2024 Is 2014 Coded, And We’re Obsessed

Ahh, 2014. A simpler time, when the Nashville filter consumed your Instagram feed and Facebook was for more than just Boomers. Political tensions were low, and the economy was on the upswing. Life was purer back then – and from the looks of it, we’re all trying to recreate it in 2024. 

Goodbye Androgyny, Hello Sundresses 

Evie kicked off summer ‘24 with the launch of The Perfect Sundress (currently sold out), which triggered a barrage of mixed opinions on the matter. Who knew a dress could be so controversial?

In any case, it seems the girls have traded in the androgynous oversized tees and clunky sandals that have plagued summer trends for the past few years for more flattering pieces this summer, most notably the sundress. The look, characterized by a knee-length or shorter skirt, gently cinched waist, and subtly alluring neckline, couldn’t be more feminine. It brings us back to the good ole’ 2010s, when society had no problem answering the simple question, “What is a woman?”. 

Chevron and Rompers, Meet Zig-Zag Trim and Matching Sets

Speaking of fashion trends, a lot of the looks of 2014 are back. 

Rompers and jumpsuits have come in and out of fashion throughout the decades, but in the mid-2010s, one-piece styles were certainly having a moment. While we might not be reaching for these pieces as often here in 2024, it seems we’re still craving the head-to-toe look. Enter the matching set, the romper’s 2024 counterpart. The matching set gives the same cohesive look as a romper or jumpsuit, but with a few necessary tweaks. For starters, wearing a separate top and bottom is typically more comfortable, (especially for those of us with long torsos), and a two-piece set is more practical since you can mix-and-match the pieces with other tops and bottoms. Not to mention, no more completely stripping down every time you use the bathroom. Much better. 

Remember when everyone was sporting Aztec and tribal prints 10 years ago? Well, color and loud prints are back in a big way in 2024. Think coastal Italian motifs and graffiti-inspired patterns like these: 

And who can forget chevron? It seems to be back in a more subtle fashion with zig-zag trimmed pieces. Everything from maxi dresses to wide-legged pants is embracing the look. We’ll gladly let 2014’s favorite print stay in the 2010s, but that doesn’t mean we don’t love a fun zig-zag look every now and then. 

From Coastal Grandmother to Sultry Beach Babe

The past few summers have been marked by the New England coastal grandmother look, but the summer of 2014 felt like one big, gold-tinted, California coast beach party. Think frayed denim shorts, crocheted tanks, and gauzy kimonos. Upbeat tunes like Pharrell’s “Happy” and Megan Trainor’s “All About That Bass” were the top songs on the radio, and loose, beachy waves were the coveted hairstyle.  

Fast forward to summer ‘24, and Sabrina Carpenter is leaning into the West Coast summer vibe with her hit “Espresso.” The music video – complete with bikini-clad dancers and sepia-toned scenery – could easily be mistaken for a mid-2010s Hollister ad. 

Crochet has also re-entered the scene in a big way. You can shop everything from crochet tanks to dresses, microshorts, beach coverups, cardigans, bags, and more at stores like Anthropologie, Revolve, Urban Outfitters, Nordstrom, and Zara.

The Angels Are Back 

The toxic body positivity movement that became nearly every major company’s marketing strategy over the past decade is finally on its way out, and Victoria’s Secret is taking note. After a five year hiatus, the Angels are returning to the runway. 

The Victoria’s Secret fashion show, which was a celebrated event during the early 2000s, was canceled indefinitely in 2019 after years of poor ratings. Critics claimed the fashion show and brand as a whole perpetuated unrealistic beauty standards. Since 2019, VS fell into the body positivity trap and did a total rebrand. The result was a lackluster and confused aesthetic with zero sex appeal – not a great marketing strategy for a lingerie brand.  

Victoria’s Secret heard our complaints, and the real fashion show they became famous for will be back this fall, wings and all. 

The Manly Men Have Returned

In the late 2010s and early 2020s, most celebrity men had more in common with the high school kid down the street than the classic Hollywood heartthrobs of the old days. (Looking at you, Timothée Chalamet, Tom Holland, and Harry Styles.) While these men certainly aren’t bad-looking, most male celebrities of the past decade have lacked the masculine characteristics that women find attractive. 

That wasn’t the case back in 2014. That was the year Chris Hemsworth was People’s Sexiest Man Alive, Bradley Cooper’s charming grin and impossibly blue eyes seemed to be everywhere, and Tom Hardy’s and Chris Pratt’s careers were on fire. 

Yes, 2014 was the year that the hunks ruled Hollywood. And lucky for us, it seems like 2024 is following suit. Today’s hot Hollywood stars include Henry Cavill, Glen Powell, and Jacob Elordi. Athletes like Joe Burrow and Sam Hartman have won over our hearts over the past year. And it’s not just because of their strong jaws and impeccable physiques (although those certainly don’t hurt). These men display a strength and sturdiness in their character that we’ve been missing over the past decade. 

2014 may have been 10 years ago, but in some ways it feels like we’re reliving it all over again – and we’re not complaining. As they say, trends are cyclical and what goes around comes around. 

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