THE RETURN OF INDIE AESTHETIC

 I make it no secret that my favourite era of fashion is the late 2000s-early 2010s. I was frankly done with the flashy, clingy and often tacky (sorry) fashion from the earlier millennium and found it refreshing when we entered a new era of music festival meets business casual, pioneered by women like Sienna Miller and Alexa Chung. That being said, I have really found a home with the minimalistic tones of today. I am wondering if we could find a happy medium here. These are the trends I have been thinking about a lot lately...

Ballet flats. I have been a big proponent for the capsule wardrobe, and have been sticking to my word. I have gotten so good at downsizing that I frighten myself sometimes. But I used to have cheap ballet flats for every occasion, more than enough. My relationship with ballet flats goes back a long time, and I will always have a soft spot for them. There was something about walking around gritty city streets in ballerina shoes that spoke to me. Though they haven't gone completely out of style, I have strayed away from them in the last 10 years. Admittedly, I just feel more me when I have them in my closet.

Military jackets. I will never forget when the military jacket burst onto the scene. Specifically the Balmain  jackets of 2009 were, quite frankly, everything. I would have done anything for a knock off. Nothing says 'I'm with the band' quite like a military jacket. I would love to see these make a bold return.

'Skinny' jeans. The skinny jeans were an indie staple, along with leggings and tights. One might say, they were the backbone of the entire era. Alternatively, there are so many great oversized, comfortable jeans on the market right now. I don't think I'd trade my Dad jeans in for anything. But if we are truly honest with ourselves, nothing says rocker chic quite like a worn in pair of black skinnies. 

Moto jackets. Much like the blazer, the leather jacket never goes out of style but changes slightly. I love the loose and relaxed fit but was getting nostalgic for the old moto and bomber style of indie sleaze past. They were the uniform for so many pretentious bands and 'it' girls of our time.

Fun tops and blouses. This is where I have really noticed a difference. While you can never go wrong with a neutral top, things used to be more fun. Whether it be a touch of glitter, animal print or ruffles, I think our tops are begging for a statement these days. I also miss the peter pan collars and lace camis, although I see these hinting at a comeback via Chloe and other boho loving designers.

Oversized accessories. One of my favourite moments in fashion was when Mary-Kate Olsen turned Y2K fashion on its head by trading tight tops and low rise jeans for the most maxi outfits, sunglasses and bags imaginable (and shoutout to her signature venti Starbucks too). I would love to see extra large accessories again, including scarves and shawls. I think we are long overdue for this look back.

The statement necklace. I am not a huge jewelry person but even I find myself missing those big old statement necklaces. Pairing a statement necklace with a blazer and a bun used to not only work for the office, but also the club or the concert. Who would have thought?

Though I am still basking in the benefits of a 'less is more' wardrobe, I am challenging myself to add a few long lost pieces. Because honestly, I have been missing them like crazy. What about you?