She’s Back Better Than Ever: Retro Revival in Modern Student Life

Photo courtesy: Petapixel

What’s old is new again. That may be how many designers and trend watchers have described our cycle. Despite the sensation that it’s jumping to conclusions, this observation is nowhere better proven than the ordinary lives of screenagers. 

How familiar does this sound: a group of girls in an Instagram story pops up on your feed—the photo tinted with that unparalleled film-like quality—striking poses, flashing smiles and looking like they’ve just stepped straight out from the 2000s. Some rock their low-rise flared jeans paired with Isabel Marant sneakers, while others sport wide-leg jorts and oversized NFL tees. The greatness of retro trends lies in their visual appeal and their prevalence: scroll through any social media platform, and you’ll discover influencers, YouTubers, and even your friends embracing finds from decades ago. 

Among the many retro comebacks, digital cameras are leading the pack. Its grainy, imperfect atmosphere resembles the charm of early 2000s digital photos, replacing the hyper-detailed flicks of our daily smartphones. Students especially love snapping photos with a chunky, outdated camera and waiting to upload them later, just like in the MySpace era. 

It’s the same with weird earphones, which are making a strong comeback in a world where wireless gadgets dominate. The physicality of weird earphones offer a connection to the past that feels more authentic. Students enjoy finishing a y2k-styles outfit and topping it off with these headphones to amplify the effect. But, really, these music players don’t end there. The revival of vinyl records is also gaining momentum among students. What was once a relic of their parents’ or grandparents' generation is now a priceless item displayed in bedrooms or living rooms to set that nostalgic, jazzy, home-like feeling to their house. Vinyl records offer a chance to savor the experience in a way that’s becoming increasingly rare amidst the busy lifestyles. 

And, of course, there’s fashion. Y2K-inspired outfits—low-rise jeans with a flare at the ankle, leopard print skirts, leathered handbags, and chunky boots—have found their way back into the wardrobes of today’s students. Denim, once tight and waist-height, is now baggy and washed, often paired with crop tops or oversized graphic tees that scream early 2000s. Accessories are becoming bold and unique too: thick, metallic curves of golden rings decorate our fingers, and tiny, rectangular sunglasses make a frequent appearance. And let’s not forget the hair: claw clips, scrunchies, and slick backs are taking over social media once again. These iconic pieces, once considered out-of-date, have been revived, making them a statement of style in today’s classrooms.

In embracing these retro trends, students are not only looking backward; they’re making a statement about how they want to move forward. Whether it’s snapping a picture with a digital camera, listening to a record, or sporting vintage fashion, these trends serve as a reminder that sometimes the best way to move forward is to look back. After all, in the years to come, it would be most likely that today’s retro trends may very well become the classics of tomorrow.