Is the 2014 Tumblr aesthetic making its way back?
Trends from the past have a tendency of resurfacing one way or another. The year 2014, as recent as it may seem, was already 10 years ago. The trends from the Tumblr times have become a source of inspiration for trends in 2024.
Here are some of the most notable trends experiencing a revival:
Music
The music from 2014 was more than what played on the radio. It had a major influence on trends and celebrities people cared about. The artists and styles of music that were so loved from this era are starting to show up again on our playlists. Artists like MGMT, Lorde, The 1975, and Lana Del Rey are still as relevant as they were in 2014.
The 1975 was one of the biggest influences of trends in 2014 and its music has made a huge comeback in the past year. The band is currently on tour and influencing a new generation the way it did 10 years ago.
Lana Del Rey was also one of the most popular artists in 2014. The singer just announced a new album that will be released later this year, called ‘Lasso’, and she is once again a popular figure on social media. Songs that were popular on sites like Tumblr are now trending on TikTok and proving how similar the 2014 and 2024 micro trends are becoming.
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Social media
Social media in today’s society was used differently than it was in 2014, up until recently. Social media in the early 2010s was taken a lot less seriously and was mainly used as a fun way to share photos and thoughts.
Many people, including celebrities and popular influencers, have started to bring back the casual use of apps like Instagram. When engaging in this movement, Gen Z users have started to caption their post with the phrase ‘Make Instagram casual again’ to let their followers know that they did not stress when creating the post.
Celebrities have begun posting more frequently using the term ‘photo dump’, a collection of random pictures from their camera rolls, even if they may not deem ‘Insta-worthy’, in an attempt to revive the simpler use of social media. Along with the more laid back approach to posting, colorful filters that were “all the rage” are showing up again in most users’ feeds.
Influencers like Addison Rae are bringing back the trends by posting selfies with over exposed filters which are extremely similar to those popular on apps like tumblr in 2014.
Fashion
While the 1990s had its own distinct identity, 2014 saw a partial resurgence of 90s fashion elements. This 90s-inspired fashion seems to be appearing again in most people’s closets. With the return of Doc Martens, baggy pants, flannels, and all things denim, the internet is not too far from the staple looks of 2014.
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“Normcore” is another trend that was made popular in 2014. This “core” aesthetic consisted of wearing neutral and oversized clothing that valued comfort. Today, brands are leaning in the direction of simple basics that are practical and can be worn several different ways, reflecting the popular style from years ago.
One of the most recognizable names from the 2010s grunge era is King Kylie. King Kylie was Kylie Jenner’s online personality during this time of social media. Her alter ego consisted of colorful hair and dark, harsh filters on all her posts, but this version of the Kardashian-Jenner disappeared after the Tumblr era. In early 2024 when Kylie posted a picture with pink hair, fans declared the King Kylie era to be back.
The resurgence of 2014 trends reflects a collective desire for nostalgia and a longing for simpler times. As these elements appear again and adapt to our current times, it highlights how influential the past is on our current pop culture. All trends cycle through until they return, making 2024, the new 2014.
