Tumblr, a blogging website founded in 2007, had a direct influence on the fashion trends of the early 2000s. In the 2010s it was soft grunge, where scuffed Doc Martens, band t-shirts, and ripped skinny jeans were popular staples. And in 2014, came ‘Twee,’ a fashion aesthetic that consists of Peter Pan collars, Mary Jane flats, and colorful A-line dresses. Drawing inspiration from the 1970s and 1960s mod fashion, Twee is a British term meaning “affectedly of excessively fainty, delicate, cute or quaint.” The aesthetic embraces quirkiness, playfulness, and goodness. Its range of bright colors are often reminiscent of Wes Anderson films; however, actress Zoey Deshanel is often considered one of the most prominent icons of this style. With Tiktok becoming one of the main hubs for the newest fashion trends, we are starting to see a twee resurgence.
On social media, there’s been a huge rise in the vintage movement. Many millennial and Gen Z consumers are interested in sustainability and are aware of the damaging effects of fast fashion. Both generations are finding twee garments in abundance at many second hand stores and thrift shops. It’s more affordable and allows the consumer to create their own unique iterations of the trend. However, twee is also being featured on the runway with brands such as Miu Miu showcasing knitwear and mini skirts in their Spring 2022 show.
Italian designer Maria Grazia Chiuri showcased “a mod-pop happening at Christian Dior” for Paris Fashion Week, according to Vogue. The show was a throwback to the 1960’s fashion that twee draws its inspiration from. In addition, the show consisted of many twee staples including bright colors, A-line dresses, and Mary Janes;emulating that youthful, spirited aesthetic that twee tries to achieve.
Although this style is seeing a surge in popularity, it isn’t without it’s own controversy. As quoted by Vogue, “the original twee aesthetic of the mid 2010s glamourized thinness and lacked diversity.” Fortunately, today’s generation celebrates diversity and inclusion in body types and race. It’s exciting to see the return of a once loved aesthetic, especially as it becomes more accessible to a more diverse group of people.