Trends in social media, like “Y2K”, revolve around a very specific aesthetic, which usually has a nostalgic origin. We provide an overview of some popular trends.
At first glance, many don’t understand terms like “Dark Academia”, “Royalcore” or “Y2K”. Regular users of social media may have noticed them as hashtags. Behind this there are different aesthetics with a certain style of clothing, furnishing and sometimes also a lifestyle. Many of these trends became known a few years ago on the “Tumblr” blogging platform and have recently been experiencing a resurgence on TikTok and Instagram thanks to Generation Z. What the aesthetics of almost all of these trends have in common is their nostalgic origins.
“Dark Academia”: aesthetic world pain
One of the most popular trends is “Dark Academia” – the hashtag has over two million views on Instagram. If you wanted to visualize the mood he spreads, it would probably be that of a dark, rainy day spent in the library.
The Urban Dictionary, a dictionary of slang terms, describes Dark Academia’s aesthetic as that of “well-read vintage emo.” Representing a sense of classical literature, philosophy, art and culture, she is “inspired by themes of existentialism and death”. The outfits that can be found on Instagram and Tiktok under the hashtag are often reminiscent of a mix of vintage school uniforms: dark, muted colors, white collars, blazers, plaid patterns and derby shoes. In addition, analogue pastimes such as writing letters or poems, playing instruments or taking pictures with old cameras are often romanticized. The trend has been known for a long time, but the success of the dark horror comedy series “Wednesday” has given it new impetus.
“Royalcore” and “Balletcore”: pink tulle and gold furniture
Netflix series like “Bridgerton” or “The Crown” are not entirely innocent of this trend: “Royalcore” stands – unsurprisingly – for a noble, royal style.
In terms of clothing, the trend is based on bright colors, long, flowing dresses made of tulle, corsets and jewelry made of gold and pearls. The furnishings of this trend also appear luxurious and pompous: stucco walls, antique furniture made of heavy wood with golden ornaments, crystal chandeliers, armchairs covered with velvet.
Related to “Royalcore”, the trend could be called “Balletcore”. The light, pastel colors, tulle, satin and pearls can also be found here. There are also bows, bodies, cardigans and skirts with a wrap look, ballerina shoes and long cuffs – many of them in pink. On TikTok, many actual ballerinas share their outfits for ballet lessons under the hashtag in so-called “Get ready with me” videos.
“Y2K”: The 2000s are back
“Y2K” is probably the trend that is also the most discussed outside of social media – and which has been stubborn for a long time. It’s about the aesthetics of the 2000s: the letter Y stands for year, 2K for 2000. Many who grew up during this time probably know the feeling of finding exactly the same clothes in fashion shops for a long time, which up to now have been rather embarrassing was to have worn them once: low-rise hipsters with flares, crop tops, colorful hair clips, crocheted bags, rhinestones – the fashion of yesteryear is undoubtedly back and is celebrated above all by Generation Z. The hashtag #Y2K has almost four and a half million views on Instagram and was already trending last year. However, the popularity of this trend does not seem to be abating for the time being – even if not everyone approves of the return of the 2000s fashion (keyword hipsters). Nevertheless, celebrated stars such as Dua Lipa or Bella Hadid are again wearing outfits that correspond to this trend.
Series and films from the early 2000s such as “Gilmore Girls” or “Sex and the City” are shared and discussed on Instagram and TikTok under the hashtag, stars of this era such as Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Lindsay Lohan or Paris Hilton are often included of their outfits at that time. Like the other Gen Z trends, “Y2K” is not only reflected in the choice of clothes. Colorful clamshell phones, Hello Kitty or Bratz dolls are trendy accessories that are exhibited in some rooms, just like silver disco balls or lava lamps.
Urban jungle trend
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Sources: Instagram, TikTok, ,
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
