The indie aesthetic first gained popularity during the late 2000s to early 2010s and reached the peak of its fame during the mid-2010s when it finally went mainstream. It wasnโt the only thing that went mainstream at the time. The mid-2010s were considered the โGolden Age of Tumblrโ, a time when the platform had a ton of input on how pop culture developed. Like hello, wide-brimmed hats, high-low skirts, and The Neighbourhoodโs Sweater Weather?
That said, what comes up must come down and in the age of TikTok virality determining what songs become hits (rather than AO3 fic tracks), a lot of the old trends have faded away. Exceptโฆnot really? If the return of the 80s aesthetic and Y2K have taught is anything, itโs that fashion trends are cyclical.
And you know whatโs back? The indie aesthetic!
Whatโs an Indie Aesthetic and Where Did It Come From?
Okay, the 2020s indie aesthetic is a different beast from its Tumblr-era counterpart. Tumblrโs indie aesthetic was heavily influenced by grunge and the so-called Tumblr sleaze, a style that in turn was inspired by 90s heroin chic. Because of this, the original internet indie aesthetic was dominated by dull color palettes. Weโre talking black and white, white and beige, browns and grays, but mostly just black and whites. Remember those black-and-white grid patterns? That.
Itโs no surprise that itโs making a resurgence under a different form. Even back in 2020, the Tumblr aesthetic was already showing signs of life, or rather, re-animation with posts from the 2010s resurfacing on Tumblr feeds.
In contrast, the new indie aesthetic from TikTok is influenced by the return of the 80s aesthetic. While it;โs been a while since the 80s aesthetic was โitโ, its influence is still felt in the 90s and Y2K microtrends that followed, particularly in the prevalence of loud prints and bright colors.
The new indie aesthetic puts aside the tighter silhouettes of the old Tumblr indie aesthetic in favor of cozy, loose fits and bright colors. Regardless, the classics are still there if you know how to look for them. Bucket hats, Converses, ripped jeans, and fun hairstyles are back โ except everyone seems to be braiding their hair instead of putting them in twin buns.
Components of the Indie Aesthetic
The new indie aesthetic keeps much of the same rebellious spirit as its older mid-2010s sister, but with a brighter palette and overall outlook on life. For the new indie aesthetic, a bright perspective on life is a form of rebellion in its own right โ why wouldnโt it be when it feels like weโre living in economic tragedy after political tragedy after economic tragedy? Thereโs a component to it that feels like escapism, especially since the style is alternatively called โindie kidโ, from the harsh realities of a post-pandemic world. But hey, you canโt really fault anyone for that.
Patterned Fabrics
The original indie girls would never, but the new indie kids on the block are breaking out their best patterns. Cow print, leopard print, daisy print. Whatever it is, itโs all fair game. Compared to mid-2010s indie which only liked grids, stripes, and checked prints, the new indie is here to have fun with patterns that vaguely remind you of the late 2010s 80s trend.
Bright Colors
Neons? Pastels? Gemstone shades? You can mix them all together in the new indie aesthetic. If the Pinterest boards on this style are to go by, no one is following the old 2 to 3 colors only rule for putting together an outfit. As long as you can make the palette work, feel free to go crazy. Maximalism is encouraged in this new interaction of the indie aesthetic.ย
A Love of Music
A lot of subcultures back then and now are formed around music. A style and culture develop around it until you have a larger, mainstream sphere that only knows the subculture by its visual aesthetic and if youโre lucky, some of the ideas behind it. Either way, thereโs nothing wrong with having fun with a style. If you really want to immerse yourself in it though, you can research indie aesthetic music.
Artists and bands like Beach Bunny, Clairo, Cavetown, Girl In Red, Chloe Moriondo, Videoclub, and the undying Mozart of internet subculture, The Neighborhood, all fall under this category.
Indie Clothes and Accessories for Your 2022 Closet
What? Did you think weโd leave you hanging? Looking for aesthetic clothes is easy, generally speaking, but not so easy when youโre hunting down styles of a specific aesthetic. Thatโs why weโve done the leg work for you. These trendy pieces are affordable, stylish, and can be bought entirely online because if thereโs one thing we Gen Zers seem to dislike across the board, itโs having to shop in person. How prehistoric.
1. These Comfy Trousers Go With Anything
GET IT HERE: Weekday Indy Slouchy Wide Leg Dad Trousers in Grey
Or at least it probably would go with just about anything. Imagine these paired with a colorful body suit instead of a white and dark gray ensemble. Add accessories, keep the white shoes, and throw on a bandana headband and youโve got yourself a cute outfit for running errands with.
Plus, given its loose cut, you could easily adapt this to a 90s to Y2K inspired look.
The trousers are made of twill and a polyester blend so theyโre quite easy to smooth out even if you donโt like ironing your clothes.
2. A Pair of Not-Martens with Cow Print
GET IT HERE: ASOS DESIGN Marver Lace Up Flat Shoes in Cow Print
In the wise words of Doja Cat, โB*tch, Iโm a cowโฆI go moooooo!โ These shoes take the usual low-rise Martens design that weโve seen get rehashed in every aesthetic since the birth of Tumblr and give them a fun twist with a cow print. It may look a little too out there for you while itโs just on your screen, but imagine the possibilities! Cow print is basically your usual black and white with a bit more oomph. Itโs can definitely be made to work. At the very least, itโll be easier to pull off than cheetah print. Yikes.
3. Flower Doodle Shirt? Flower Doodle Shirt
GET IT HERE: Heartbreak Cropped T-Shirt with Pick Me Print in White
Letโs put the kid in โindie kidโ with this adorable cropped shirt that has a flower print on it. Itโs super cute because they look like happy little flower doodles but also pretty funny because of the โpick meโ writing that makes you wonder if they mean a โpick me girlโ. Very internet culture, if you ask us.
4. A Floral Charm Necklace Thatโs Giving Patrick Star
GET IT HERE: Weekday Lucy Charm Necklace in Silver with Flower Charms
Of course, no outfit would be complete without accessories which is where this charm necklace comes in. Sure, itโs not made of real silver but donโt the star-shaped flowers and green and pink color palette feel familiar to you? Kind of like a lazy but good-natured friend from under the sea?ย
This would look adorable with the โPick Meโ top because when youโve already got flower prints, why not have flower accessories too?