Whether You Love Them or Dislike Them, These 7 "Controversial" Trends from the 2010s Are Making a Comeback in 2026

      Imagine this: it’s 2009. Barack Obama has just taken office, Topshop’s flagship store on Oxford Circus is undoubtedly the premier shopping spot on the high street, Alexa Chung is the epitome of style for you, your favorite TV series is Skins, and you've just acquired the latest iPod Touch, eager to load it with 10,000 tracks from MGMT, The Klaxons, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Life during this time is thrilling, with fashion represented by a grungy, mismatched collection of ripped skinny jeans, neon colors, and questionable hairstyles. While the fashion from this period may not have been the most flattering, it embodied a time of carefree enjoyment, which is why I can't be too upset about the noticeable comeback of indie sleaze.

      (Image credit: Getty Images)This era, often nostalgically viewed by many fashion editors, encapsulates the period from 2006 to 2012. A time when indie rock music from British bands dominated, Glastonbury, although a long-standing festival, emerged as a fresh spot for spotting notable celebrity fashion trends. The title of “rockstar girlfriend” was highly sought after, with paparazzi images of London’s It girls like Kate Moss and Alexa Chung being just as coveted as red carpet photos. As Brittany Davy, editorial assistant at Who What Wear UK, wisely observes, “The era was characterized by a laid-back atmosphere. The fashion merged vintage hipster styles with elements from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and grunge, and it was the hedonistic lifestyle that made the fashion feel much sleazier.”

      (Image credit: Getty Images)Like many cultural trends making a comeback, the revival of indie sleaze began on TikTok. Trend forecaster Mandy Lee (@oldloserinbrooklyn) accurately anticipated this resurgence in 2021, advising, “Wait a year before it starts actually happening.” After going through various trends that were popular during the Y2K “babetastic” era (think denim capris and butterfly motifs), it was only a matter of time before Gen Z felt drawn to the late-‘00s hipster aesthetic. As I closely monitored the ever-evolving TikTok landscape, I sensed a shift away from the clean-girl era when Wheatus’s song “Teenage Dirtbag” topped the trending sounds list in 2022, 22 years post its original release. As Lee points out, TikTok sounds increasingly serve as early indicators of changes in cultural trends. Consistently, the creation of the Instagram account @indiesleaze followed. Sharing party photographs from renowned photographer Cobrasnake, it has attracted a following of 300,000 keen-eyed users as of now. Another sign emerged with Taylor Swift’s album cover for Midnights in 2022, where the singer—previously known for her pristine style—seemed to embrace a new messy “good girl gone bad” look reminiscent of Jenny Humphrey from the later seasons of Gossip Girl. Since then, indie sleaze 2.0 has undeniably returned.

      (Image credit: Getty Images)What’s intriguing is that this comeback feels grounded in more than just fashion. As Gen Z expresses a growing interest in physical media and real-life experiences—moving away from the ever-changing online “aesthetics”—there seems to be a shift away from the seemingly inauthentic clean girl image. Although this movement may have originated from the online realm, the runways reflect a consistent message. From skinny jeans showcased at Victoria Beckham to Napoleon jackets at Alexander McQueen, the spring/summer 2026 collections featured the casual undone vibe that indie sleaze embodies. Whether it's a Napoleon jacket akin to those worn by indie boy bands or bohemian-style ripped jeans, the indie sleaze aesthetic is making a strong resurgence this summer. Here, I've curated seven items that make this style achievable today.

      How to Wear the Indie Sleaze Trend in 2026 1. Skinny Jeans

       Style Notes: To me, the way fashion enthusiasts are sporting their skinny jeans in 2026 evokes a distinctly early-00s Olsen vibe. A staple in Mary-Kate and Ashley's wardrobes back then, they were hardly ever seen without a pair paired with flat shoes. To achieve a 2026 look, take inspiration from Anouk Yve (see above) and combine yours with a tank top and plush fur coat. This aligns perfectly with The Row designers’ brand of effortless chic, ensuring a current appearance. Shop Skinny Jeans:

      Topshop

      Joni high-rise skinny jean

      Topshop's iconic Joni jean is making a comeback!

      The darker the wash, the more luxe the impression.

      FRAME

      The Pencil high-rise skinny jeans

      Style tucked into knee-high boots for a contemporary 2026 vibe.

      2. Studs

      Style Notes: For the minimalists among us, studs are increasingly making their way into the capsule wardrobes of the fashion elite. They