The 2010s are coming back, and not just through TikTok filters. Fashion and social trends are dipping backward into the previous decade, too. A standout of this is the focus “girlhood” trend. The latest trend of girlhood nostalgia is all about bringing back the bright and bubbly energy from the One Direction era to the boho style. It’s a search for something that reminds us to be joyful, to embrace and explore our whimsy and silliness, with others. But why do we feel this need to travel back in time?
It was All about Being Bold and Loud
From Tumblr to “Live Laugh Love” t-shirts, the 2010s were a time when being unapologetically you and having a girly style were fully embraced. Sparkly Justice-brand hoodies, lip gloss collections, and pastel iPod shuffles are undeniable 2010s girlcore. Everything screamed color, creativity, and confidence. For dancers, this meant learning the choreo to Zendaya’s “Replay” in our rooms or layering sequinned Justice shirts over matching tank tops.
Why It Matters Now: In a time when social media sometimes puts pressure on girls to be effortlessly “cool” or aesthetic, and make them feel like they need to fit into this “box”, the return of 2010s girlhood reminds us that joy doesn’t need a filter.
Friendship Above Everything Else
The 2010s were filled with movies and TV shows centered on groups of girls. They were filled with crazy sleepovers, mall trips, and crushes, but most importantly, these films were about having a solid and connected friend group. The era of girlhood we’re nostalgic for wasn’t centered on isolation—it was all about staying connected with the people around you. Shows like Victorious, Good Luck Charlie, and Lemonade Mouth made girl friendships the main storyline.
Why It Matters Now: It is normal to feel like you are constantly having to put on an act nowadays, even around your peers. The 2010s remind us of a time when it was about being together—not just being seen.
Dance was Taking the World by Storm
Let’s not forget—the 2010s were all about dance, with Dance Moms being one of the most popular shows. YouTube was full of iconic studio choreo from places like the Playground. TikTok didn’t exist yet, but everyone was doing the “Harlem Shake” or learning routines from their favorite music videos. Dancing was a community of people who did it just because they loved it.
Why It Matters Now: Dancers today face a lot of pressure to go viral, be polished, and stay “on trend.” Revisiting 2010s routines reminds us that dance is supposed to be joyful. It’s about remembering why you love doing what you do, and reigniting that passion for dance.
Girlhood is Important
Something fascinating is happening in this wave of nostalgia: we’re reclaiming the parts of girlhood that were maybe once seen as unimportant or silly. Things like boy band obsessions, journaling, glitter eyeliner, or cheesy rom-com movies—things people called “cringey”—are now being admired and are seen as relatable. Being a teenage girl in the 2010s wasn’t about perfection. It was all about finding yourself and who you want to become. Dancing in your room. Laying in your bed crying one minute and laughing the next. This chaotic beauty is exactly what makes 2010s girlhood feel like something that we want to experience again.
