Picture this: Chevron dresses, galaxy leggings and owl necklaces – the greatest hits of 2010s fashion is a fever dream, yet it is staging a comeback whether we like it or not.
Also known as the “Tumblr Girl” aesthetic, style codes from 2010 to 2015 weren’t maximalist, they were undoubtedly cringy masquerading as cool. Aside from funky shoes and bags, statement accessories were often piled on to seamlessly tie up the mishmash of prints, colours and textures.
From oversized necklaces with semi-precious stones and plastic chokers to chunky rings, the hype was real and strangely addictive.
Perhaps, this is the influence of the OG Tumblr fashionista Alexa Chung or the zeitgeist of “Gossip Girl”, the Blake Lively version, of course, that defined how it girls had to dress to stand out.
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Not to mention social media’s role in all of this as the perfect vehicle for these trends. Even though many of us were still typing away on keypads of our Sony Ericsson phones or a Blackberry, social media crept into our lives and our drive to post the perfect pictures and videos started growing.
Don’t get us wrong, we are not throwing shade at 2010s fashion but as older and wiser individuals, we know better than just to throw everything but the kitchen sink on.
Instead, let’s embrace statement fashion and fine jewellery in sophisticated and elevated forms from the curated list below that will have us feeling like it’s 2013 all over again but looking better than ever.
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The classic Alhambra is a Van Cleef & Arpels must-have and the long version with 16 motifs is perfect for layering and the earthy tones of the exquisite malachite mirror the bohemian colour palette of the 2010s.
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Dangly earrings were all the rage but let’s adopt some 2023 runway trends with the inclusion of bows, which were heavily used in Simone Rocha’s Fall/Winter collection.
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Little Letter In Love Set Of Six Gold-tone And Enamel Bracelets, $245, Roxanne Assoulin at Net-A-Porter
Friendship bracelets have recaptured our hearts – don’t believe us? Ask Taylor Swift and the Swifties who have been exchanging these lovable accessories around at her concerts. This set by Roxanne Assoulin is a perfect example as it can be distributed among your circle of besties.
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Let’s be honest, many of us dreamed about owning a stack of Love Bracelets during our late teens. It was and still is a symbol of excellence, class and style and, of course, the six diamonds fitted around the gold certainly sweeten the deal.
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Ear cuffs are sliding back into the mainstream again and who doesn’t love a bejewelled number like this crystalised piece from New York-based label AREA?
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Medallion necklaces were one of the most coveted designs over a decade ago but coins are so passé. This hand-embroidered and freshwater pearl necklace sets the bar high with intricate craftsmanship.
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Never underestimate the power of a little diamond. This collection combines Chopard’s talisman heart and the signature dancing diamonds in all the best ways possible.
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Fluttering Butterfly Gold-tone Crystal Ring, $645, Oscar De La Renta at Net-A-Porter
This particular insect was the spirit animal of many Tumblr girly gals and many of us are guilty of owning a plethora of items decorated with their beautiful wings.
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Likewise, stars were another quintessential symbol of the early 2010s – any pop culture geek would recall Lea Michelle’s character in Glee giving herself a gold star sticker for no good reason. Of course, when it comes to a pair of Chanel earrings, who needs a reason?
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Oceanic themes have made waves in fashion and style this year and we can easily add them to our wardrobes with these extra earrings that scream “My Little Mermaid”.
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Hot off the runway directed by the one and only Kim Kardashian, this choker is reminiscent of necklaces with pendants of our initials. While this piece only works for those named “Kim”, it can still make an ironic statement just like the reality TV and shapewear mogul.
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When it comes to jewellery, many fans inadvertently return to this House – à la Audrey Hepburn’s critically-acclaimed film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” that never goes out of style just like this iconic bracelet.
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This chunky resin and brass ring puts a very different but modern spin on the famous phrase “wear your heart on your sleeve”.
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Glass, brass and plastic were common materials for 2010s accessories due to the aftermath of the 2008 economic crisis, which birthed the unavoidable swooping and blinding necklaces that covered the entire neckline just like this one from Paco Rabanne.
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Nautical-style bracelets were huge in the early 2010s and although the hype died down, FRED has stayed the course with its impeccable Force 10 creations such as this pink gold and multi-coloured diamond showstopper.
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Lace chokers with floral patterns were a necessity back in the day but in this decade, pearls and a three-dimensional element are our cup of tea.
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Stacking jewellery has never gone out of style and pieces with layers go the extra mile to create drama for any outfit imaginable.
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The beauty of cascading gems is immeasurable, no matter how many times we stare at them and this pendant by the French high jewellery brand is a work of art.
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To describe early 2010s fashion as quirky would be an understatement as we gravitated towards pop art, graphic prints and oddball accessories much like this pair of scissor earrings.
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Flashbacks of flower crowns send shivers down our spines. Instead, we should invest in a stylish piece that can also double as a bedazzled choker.
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Jade, Pearl & 14kt Gold-vermeil Bracelet, $586, Completedworks at Matchesfashion
Of course, floral patterns are timeless but artistic designs and craftsmanship will take it up a notch just like this beaded bracelet.
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Believed to be Monsieur Dior’s lucky star, the motif screams luxury but when worn stone-side up, it transforms into an extravagant precious stone treasure akin to vibrant “bubble” necklaces.
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Swing Hoops 18-karat Yellow And White Gold, Turquoise And Diamond Earrings, $44,465, Irene Neuwirth at Net-A-Porter
Turquoise is gaining traction as it rightfully deserves in the watch and jewellery world. Get ahead of the trend with these drop hoop earrings from Los Angeles-based jeweller Irene Neuwirth.
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This article was originally published in Harper's Bazaar Singapore.