Embracing the Return of These Fashion Trends in a Body Positive Way
As certain aesthetics circle back into fashion, it can feel really fun and nostalgic… but it can also feel triggering for those of us (most of us) on the journey of healing our relationship with body image.
Many of the trend revivals we’re seeing today originated in a time of a pretty toxic portrayal of women’s bodies in fashion (lookin’ at you, ‘90s). So, as we try to create a more inclusive, body-positive culture, romanticizing a time when ‘fashionable’ seemed synonymous with ‘tall and skinny’ can send us a few steps back.
It’s important that we don’t reserve certain trends for certain body types. So the question becomes: how do we redefine what they can look like in the 2020s? Fashion industry leaders should be held primarily responsible here. But maybe the best way forward for the fashion-lover and clothing-wearer is to stop avoiding trends and prove they are beautiful and stylish on all kinds of bodies.
Here are a few trends we think should become body-pos in their rebirth (and how to wear them regardless of shape and size):
Photo from reel: @hannahmusselwhite and @sophiabuxtonn
Indie Sleaze
We are sliding down the rabbit hole into Tumblr-era inspirations as we speak. And we are so here for the moody, creative, grunge aesthetics. What we’re less here for is the romanticization of extreme thinness that it came with the first time around. Let’s embrace these looks for all bodies.
Barbie Core
Okay, so Barbie is arguably the symbol of unattainable beauty standards literally placed in the hands of impressionable children. The fun thing about today’s ‘Barbie Core’, though, is that everyone gets to reclaim the playful aesthetic.
More fabric
We’ve seen baggy cargo pants, huge pockets, oversized outerwear, fringe, and layers all over streets and runways. Fashion isn’t shying away from more is more. Keep in mind: we are alsoliving in the age of Lizzo’s red-carpet looks. Here are some ways to play with taking up more space no matter what size you’re starting at.
Dark & Light Academia
The Academia fashion trends are reminiscent of what TikTok creator and trend forecaster, Mandy Lee predicted under the name “Twee”. Lee wrote a piece for The Face on how toxic its return could be for body image. But once a trend gains momentum, it can rarely be stopped. So here’s how we’re reimagining the cute 2000s ‘hipster’ look for all bodies.
Low Rise
Before you get mad… don’t get mad. You won’t be shunned for your trusty mid and high-rise denim. Wear what you love– jeans are meant to last. But lower-waisted hems don’t need to be avoided just because you have shorter legs or a human stomach. Why is society so scared of bellies anyway?!