The 2010s might not feel like ancient history, but Gen Z definitely treats some of our old favourites like relics from another era.
Trends that once felt essential now get a serious side-eye—and sometimes outright roasting—from a younger generation with a totally different vibe. Here are some old-school must-haves from the 2010s that Gen Z is raising an eyebrow at, even if some of us still secretly love them.
1. Skinny jeans so tight you needed assistance to peel them off
Back in the 2010s, skinny jeans weren’t just popular—they were non-negotiable. It didn’t matter if you could barely breathe or if sitting down felt like a calculated risk. If your jeans weren’t vacuum-sealed to your legs, were you even trying?
Gen Z, on the other hand, is all about breathing room. Baggy, wide-leg, and even parachute pants have taken over. They view the skinny jeans era as a collective moment of self-inflicted discomfort that they want no part of, and honestly, they might be onto something.
2. Heavy Instagram filters that turned everyone orange
Raise your hand if you remember slapping a Valencia or Nashville filter on every photo, turning sunsets neon and making your skin tone somewhere between carrot and sepia-toned ghost. It was practically an art form.
Gen Z prefers minimal editing, natural lighting, and showing off real skin texture. They see those early Instagram feeds full of aggressive filters as peak try-hard energy, and they’re not shy about calling it out.
3. Moustache graphics on every item imaginable
In the early 2010s, fake moustaches somehow became the height of cool. Mugs, shirts, phone cases—nothing was safe. Throw on a finger moustache tattoo or a moustache necklace and you were officially quirky.
Gen Z looks back at this trend and is collectively baffled. It’s hard to explain why we plastered moustaches everywhere; it just sort of… happened. They’re giving it major cringe points, and honestly? Fair enough.
4. Stacking an entire jewellery box onto your wrist
The “arm party” ruled the 2010s. If you didn’t have at least five bracelets, two friendship bands, and a charm bracelet clanging together on one wrist, were you even fashionably awake?
Today’s trendsetters are all about intentional, minimal jewellery—a dainty chain here, a couple of rings there. They’re not into the idea of sounding like a one-person marching band every time they move their hand.
5. Peplum tops that added mystery ruffles to every outfit
Nothing said “fashion-forward” like a good old peplum top. That little flared-out ruffle that magically appeared halfway down every blouse and dress. We thought it was sophisticated and flattering for literally every occasion.
Gen Z sees it more as confusing architecture for your torso. They prefer relaxed fits that move with the body, not structured flares that feel like a speed bump on your waistline.
6. Side parts deep enough to lose things in
The 2010s loved a deep side part so extreme you practically had to comb your hair diagonally across your forehead. If you didn’t have a dramatic swoop, could you even claim style credibility?
Gen Z came swinging for side parts hard, declaring the middle part as the superior default. To them, those swoopy side bangs look less stylish and more like you lost a fight with a hairdryer.
7. Statement necklaces that could double as armour
The bigger and blingier the necklace, the better. Huge chunky pieces layered over basic tees became the go-to move for “dressing up” without trying too hard (even though, clearly, we were trying very hard).
Now, Gen Z prefers understated accessories that complement an outfit instead of competing with it. Giant rhinestone bibs? They’re officially a museum piece of early 2010s overkill.
8. Inspirational wall quotes in big fonts
“Live Laugh Love” wasn’t just a phrase; it was a lifestyle choice. Entire bedrooms, offices, and even bathrooms were decked out in vinyl wall quotes or distressed wood signs shouting about dreams and believing in yourself.
Gen Z thrives on irony and chaotic humour now. Sentimental quotes hung earnestly on walls just scream “millennial starter pack” to them, and they’re not about to bring that trend back anytime soon.
9. Intense contouring for casual errands
Contouring your face to high heaven was a standard 2010s beauty routine, even if you were just running to the shop for milk. You needed at least three shades of concealer and a blender the size of your head.
Gen Z’s beauty vibe is way more natural and dewy. Spending an hour creating cheekbones from scratch for a coffee run? They’ll pass. They’re more about letting real features show through instead of painting on new ones daily.
10. Chevron-pattern everything
Chevron prints swept through home decor, fashion, and even wedding invitations like a zig-zagging tornado. If it wasn’t sporting bold V-shaped stripes, was it even cute?
Today’s younger crowd cringes at the aggressive geometry. They prefer soft, organic shapes that feel calm and modern instead of looking like optical illusions made into curtains.
11. Duck face selfies for every occasion
If you didn’t master the art of duck face selfies, did you even survive the 2010s? It was the default pose—pouty lips, angled camera, slightly squinty eyes—guaranteed to rack up likes.
Gen Z has turned hard against over-posed selfies. They want authenticity, chaos, and candids. Duck face belongs to another time, and these days it mostly lives on ironically in memes about “auntie energy.”
12. Infinity scarves worn year-round
Infinity scarves were the unsung heroes of 2010s fashion. We wore them in the dead of winter, mild spring days, chilly summer nights—basically any time an outfit needed that final touch.
Gen Z, living in the age of functional fashion, sees infinity scarves as unnecessary neck sausages. They’ll grab a hoodie or a jacket instead—something you can take off easily when the weather swings.
13. Ironic hipster everything
Being a “hipster” wasn’t just a style, it was a full-blown identity. You needed obscure indie bands, typewriter tattoos, flannel shirts, and enough thrifted mason jars to open a cafe at a moment’s notice.
Now, Gen Z isn’t as impressed by manufactured uniqueness. They’re all about owning their basic favourites proudly instead of pretending their love of oat milk lattes makes them rebels. Forced quirkiness is officially out.
