed minimalism as a selection of curated aesthetics and "fashion essentials" that appeal to Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Although they were a fashion must-have in the 2010s, skinny jeans briefly faced backlash at the start of the decade. Many Gen Z social media influencers on TikTok said that skinny jeans were no longer a symbol of youth culture, causing controversy among fashion bloggers and millennial women. Separating one's hair to the side (side-part) was also considered out of style by Gen Z influencers. The term cheugy was coined to describe "tacky millennial fashion." The trend cycle of the early 2020s seemed to contradict itself, with microtrends like the Y2K revival and early 2010s nostalgia emerging alongside the millennial backlash. During the early 2020s, crew socks surged in popularity among Gen Alpha and Gen Z, marking a cultural shift away from no-show socks, which had become associated with millennials. Quiet luxury In the early 2020s, clothing with large, bold logos began to lose popularity in the US as fashion trends shifted toward simpler, more refined styles. This change represented a move away from the flashy, logo-centric designs that had dominated the late 2010s. Many consumers began placing greater emphasis on the quality of materials and the overall construction of garments rather than their brand names. As part of this shift, interest increased in understated quiet luxury and "timeless" designs. People began to prioritize clothing that was simple yet sophisticated, with an appreciation for details like fabric texture, color, and silhouette. This trend was also correlated with the rise of the "old money" aesthetic, which is inspired by European fashion houses, and discreet luxury over overt displays of wealth or brand affiliation. The shift toward quiet luxury was further influenced by the fashion choices of wealthy celebrities and public figures, who often embraced minimalist, high-quality garments that exuded quiet affluence. Many consumers, seeking to emulate these figures, adopted similar styles in an attempt to mirror the sophisticated, understated look associated with the elite. The influence of these celebrities helped popularize the idea that wealth and status could be communicated through subtle, refined fashion choices, rather than through overt displays of logos or brand names. ==Women's clothing==

Early 2020s (2020–2023) is among the notable examples of Y2K fashion revival. Late 1990s–2000s revival Reflecting the 20-year trend cycle, Y2K women's fashion from the late 1990s and 2000s fashion became a major influence, especially among social media users. This marked a distinct contrast with the fashion of the previous decade, which drew inspiration from early to mid '90s styles. The early 2020s saw renditions of the underwear-as-outerwear and explicit sexuality. Versace, Gucci and Prada made significant returns to latex-inspired styles. Pornhub sponsored an osé fashion collection in Paris. Brands became in demand of a very wide diversity of models (breakthrough of indigenous models). The COVID crisis had an impact on fashion continuity, which Vogue described as a "chaotic, creative mix of idiosyncratic takes on what the post-pandemic world wants right now." Ghesquière explored vampire looks for Louis Vuitton. From 2020 to 2022, trending shades in the US, Canada, and Europe were navy blue, neon green, electric blue, purple, white, coral, baby pink, light grey, silver, Popular shirts, coats, and dresses from this time included puffer jackets made from up-cycled deadstock fabric, sweatshirts, high waisted pants, tucked-in sweaters, camisoles and crop tops, low-rise miniskirts, brocade topcoats, midriff-baring tops, ribbed turtlenecks, garish Ed Hardy style T-shirts with rhinestones, loose-fitting shift dresses or blouses, pantywaist tops sometimes with cap sleeves, cashmere cardigans, and oversized 1980s-inspired dog's tooth check jackets popularized by Kaia Gerber and Miley Cyrus. Desirable shoes and accessories included Crocs, platform sandals, knee-high boots, ballet flats, white sneakers (such as Vans, Keds, Nike Air Force 1s, Nike Low Court Vision, or Converse), fringed handbags, multicolored 1980s-inspired earrings made from recycled ocean plastic, white bralettes, chunky cable knit scarves, Chelsea boots, and Doc Martens. Some women also shifted to fair trade, vintage, and cruelty-free clothing. In the UK, a number of women rejected nylon, acrylic, rayon, new cotton, and polyester fabrics in favor of tencel, linen, organic cotton, and recycled polyester. South Asian Generation Z girls in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka repurposed the sari worn by their mothers, pairing it with sneakers, casual knitwear, crop tops, T-shirts, black Oxford shoes, Y2K-inspired platform sandals, and sportswear. The dresses were often made in contrasting shades of grey, black, and blush pink, often being seen as a modern and corporate look. 1960s influences -inspired top, miniskirt, and cardigan with checkerboard motif. The spring of 2021 saw a revival of psychedelic mid-to-late 1960s fashion worldwide. Clothing such as miniskirts, slim fit capri pants, flare trousers, patched jeans, gingham short shorts and cropped slim jeans were some of the popular bottom choices for younger women from 2021 to 2024. Bridgerton inspired and popularized empire line milkmaid dresses, as well as maxi dresses. Shoes included ballet flats or hippie styled sandals to match with the boho skirts. Gingham vests and thigh skimming jackets were popular outerwear. Copenhagen laced blouses with a Danish influence were common as well. Comfortcore, cottagecore and coastal grandmother The lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic led a whole generation of women worldwide to prefer homely and comfortable clothes to wear at home. From 2020 to 2022, many subtrends emerged from this so-called comfortcore movement. coats worn by Taylor Swift, representative of the cottagecore subtrend. A nostalgia-driven sub-trend was cottagecore (with subtrends being grandmacore, faeriecore, farmcore, and goblincore). The cottagecore style was defined by pastel colors and palettes that evoked a romantic, idealized country aesthetic. Typical clothing included prairie dresses, blue gingham mini-dresses, white gypsy tops with multicolored Mexican-inspired floral embroidery, and hippie-style maxi dresses inspired by those worn during the late 1960s. An urban derivative of cottagecore known as "allotment chic" became popular in the UK during the early to mid 2020s, characterized by garden workwear. Key garments included oversized linen gilets, cotton twill maxi skirts, pinafore dresses, cropped dungaree pants with numerous pockets, chunky knitted cardigan sweaters, and earth tones like olive green, brown, sage green, marigold yellow, tangerine orange, and ecru. "Retirement-wear" was a subtrend where young Gen Z and millennial women in the US adopted the comfy-looking style of their elders and borrowed styles from nostalgia-filled figures such as Diane Keaton. It combined elements of cottagecore with spring and fall beachwear especially white jeans, cashmere turtleneck sweaters, pastel pink flip-flops, woven tote bags made from recycled fabric, and straw beekeeper style sun hats. Mid 2020s (2024–2026) Dopamine dressing and oversized garments Continuing on from the maximalist and 1980s influences of the early 2020s, vibrant-colored clothing made a comeback for women in the US, France, China, South Korea, and Ukraine by the spring of 2023. This style, sometimes referred to as "dopamine dressing", featured long skirts and belted maxi dresses with thigh splits, lots of gold and pearl jewelry, neon blue tights, oversized striped cardigan sweaters, multicolored silk skirts with seashell or floral print, strappy sandals, pants with a contrasting stripe down the leg, Ugg boots, floral print maxi skirts, Y2K inspired platform shoes, chunky red rain boots, shimmery jumpsuits, knitted dresses, leather pilot jackets with faux fur collars, skirts with bold contrasting vertical stripes, trouser suits with bootcut legs, jeans with glittery heart or star-shaped details, chunky white or black sandals, and zebra print tote bags. A dressier, more summery variant of dopamine dressing, known as "Italian garden party core", incorporated Mediterranean-inspired elements of cottagecore, such as pink Mary Janes, white, green, baby blue or pink shirt dresses with fruit, leaf and floral patterns, straw hats, peach colored off the shoulder peplum dresses, and gladiator sandals. Big, oversized garments were often made from translucent materials and featured cutouts intended to expose the wearer's bare shoulder, thigh, or midriff, such as low-cut waists on the pants or tops with strappy necklines intended to be worn braless. Desirable colors included neon green, watermelon green, coral pink, orange, salmon pink, magenta, gold, electric blue, aquamarine, cyan, turquoise, and royal blue. Glamour wear wearing long green sequin dress, 2024 In the UK and the US, luxury fashions often with shiny or metallic detailing became popular evening wear and clubwear from the winter of 2023 to the spring of 2025. An extension of dopamine dressing, these glitzy trends were a direct reaction to the super casual trends during the COVID-19 pandemic, intending to showcase a renewed appreciation for going out. Dresses were usually either short or asymmetrical and often in metallic colors, or covered in sequins to achieve a similar effect. Sometimes dresses would be decorated with ribbons, feathers, or polka dots. Other popular options included knitted dresses featuring Nordic patterns and gothic-inspired midi dresses. Popular tops were satin blouses, pantywaist tops, or full black tuxedo styled suits. Trousers were often flared or silver. Outerwear (such as sweaters, overcoats, sport coats, and jackets) was inspired by old money or quiet luxury fashions. Alternatively, some went for an opposite feel with sequined tuxedo jackets or a more "western" look with western shirts or fringe jackets. Footwear would often include rhinestone cowboy boots, Mary Janes, ballet flats, pointy court shoes, and block heel knee-high boots. Popular accessories included silver or enamel jewelry (often inspired by Scandinavian fashion), small leather handbags, and baguette bags. Desirable colors included silver, black, white, navy blue, dark green, sky blue, and bronze. Many younger women hire going-out outfits from websites like Net-a-Porter rather than buying fast fashion dresses and only wearing them once on a night out. Balletcore fashion and boho-chic fashion Ballerina-inspired fashion in the mid-2020s had a significant impact on the fashion industry, influencing both high fashion runways and mainstream street fashion. This trend drew inspiration from the graceful and elegant aesthetic of ballet dancers, incorporating elements such as soft tulle fabrics, delicate lace, wraparound silhouettes, ballerina skirts, and ballet flats especially shoestring bow ballet flats and ankle strap ballet flats, into clothing designs. The trend also emphasized a more feminine and romantic style, with pastel colors and high-waisted, flowy skirts. Pleated skirts that went down to two to four inches above the knee were paired with bike shorts, leggings, footless leggings, or opaque tights underneath them. Capped sleeved bodysuits worn as tops and off-the-shoulder tops were becoming popular choices for fashion enthusiasts in Singapore, the UK, and the US. The influence of ballerina fashion extended beyond clothing, inspiring hairstyles such as soft buns and loose waves, as well as delicate accessories like ribbon chokers and ballet slipper-inspired shoes. Ballerina-inspired fashion brought a sense of whimsy and ethereal beauty to the fashion world during this period and also increased the popularity of ballet-inspired workout wear, with brands creating collections that combined functionality with a balletic aesthetic. African fashion By 2025, Nigerian, Ghanaian, and South African haute couture brands like Maxhosa had gained a following on global catwalks including London, Paris, Milan, and New York. Modern African clothing featured prominent stripes and diamond motifs and was often made in bright colors like cyan, yellow, purple, red, orange, and pink with black or white contrasts. Satin blouses, kaftans repurposed as dresses, miniskirts made from repurposed shopping bags, maxi dresses, sandals with decorative beadwork, fish leather handbags, rain boots, and brown or red leather jackets were popular. Neo-Medieval fashion In the winter of 2025, neo-medieval, gothic and folk costume inspired outfits emerged in the US and parts of central Europe as part of a backlash against the increasingly techno-feudal direction taken by modern society. Sometimes known as bardcore or castle-core, this trend combined feminism with hedonistic luxury fabrics like velvet, lace, jacquard, silk, leather, fur, and brocade. Popular items included ankle-length skirts, long shift dresses, corsets, fur lined cloaks, studded leather jackets, tattoos inspired by illuminated manuscripts, decorative wooden and glass beads, heraldry motifs, belts with oversized buckles, pointed boots sometimes decorated with metal toe and heel plates resembling a knight's sabatons, and chain mail jewelry as worn by Chappell Roan. ==Men's clothing==

Early 2020s (2020–2023) Late 1990s–2000s influences The 20-year trend cycle was important as the decade started, bringing back Y2K men's fashion from the late 1990s and 2000s, especially among social media users. This was a big change from the fashion of the previous decade, which was inspired by early to mid-'90s styles. This included mixing selected contemporary fashion brands with original vintage clothing and recent thrift shop finds. Popular trends in the UK, Italy, Sweden, China, the US, and Australia included black or white crew neck shirts, midnight blue U.S. Woodland camouflage baseball caps, straight leg jeans such as the Levi Strauss 501 instead of the skinny jeans popular in the 2010s, bold multicolor motif shirts popularized by DJ Khaled, tracksuits with business suit styling, gorpcore ("Good ol' Raisins and Peanuts") hiking and fishing clothing like Fjallraven windbreakers and cargo pants, Sandqvist canvas rucksacks, jogger pants as athletic style, twill joggers as a dressed up style, black trench coats and leather reefer jackets reminiscent of those worn in The Matrix, imitation leather messenger bags featuring throwback logos, Fred Perry Oxford shirts with vertical stripes, and club wear — especially brightly patterned camp shirts. Other popular items include workwear like fleece jackets, zip-up hoodies, unbranded baseball caps, rubber pool sliders, flip-flops in contrasting shades like purple and white, corduroy pants, trucker caps, brightly colored hoodies with bold designer logos like Polo Ralph Lauren, Champion Sportswear and Super Dry, and slim-fitting grey or khaki cargo pants worn with matching lightweight M65 Field Jackets with multiple external patch pockets. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Welsh fans revived 2000s fashion trends, such as hip-hop-inspired track jackets, athletic tank tops, wide-leg jeans, turtleneck sweaters, Burberry motifs, neon socks, sports jerseys, cargo pants, bomber jackets, Madras plaid shirts, Henley shirts, blouson style leather jackets, long sleeve polo shirts, silk skinny ties, tapered high-waisted pants, brow line sunglasses, pleated khaki chino pants, mid-washed jeans, tie dye socks, and oversized sweaters. Common footwear included classic Air Jordan sneakers, loafers with chunky brothel creeper soles favoured by Canadian singer Shawn Mendes, suede desert boots, cyan floral print Vans sneakers popularized by Nick Jonas, all-black imitation leather Adidas trainers, suede Timberland boots, Gucci loafers, Lacrosse or Sorel duck boots, suede Beatle boots chunky hiking sandals, high top Converse All-Stars, Nike Air Max sneakers, worker boots, and combat boots bought as army surplus. Desirable colors included white; orange; brown; black; yellow; greens, such as olive and lime; blues, such as indigo, sky, cyan, and navy; and tans, such as khaki and taupe. Because of the increase in remote work, workplace dress codes became more casual in the UK and US. Employees returning to the office frequently combined 1990s fashion–inspired business casual attire with elements of loungewear and athleisure such as black monotone sneakers, navy hoodies, shorts, and dark grey sweatpants. Due to gym closures, digital smart watches with timers replaced analog wristwatches as many younger men in Europe and the US subscribed to online apps for tracking and planning their exercise routines at home. In the UK, Middle East, and some parts of Africa, keffiyehs were used in an attempt to block viruses and to show support for Palestinian nationalism. 1980s revival wearing an early 1980s-inspired outfit in 2021 Due to the continued influence of vintage fashion and retro-inspired pop culture, 1970s and 1980s styles maintained a steady presence in the fashion industry throughout the 2020s. clothing such as pinstripes, textured knits with vertical stripes, leather waistcoats, corduroy clothing, 5-inch inseam shorts, navy blue and emerald green power suits with shoulder pads, pleated trousers, and Chelsea boots regained popularity. Shirts with large and pointed collars became trendy again. The increased formality for men returning to the office was, in part, a reaction to the ubiquitous casual wear associated with working from home during the COVID-19 lockdowns of 2020–21. In the UK and the US, clothing that regained mainstream popularity from 2020 to 2024 included clothes with sports logos and color blocks, Harrington jackets, brothel creepers, Miami Vice inspired suits in candyfloss pink, ice blue, buttercup yellow or mint green, baseball jackets, stonewashed denim jackets, and red or green plaid trucker-style jackets with sheepskin lining, aviator sunglasses, brown shearling flight jackets, plaid suits, striped full-button cardigan sweaters with polo shirt collars, white Converse All-Star, Nike Low Court Vision or throwback Adidas sneakers, tan gabardine trenchcoats reminiscent of those worn by 80s TV detective Columbo, preppy style aran sweaters and fairisle cardigan sweaters with shawl collars, safari suits intended for the modern business casual workplace, double-breasted 1940s-style blazers originally revived in the 1980s as the power suit, camp collar shirts with bold prints or stripes, corduroy sports coats, jacquard, dog's tooth, and cashmere check wool scarves, tricolor socks, monotone Plimsoll shoes, turtlenecks, and t-shirts featuring vintage-inspired graphics such as muscle cars, comic book characters, and brands such as Coca-Cola. Colors such as green, grey, navy blue, red, black, white, forest green, and orange became popular in 2021. Other desired articles of clothing included stylized pale blue and magenta representations of palm trees or cassette players, and 1980s movie posters such as Star Wars or the Ghostbusters logo due to the unexpected popularity of the 2021 film. The resurgence of short shorts for men wearing 5-inch inseams with crew socks during the 2022 FIFA World Cup.While already a staple in European athleisure, 5-inch inseams became especially popular in the US during the early 2020s. Embraced by NBA players and celebrities alike, they quickly became a wardrobe essential for many American men—especially among Gen Z and Gen Alpha—driven by shifting pop culture trends and the continued popularity of athleisure and vintage fashion. Male celebrities like Pedro Pascal, Paul Mescal, Donald Glover, and Jeremy Allen White contributed to the popularity of short shorts by frequently wearing the style in public and attracting positive attention on social media. Additionally, brands like Gym Shark, Under Armour and Nike, and others capitalized on this trend, designing tailored athletic shorts that could be worn both during workouts and in casual settings. Common materials included linen, cotton, and polyester, aligning with the era's emphasis on comfort and casual styling. These shorts gained a playful, provocative nickname in the public sphere, being referred to as "hoochie daddy shorts" or even "slutty shorts" as they became a bold fashion choice and a notable part of the evolving trends in men's fashion. short shorts gained widespread popularity among athletes and celebrities, coexisting alongside the continued trend of longer, 2000s-inspired shorts. Both styles were popular choices, reflecting the variety of preferences in men's fashion during the early 2020s. Workwear and street fashion in 2021. Workwear has long been popular among blue-collar Americans, but in the 2020s, it transformed into trendy closet staple for urban Gen Z men. Brands like Dickies, Bass Pro Shop, Pit Viper and Carhartt, traditionally associated with labor-intensive professions, were embraced by the fashion world and predominantly LGBTQ+ spaces. These items were first introduced to the scene through independent menswear stores like American Classics in London and Oi Polloi in Manchester. As masculine workwear staples—such as work boots, crewneck shirts, camouflage clothes, crew socks, corduroy, Detroit jackets, and overalls—became highly sought after by streetwear enthusiasts, they made their way into department stores and high-street retailers. Fast-fashion brands also capitalized on the trend, offering capsule collections of these blue-collar essentials. This style merged southern americana and country music influences with elements of hip-hop and skate culture, creating a distinctive, masculine look with mainstream appeal. Gender neutral clothing in androgynous outfits. Genderless fashion saw continued popularity on the red carpet, online, and in LGBTQ+ spaces. It became a tool for self-expression and challenged traditional norms. However, gendered clothing remained the cultural standard throughout the majority of the United States and Europe, with mainstream fashion still adhering to traditional gender divides. Originally a niche Japanese subculture, it went mainstream in the US, South Korea, and the UK by 2021, with fashion experts speculating that the emerging androgynous style represents a new ideal of male beauty. The style took inspiration from 1980s fashion, anime, trendsetters like Ryuchell, and the often androgynous style of K-pop boy bands. Dyed hair, makeup, short shorts, knee socks, necklaces, tight pants, brothel creepers, Pink Panther and Betty Boop motifs, feminine blouses in leopard print, and silver or bright colors like pink and orange and pearl jewelry. Other popular articles of clothing included kimono style shirts, frilly lace blouses, tunics, kilts, shiny jackets with shoulder pads and puffy sleeves, flared trousers, sometimes covered with sequins or rhinestones, oversized silk shirts in purple, green, gold or silver, The leading trendsetters in androgynous fashion during this time included Harry Styles, Bad Bunny, Lil Nas X, Billy Porter, Brad Pitt, Paul Mescal, and Jimin. Due to the influence of artists like Ru Paul, Jodie Harsh and gay singer Sam Smith, drag queen-inspired outfits went mainstream. Influential designers included Harris Reed, JW Anderson, and Bode. Mid 2020s (2024–2026) Vintage Americana and patriotic motifs wearing Americana-inspired black leather blouson and red western shirt in 2023. From 2023 to 2024, the predominant colors in the UK, Australia, France, and the US were red, white, and blue. As in the mid-to-late 1970s, Western shirts with pearl snaps in denim, black gabardine or bright madras plaid made a comeback, and sometimes featured contrasting yokes and cuffs with intricate embroidery. Moccasins, stonewash denim waistcoats with decorative fringes, preppy loafers, navy blue suits and sportcoats, Wrangler jeans or Levi Strauss jeans, suede fringe jackets popularized by Pharrell Williams, Noel Fielding, Post Malone and Beyonce in anticipation of the release of her Cowboy Carter album, straight leg jeans instead of the skinny jeans fashionable from the late 2000s until the mid-2010s, stetsons, white baseball jerseys with bold red or blue pinstripes, striped blue neckties, baggy white pants, Union Jack motifs, Panhandle Slim, Rockmount and Scully sportcoats with contrasting Western-inspired yokes and embroidery, barrel jeans, duster coats as worn in the Yellowstone TV series, preppy style college sweaters, retro blue and white striped football shirts, chelsea boots with cowboy boot styling, two-button blazers with red and blue boating stripes, V-neck sweater vests, royal blue baseball jackets with white sleeves, Howler Brothers gilets, shirts and suits worn open to expose the chest, and boxy leather reefer jackets were popular on both sides of the Atlantic. Eclectic grandpa The "grandpacore" fashion trend of 2024, also known as "eclectic grandpa", is characterized by vintage-inspired casual fashion from the late 1940s to early 1960s. It draws inspiration from the fashion sensibilities of grandfathers from the silent generation and incorporates colorful knitwear like knit polo shirts or camp collar shirts, braces, loafer shoes, dress socks, wide pleated pants, and various tweed accessories, especially flat caps. Celebrities such as Harry Styles, Jacob Elordi, Timothee Chalamet, and Tyler, the Creator have played a significant role in popularizing this trend among the mainstream fashion public in the UK and the US. In the summer, grandpacore style takes on a relaxed, beach-inspired look with light linen camp collar shirts, pleated shorts, boat shoes, and striped polo shirts. Beaded jewelry is often added as a simple accessory. This version stays true to vintage style while being comfortable for warm weather. Around the same time, aquatic-themed fashion also began to grow in popularity during the mid-2020s, bringing ocean colors, shell details, and sea-inspired patterns into everyday wear. Mid century modern formalwear The "mid-century modern" inspired formal wear trend of fall 2025 featured black, navy blue, dark grey and ecru double breasted wool sportcoats, and baggy, high waisted pants inspired by Dior's 1954 menswear collection. The 1950s to early 60s inspired styling was marketed in Britain and America by contemporary brands like Jasper Conran, Moss Bros, Charles Tyrwhitt, Louis Vuitton, or Ralph Lauren. Unlike the slim-fitting Italian inspired suits of the 2010s, men's suits of the 2020s were less form fitting and featured looser pants. Black and checked suits declined in popularity in favor of charcoal, mid grey, light grey, navy blue pinstripe and beige, as was previously popular in the early 2000s. Common accessories included cashmere wool scarfs in neutral tones like white or ecru, loafers, chelsea boots and flat caps inspired by Peaky Blinders. At black tie events in America the burgundy, teal, orange and green velvet tuxedos of the early 2020s declined in popularity and were replaced with more conservative colors such as black, white or midnight blue. ==Youth fashion==

E-Kid and Alternative Fashion in 2023 In the early 2020s, alternative fashion became influenced by past subcultures like emo, punk, goth and scene, in addition to Japanese street style and emerging musical genres like hyperpop, nu metal, ethereal wave, indie music, pop-punk, emo pop, punk rap and emo rap.In turn, this boom influenced the resurgence of the gothic, punk, emo and scene subcultures. Hairstyles were frequently androgynous and colorful, taking inspiration from late 2000s scene fashion and sometimes featuring anime inspired accessories like animal ears and tails (called kemonomimi). Many Gen Z and Gen Alpha E-kids combined late 2000s emo, pop-punk, skater, and vintage aesthetics to create a distinct style. Alternative music fans from the UK and the US often wore graphic t-shirts, platform boots, fishnet tights, BDSM collars, bold eye makeup, graphic hoodies, wide-leg pants, dark colors with neon accents, and hi-top sneakers like Vans or Converse All Stars. Layered clothing, such as oversized t-shirts or jackets, was paired with studded belts, tripp pants, and skull jewelry. Brands like Ed Hardy, Hot Topic, and Affliction, which were popular in the late 2000s, made a return, integrating past fashion trends with contemporary preferences. These styles were shared on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, where users blended nostalgia with current trends, creating a fashion movement that reflected both historical and modern cultural influences. The pop-punk revival of early 2020s saw artists like Machine Gun Kelly and Yungblud influenced by the e-boy look, blending alterative fashion with their music. Hip-hop and Opium wearing all-black outfit in 2022. protest. Hip-hop clothing is an umbrella term for a variety of styles influenced by hip-hop and trap music. Throughout the 2020s, streetwear fashion was a continued presence in mainstream culture, incorporating elements from designer fashion, athleisure, and vintage clothing. It drew inspiration from 2000s fashion, blending casual, functional pieces with luxury and expressive details. The style often featured comfortable items like hoodies, sweatpants, and graphic tees, with high-end collaborations and distinct textures and silhouettes. For Black American and Black British youth, hip hop fashion became more politicized. This was due to the influence of social justice rappers such as Stormzy and No Name, the Black Lives Matter movement, and a resurgence of interest in past civil rights organizations such as the Black Panther Party. Slogan T-shirts inspired by punk fashion, black leather jackets or trench coats, hoodies, black sweatpants, face-concealing black bandanas, dark glasses, marijuana motifs, skull masks, morale patches, paramilitary tactical vests, Ken Carson, and Destroy Lonely, who were associated with the Opium record label. This style combined high fashion with monochromatic clothing and hip-hop fashion, drawing inspiration from avant-garde designers like Rick Owens, Raf Simons and Jerry Lorenzo and other similarly unconventional fashion labels. Indie teenagers claimed to reject fast fashion, turning to thrift stores like Goodwill to find items such as tennis skirts, sweater vests, cow print, mom jeans, crop tops, oversized hoodies and cardigans, Doc Martens, and other eclectic pieces like shortalls, bucket hats, shoestring belts, and fuzzy bags. Despite the anti-consumerist message, much of the clothing embraced by this style was actually produced by fast fashion companies like Shein and AliExpress. Individuals who influenced this trend include indie rapper Russ and Australian rapper The Kid Laroi. Critics criticized the anti-conformist and environmentally friendly trend, which involved reselling cheap second-hand clothing at inflated prices. Around 2022, the soft grunge fashion style of the early to mid–2010s began to experience a resurgence in popularity due to videos uploaded on the video sharing application TikTok, where by August of that year, the hashtags 2014Tumblr accumulated 232 million uses, Grunge Aesthetic with 611 million uses and Tumblr Aesthetic with 46.6 million. ''Harper's Bazaar'''s writer Ella Sangster credited the revival as a reaction against the clean girl aesthetic which had been prominent on the same platform since 2020. The same year, luxury fashion house Ports 1961 launched their fall/winter 2022 campaign which featured models Vittoria Ceretti and Bella Hadid in soft grunge inspired outfits taken on polaroid cameras. During this time, the style was embraced by celebrities including Emma Chamberlain, Doja Cat and Olivia Rodrigo. Indie sleaze and Indie Rock , 2022. The indie sleaze revival of the 2020s draws inspiration from the American Apparel-aesthetic and the late 2000s indie electronic and electroclash scenes. It features skin-baring late 2000s style clothing including mini skirts, smudged eyeliner, Lime Green, crop tops, above the knee spaghetti or slip dresses with capped sleeved tees or capped sleeved bodysuits underneath both especially in white and high-waisted shorts. The look embraces rebellious aesthetics, often paired with chunky boots, leather jackets, and dark makeup. The Dare had a notable influence on this trend, contributing to the DIY, unapologetic vibe. Charli XCX also plays a role in the resurgence, with her albums Brat and Brat Summer reflecting this experimental approach to fashion. The style channels the chaotic, edgy energy of the indie electronic era. In contrast to the brightly colored, childlike outfits popular in the US, and the mismatched clothing previously worn ironically by hipsters during the 2010s, British indie pop fans favored a darker, more authentic post-punk and garage rock-inspired aesthetic. Critics have compared the early 2020s indie rock revival, with its 1960s- and Noughties-inspired outfits, to the original British Invasion. Members of the UK indie subculture combined thrifted dress clothing from the mid-2000s to early 2010s with selected vintage clothing and new garments made to retro 1960s patterns by companies such as Madcap England. Artists including Sam Fender, Wet Leg, Lathums, Years & Years, and Wolf Alice popularized velvet or paisley tuxedo jackets in dark blue, green or burgundy, off the peg dark wash slim fit jeans, striped polo shirts with cardigan sweater styling, bucket hats, plaid or black miniskirts, dresses with red or black polka dots, striped throwback football shirts popularized by Sam Fender, blouses especially in orange or brown, Argyle golfing sweaters, Old money, preppy and dark academia The dark academia or old money aesthetic of the early to mid 2020s, which combined elements of preppy fashion and gothic fashion, was heavily influenced by 1930s and 1940s fashion, particularly attire worn by students at Oxbridge, Ivy League colleges, and prep schools during the time. Oversized cardigan sweaters, oxford blue rowing blazers with contrasting white trim, dress shirts, plaid skirts, dark turtleneck sweaters, tights, knee socks, Oxford shoes, leather satchels, ballet flats, white sneakers, twill jogger pants, and apparel made of houndstooth, and dark grey or brown tweed sportcoats are some of the most identified articles of clothing with the "dark academia" aka "bookcore" aesthetic. The typical color palette consisted primarily of black, white, beige, browns, dark green, and occasional navy. A closely related style, known as "light academia", was characterized by neutral and light colors, including soft blues, pinks, whites, creamy yellows, beige, light greys, light purple, pastel and dusty colors, plaid, stripes, and argyle patterns reminiscent of the preppy look of the early 1980s. Variants to this style, which originated in America as an internet trend, included "pastel academia," "romantic academia," and "chaotic academia". Preppy girls appropriated the VSCO style during the early to mid 2020s, although their style had very little in connection with the original definition of preppy. Lululemon and Zara clothes are essentials for achieving this look. Brands such as Brandy Melville, Nike and H&M were also popular. Goblincore, fairy grunge, coquette Goblincore and cottagecore are closely related subcultures that combine nature-inspired clothing with a vintage, worn-in vibe. Key items include oversized sweaters, cardigans, loose blouses, long skirts, floral dresses, and overalls. store Fairy grunge combined the aesthetics of fairycore, coquette, and grunge. Social media creators were mostly responsible for popularizing this aesthetic. Fairy grunge can be seen as a natural extension of the kinderwhore style — which has deep roots in grunge — but with a more ethereal note. Fairy grunge often included oversized t-shirts or hoodies, long or mini skirts, nightgowns, corsets, mittens, gloves, skull patterns, mesh tights or fishnets, high knee socks, leg warmers, platform Demonia shoes, fairy wings, and elf ears. Nymphet, also known as coquette, is an aesthetic that draws on a character cliché first used by Vladimir Nabokov in his 1955 novel Lolita and its two subsequent film adaptations (1962 and 1997). Heart-shaped sunglasses, pastel colors, floral/cherry patterns, ballet shoes, hair bows, pigtails and lace dresses are essential to achieving the coquette look. Musician Lana Del Rey is cited to be a style icon and helped popularize the nymphet aesthetic for Gen Z women. Coquette has been criticized by some writers, such as Iustina Roman, for the glamorization of eating disorders, pedophilia, racism, and classism. Barbiecore, McBling, and gyaru in 2023 Barbiecore, also known as bimbocore, was a fashion style inspired by the Barbie doll. It became popular in 2022 and 2023, especially following the release of the Barbie movie. The aesthetic featured a color palette with bright pinks, including hot pink, as well as pastels, white, and metallics. The fashion included fitted dresses, mini skirts, and crop tops, often made from shiny fabrics like satin and glitter. Accessories like oversized sunglasses, platform shoes, and bold jewelry were also common. The movement represented the feminist themes seen in the movie. A visually similar, but distinct Japanese subculture, known as Gyaru, dates back to the late 1990s. The Barbiecore style acts as a meta-ironic parody of the mid-2000s to early 2010s millennial girlboss feminism, acknowledging that they are appealing to heteronormative feminine beauty standards and sexist stereotypes, while being trans-inclusive and sex-positive. Pro-sex work and pro-women's rights, Bimbocore gained popularity in leftist TikTok communities. McBling, a similar aesthetic, was commonly mislabeled as Y2K. Millennial pink as worn by Margot Robbie in the Barbie film, rhinestones, small handbags, large sunglasses, and pop music define this aesthetic. Barbiecore or Bimbocore was criticized for glamorizing the sugar baby lifestyle, bimbo feminism and adult platforms such as OnlyFans, but that did not end the movement's popularity with Gen Z. McBling has also been thoroughly criticized for racism, whitewashing, classism, and fatphobia. Gorpcore Gorpcore is a style that emerged in the late 2010s and early 2020s, coined by Jason Chef in 2017. Gorpcore incorporates tech-based, loose-fitting outdoorsy and camping-chic inspired styles. A significant part of this style category is defined by the earthy and muted tones often found in the range of gear included in the trend, such as olive green, khaki, beige-grey marl, and horizon blue. The style reuses and incorporates style inspirations from previous style generations and similar outdoorsy styles. The style is somewhat open for interpretation because it is fairly new, making it flexible and creative, although certain patterns and forms often help classify an outfit as gorp. Brands associated with the gorpcore aesthetic include Arc'teryx, Patagonia, and The North Face, although secondhand, sustainable clothing from vintage shops, thrift stores, and online stores like Depop, Etsy or Thred-up is also widespread. The trend is considered by many to be elitist, and often the brands associated are premium brands with high price tags out of range for average wage. Apparel pieces that make up the trend include down jackets, body warmers, anoraks, utilitarian Eagle Creek and Osprey rucksacks, crew neck and v-neck t-shirts with zipper pockets, utility pants, moisture-wicking trekking shirts with short sleeves and snap fasteners, Jirai Kei Jirai Kei, literally means "landmine type", is a fashion subculture originating from Japan's Kabukichō and spread in popularity in the early 2020s. The fashion incorporates dark and kawaii styles. Described as similar to Lolita and preppy fashions in clothing, it's often paired with accessories with bow, heart, cross, and lace elements. Platform shoes are another prominent feature of Jirai Kei fashion. The primary colors in Jirai Kei are black, white, and pale pink. Jirai Meiku (meaning "mine makeup") is a related makeup style that makes the eyes look red and swollen, and the skin look white or almost translucent. Kuromi and My Melody from Sanrio are regarded as popular mascots of Jirai Kei. Jirai Kei fashion has been met by widespread social prejudice, directed towards those who wear Jirai Kei and their lifestyle choices. ==Hairstyles==

Women's hairstyles Due to the restrictions on hair salons during the lockdowns, many women grew out their hair or watched tutorials to do their own hair. Popular styles included curtain bangs, 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s-inspired bangs, hair extensions, ponytails, twin pigtails, French braid, shaggy hair commonly known as the "wolf cut", and natural hair for Black American women. Along with these hairstyles, 1960s-inspired beehive hairdos were popularized by British pop singers Emily Capell and Joy Crookes Early 2000s fashion-inspired straightened and brightly dyed hair was made popular by Doja Cat and Billie Eilish from 2021 to 2022. In the early and mid 2020s, common hair accessories included pearl and sequin hair clips, headbands, bandannas and scrunchies. During the lockdowns of 2020–21, some women in the UK, the US, and Asia experimented with DIY hairstyles at home, including the bob cut, the crop, the partially shaved head, bangs, and the pixie cut. From 2023 onwards, a longer straightened version of the bob cut, sometimes dyed blonde, became popular among middle-class women in the UK and the US. In 2024, ultra-long hairstyles made a comeback. Men's hairstyles By 2020, the popularity of full beards associated with hipster subculture declined in many regions, except in parts of the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. In Western countries, beards were generally kept short to highlight facial features and accommodate the use of masks. Popular styles included curtain bangs, permed hair (referred to as the "broccoli haircut" by Generation Z), the "wet mop," mullets (particularly in the US and Australia), the "Edgar cut," and shaggy hair. This revival was partially influenced by the closure of barbershops in the UK and the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many younger Black American men opted for natural hair from 2021 onwards, especially the skin fade, textured Caesar cut Young males began growing mustaches in the summer of 2022, partially inspired by Miles Teller's role in Top Gun: Maverick. By 2025 the mod haircut and large sideburns had made a comeback among younger guys in London, Northern England, the Eastern US, and parts of Australia due to a resurgence of interest in 2000s indie rock and 1990s Britpop groups like Oasis. At the same time, quiffs, buzzcuts, the caesar cut AKA "TikTok hair", and permed hair like the "Broccoli haircut" remained popular. ==Cosmetics trends==

Skincare Gen Alpha's interest in skincare continued the skincare boom that started in the late 2010s and carried into the next decade. As Gen Z and Millennials focused on taking care of their skin, Gen Alpha joined in by following skincare routines that helped keep their skin healthy. The popularity of social media platforms like TikTok played a big role in this uptick, as many young users discovered new skincare products and tips through videos and trends. With more products available for different skin types, the trend kept growing, and social media became a place for sharing skincare advice. This helped keep the skincare trend strong, with Gen Alpha playing a big part in shaping how the beauty industry evolved. One of the most talked-about trends in skincare was "slugging," where people applied a thick layer of petroleum jelly on their face to keep moisture in and protect their skin. Along with this, wearing sunscreen every day became accepted as an important method to protect the skin from the sun, while vitamin C serums were used to brighten the skin and even out spots. Many also used retinol to help reduce fine lines and make their skin smoother. Another popular trend was gua sha, a technique from China that involves gently scraping one's face with a smooth stone to help with blood flow and relaxation. People also started using rice water to treat their hair, a practice from Asia believed to make hair healthier and stronger. Finally, some young people started using baby Botox, which involves small amounts of Botox to prevent wrinkles before they appear. Makeup In the early 2020s, there was a cultural shift away from the bold, drag-inspired makeup of the late 2010s. In contrast to the previous decade's trends, the "clean girl" look became popular, especially among Gen Z and Gen Alpha. This style moved away from thick eyebrows, colorful eyeshadows, and matte foundations, focusing instead on a more moisturized dewy makeup look that appealed to mainstream America. The clean girl look evolved from the "model off-duty" style of the previous decade. It gained popularity in the early 2020s, with models like Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber and Lily-Rose Depp leading the trend. The style featured slicked-back hair, nude eyeshadow, fluffy brows, dewy skin, bleached eyebrows, liquid blush, and glossy lips, aiming for a casual, effortless appearance that resonated with the relaxed aesthetic favored by Gen Z and Gen Alpha. The style focused on appearing effortlessly flawless and casual, adapting all the fashion trends from the early 2020s and giving them a muted tonal color palette and a sexy, carefree attitude. The strong emphasis on skincare, diet, and exercise made the clean girl not only a fashion statement but a lifestyle as well, similar to her 1960s predecessor. The aesthetic has been criticized for cultural appropriation, toxic positivity, and fatphobia, which affected its mainstream popularity. The maximalist graphic eyeliner trend of 2022 allowed British and American women to emphasize their eyes with vibrant colors and geometric designs. Graphic eyeliner made headlines and introduced women to new methods to experiment with facial makeup. Tattoos From 2021 onwards, new tattoo styles emerged among younger trendsetters. Popular trends included colorful modern reinterpretations of traditional Japanese tattoos, psychedelic art, tramp stamps, minimalist black and white portraits, lightning bolts, fine art, pop culture mashups, holograms, and dot work. Other popular tattoo designs included spiritual meanings such as representations of the Buddha, Hindu mandalas, and the tree of life. Tribal tattoos and hyperrealistic portraits of loved ones popular during the 2010s declined. Body modifications exhibiting Mar-a-Lago face in 2022 The Brazilian butt lift is a gluteal fat grafting procedure that utilizes excess fat collected from other body areas to add buttock volume and projection or adjust overall shape and symmetry. The Brazilian butt lift reached its peak media coverage in 2021, when it was declared to be "the world's most dangerous cosmetic surgery", with news headlines discussing the procedure's risks and fatalities following the procedure. The "fox eye lift" in particular, was a contentious cosmetic trend because of the strong racial connotations associated with giving someone an oriental eye shape. The concept of a positive canthal tilt became a topic of discussion for men and women, due to social media platforms such as TikTok. Another widespread trend of the early and mid 2020s was "Turkey teeth", so-called because people had the procedure done in Turkey due to the lower cost of dental care. Unlike in previous decades, when dental crowns and dental implants were fitted to badly decayed teeth, many patients from the UK and the US had their healthy teeth ground into pegs for the caps. Eyewear The early to mid 2020s saw the return of many retro stylings of eyewear in the US such as cat eyeglasses, aviator sunglasses, rimless glasses, and round frame eyeglasses for both men and women. 1960s fashion inspired glasses with clear and transparent frames had become common in this decade as well. == Exhibitions ==

2020 • "About Time: Fashion and Duration" October 26 until February 7, 2021, at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. 2021 • In America: A Lexicon of Fashion at the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City 2022 • "Fashioning Masculinities: The Art of Menswear" March 19 until November 6, 2022, at Victoria and Albert Museum in London • "Africa Fashion" July 2 - April 16, 2023 at Victoria and Albert Museum in London 2023 • "DIVA" June 2023 - April 2024 at Victoria and Albert Museum in London ==Gallery==

File:Jack White Photo 2021.jpg|Singer Jack White wearing striped Madcap England blazer, 2021. File:20201128 STRIKE Wardrobe Shooting Vintage Fashion 5.jpg|Teen girl wearing early 2020s fashion trends. File:NIKKI-PHILLIPS-AAFW-2021.jpg|2021: Nikki Phillips in Fashion Week. File:Fashion designers Barrie Kaufman (Fables by Barrie) and Jerry Lee Atwood (Union Western).jpg| Brightly colored western clothing, early to mid 2020s File:AlexandraZuppas BLTFITPhotoBooth 08242022.jpg|Student in 2022. File:Sally FashionWeek.jpg|French woman attending 2022 Fashion Week. File:20210206 171157 (2) Fashion in 2021.jpg|Clothes for sale in 2021. File:Jordan-barrett-mbfw-march-2022-fashion-week-berlin.jpg|alt=|The mullet/shaggy hairstyle became a popular hairstyle among men. File:WLF frobas (7).jpg|Indonesian girls wearing face masks in 2022. File:DC Fashion Week - Emerging Designers Showcase by designer Shey Natividad (28).jpg|2020: Blush pink dress designed by Shey Natividad for DC Fashion Week. File:Kurtis Conner 2022.png|Stand-up comedian Kurtis Conner wearing early 2020s mullet hairstyle and mustache. File:HAIMO2210722 (31 of 51) (52233070660).jpg|Haim and Taylor Swift in glamorous, industrial-inspired all-black outfits in a 2022 concert. File:Lars Jacob dressed up 2023.jpg|Elderly man dressed up in Stockholm in 2023 File:Laufey Lin.jpg|Icelandic pop artist Laufey dressed in a high-collared tank top and jeans File:A Grey Chinese clothing from Yu Wah at Centrestage 2023.jpg| Contemporary Chinese Mao jacket, 2023. File:Atea standing at Expo Dome court yard, right side 20240511a.jpg| Taiwanese teen girl in Hanfu, 2024. ==See also==