XOXO: 2010s teen shows and their influence on fashion

Cheesy teen shows have graced our screens for years, from their cringy plotlines and iconic one liners, they have not only made a mark on our society but have made claim in all areas of pop culture. Unforgettable shows such as Gossip Girl (and now it’s controversial reboot), Gilmore Girls and Pretty Little Liars have all had their impact on fashion.

Gossip Girl, whose pilot episode aired 15 years ago, is known for its gag worthy costume design. Headed by Eric Daman, iconic moments include Serena’s endless designer bag collection, Blair’s red Paris dress and their very unconventional “School Uniforms”. Its impact is also felt outside the show, specifically with the legacy of the headband which snowballed into hair pieces worn everywhere, from wedding aisles to high school classrooms. This changed how consumers shopped as customers shifted from looking at models in magazines to “real people” wearing clothes in shows and runways. Headbands are slowly being seen again as the 2010s start to make a resurgence.

It's not a secret that Pretty Little Liars is another 2010 staple that has stuck with us over all these years. It’s cult following made a Tumblr page for called ‘Pretty Little Liars Closet’ where exact clothing items worn by the girls were categorised by season and episode. One of the standout trends in the show, worn primarily by Aria to encapsulate her ‘edgy-ness’, includes mid-section belts which have subtly come back in as a more of a grunge aesthetic, seen through western-inspired embellished metal belts.

Being the oldest of all the teen shows, Gilmore Girls’ cosy aesthetic is still heavily appreciated to this day, seen through TikTok trends on “What I would wear in Stars Hollow” and the recreation of Rory Gilmore outfits. Re-packaged as the ‘Downtown Girl Aesthetic’ that briefly trended in autumn 2021, cable knit sweaters and jean flares have become a common staple in A/W wardrobes. Shopping trends such as thrifting and buying second-hand have further pushed this style as well as the nostalgic, comfort feel consumers are seeking out due to other societal pressures.

Honourable mentions include The Vampire Diaries, who, like many other shows, was briefly featured as a TikTok trend within the last year. Their impact can be felt more heavily in the use of fashion in the show. It is very typical for shows to use fashion for character development, especially to define specific character arcs, however TVD took it a step further. Actress Nina Dobrev, who played Elena Gilbert, was tasked with playing her own doubleganger, Katherine Pierce, who contrasted her ‘Girl Next Door’ role of Elena. As well as tone and language, wardrobe was used heavily to differentiate the two characters, echoing their personalities using different styles.

Overall teen shoes have been responsible for championing fashion trends that last years after but also some fashion crimes that have stuck with us, including Alison Dilaurentis’ icon yellow top, however, through the good, bad and the ugly, they’ll always have a special place in our hearts.

You know you love me,

XOXO,

TA.