From Tumblr to TikTok: How the Twee Trend is Taking Over the 2020s
When it comes to fashion, the old saying, “What goes around comes around,” couldn’t be more accurate. And this season, one indie trend in particular is making a major comeback—the twee aesthetic. If you're a fan of all things cute, quirky, and kitsch, then you'll love the 2020s indie trend that’s all about embracing your inner child and adding a playful touch to your wardrobe.
With Y2K indie fashion trends still going strong, it’s no surprise that twee is back in a big way. For those who may not be familiar with the term, the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “twee” as a term used to describe something that is overly cute, dainty, or quaint.
In fashion, “twee” speaks to a trend where clothes and accessories are characterized by a whimsical, nostalgic, or girlish aesthetic that celebrates a lighthearted approach to style. The ballet flats and oversized headbands of the 2010s have evolved into a more mature look that celebrates the essence of the trend while giving it an unmistakable 2020s twist.
The Online Evolution of Twee Fashion
The whimsical world of twee fashion takes its inspiration from the mod movement of the 1960s, when color blocking, mini-skirts, knitted polos, and clean-cut aesthetics took the fashion world by storm.
The original modern-day interpretation of twee took off in the 2010s alongside the rise of Tumblr when It Girls on the platform brought Edwardian and Victorian elements to their preppy wardrobes. Think demure Peter Pan collars, bright tights, plaid dresses, playful headbands, and classic ballet pumps. But don’t just take our word for it—look to style icons like Zooey Deschanel, Alexa Chung, and Taylor Swift or films like Amelie and 500 Days of Summer for perfect expressions of 2010s twee style.
In 2022, twee fashion made a bold comeback, where it was once again driven by social media (this time, TikTok instead of Tumblr). Initially, this indie fashion trend was ignited by millennials reminiscing about their Tumblr glory days, but it soon spread throughout the platform. With Gen Z becoming more conscious of the effects of fast fashion and increasingly turning to thrifting to shop indie looks, twee and TikTok were a match made in heaven. The rest, as they say, is history.
Today’s twee trendsetters include Lily Collins, Maude Apatow, and of course, the original twee It Girl, Taylor Swift. While celebrities influence this indie trend, the primary proponents of 2020s twee are everyday women on TikTok, where the #twee tag currently has over 120 million views.
3 Essentials to Bring a Twee Twist to Your Indie Look
While the original twee trend received its fair share of criticism for fetishizing thinness through its youthful looks, the 2020s revival is more inclusive, more mature, and undeniably modern. This decade’s trend swaps some of the hallmarks of twee fashion for fresh new takes that can form your entire outfit or add an on-trend element through subtle accessories.
Whether you're looking to make a showstopping fashion statement or add some lighthearted accessories to your OOTD, the Wild Gardenia indie fashion boutique offers plenty of inspiration to help you embrace the playful twee trend.
Supersized Collars
The Peter Pan collar was a staple of the twee era, adding a touch of whimsy to blouses and skater dresses. Inspired by the collars of the Edwardian era, its cute rounded detailing let millennials live out their Disney princess-inspired fantasies.
While the Peter Pan collar is back in its own right, the 2020s twee amplifies the accent collar trend with larger, bolder designs. From gingham brings and delicate ruffles to supersized statement collars, taking your hipster look to the next level can be as easy as throwing on a stylish blouse. Take on two twee trends at once with our throwback vintage blouse that features an eye-catching collar and puff sleeves. Or, if you don’t want to commit to a collar, tie a retro-inspired silk scarf around your neck for a low-key look.
A Peter Pan Collar is the Perfect Oversized Collar! Click on the photo for more large collar options.
Practical Kicks
When the original twee trend emerged in the 2010s, the shoe of choice was the ballet flat. In 2022, Vogue predicted that ballet flats would be staging a massive comeback, but another contender is vying for the season's top spot: leather loafers.
Millennials who lived through 2010s twee are probably haunted by memories of wearing ballet flats every day for two years straight. Loafers, slides, and leather sandals offer a more adult (and, let’s face it, more comfortable) alternative for twee fashionistas who care about arch support as much as they care about style.
Bring an element of footloose and fancy-free whimsy to your outfit with our eco-friendly, handwoven cane and leather slides for a pair of summer stunners that are as comfortable as they are on-trend.
Click on the photo to view more ballet flat options
Attention-Grabbing Knits
2010s twee fashion took inspiration from the era’s preppy style, so the knits that featured in the trend’s original incarnation were more “country club” than “night out.” While a good knit will never go out of style, the 2020s twee trend champions whimsical elements like floral embroidery, pom-pom accents, and bright colors for a modern take on a well-loved classic.
Whether you want an oversized silhouette or to tuck them into high-waisted jeans, our indie fashion boutique offers on-trend knits for every aesthetic. While 2010s twee promoted slim figures, this time around, the goal is to celebrate twee in a responsible and inclusive way. As Natalie Michie notes, “Those with larger bodies have always sported twee, they just haven’t historically been represented in mainstream media.”
At Wild Gardenia, we’re passionate about curating women-led, conscious brands that create pieces for women of all shapes and sizes. Check out our online range for our collection of inclusive twee pieces, and stay updated with indie inspiration and hipster fashion news on our Instagram.@wild_gardenia_boutique.