Whether you love them or dislike them, these 7 "divisive" trends from the 2010s are making a comeback in 2026.

      Imagine it's 2009. Barack Obama has just taken office, Topshop’s Oxford Circus flagship store is clearly the top shopping spot on the high street, Alexa Chung is your fashion idol, your favorite series is Skins, and you've just gotten the latest iPod Touch, ready to load up with 10,000 tracks from MGMT, The Klaxons, and Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Life feels thrilling, and fashion is a chaotic mix of distressed skinny jeans, bright colors, and questionable hairstyles. Although the style of this era might not have been the most flattering, it was a time of carefree enjoyment, which is why I’m not too upset about the resurgence of indie sleaze.

      Many fashion editors nostalgically reminisce about the indie sleaze era, which spans from 2006 to 2012. During this time, indie rock music from British bands was at the forefront. Although Glastonbury had been established as a festival for decades, it was emerging as a hotspot for celebrity style trends. The coveted "rockstar girlfriend" title was highly sought after, with paparazzi snaps of London’s It girls like Kate Moss and Alexa Chung being as popular as red carpet photos. Brittany Davy, an editorial assistant at Who What Wear UK, aptly notes, “The era was characterized by a carefree attitude. The fashion mixed vintage hipster with elements from the ‘70s, ‘80s, and grunge, but it was the hedonistic lifestyle that gave the fashion a sleazier edge."

      The revival of indie sleaze, like many cultural trends re-emerging, started on TikTok. Trend forecaster Mandy Lee (@oldloserinbrooklyn) accurately predicted this comeback back in 2021, saying, “Wait a year before it starts actually happening.” After going through trends from the Y2K “babetastic” era (think denim capris and butterfly graphics), it was inevitable that Gen Z would become captivated by the late-‘00s hipster look. Paying close attention to the constantly changing TikTok scene, I sensed a shift from the clean-girl aesthetic when Wheatus's "Teenage Dirtbag" became one of the trending sounds in 2022, 22 years after its initial release. As Lee explains, TikTok sounds are increasingly serving as the first indicators of changes in the cultural zeitgeist. Following this, the creation of the Instagram account @indiesleaze took place, posting party images from photographer Cobrasnake and amassing 300,000 sharp-eyed followers as of now. The next indication came from Taylor Swift's 2022 album cover for Midnights, where the well-known clean-style singer appeared to adopt a disheveled "good girl gone bad" aesthetic reminiscent of Jenny Humphrey from Gossip Girl's later seasons. Since then, the movement of indie sleaze 2.0 has felt vibrantly alive.

      What's fascinating about this comeback is that it seems to be rooted in more than just fashion. With Gen Z showing a growing interest in digital detoxing their smartphones for flip phones and the (re)emergence of digital cameras, there is a rising desire for physical media and real-life experiences, signaling a departure from the always-evolving online "aesthetics," particularly those that feel inauthentically clean-girl coded. While this movement may have been ignited by the online realm, the runways mirror a similar sentiment. The spring/summer 2026 shows are filled with the relaxed, undone essence that the indie sleaze trend embodies, from skinny jeans at Victoria Beckham to Napoleon jackets at Alexander McQueen. Whether styled with a Napoleon jacket reminiscent of indie boy bands or boho-inspired ripped jeans, the indie sleaze era is back and poised to be more prominent than ever this summer. Here are seven pieces that make it easy to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe today.

      **How to Wear the Indie Sleaze Trend in 2026**

      1. **Skinny Jeans**

       Style Notes: There's something inherently reminiscent of the ‘00s-Olsen twins in how fashion enthusiasts are donning their skinny jeans in 2026. A staple in Mary-Kate and Ashley's wardrobes back then, they were rarely seen without a pair of skinnies and flat shoes. For a 2026 vibe, draw inspiration from Anouk Yve, who pairs hers with a tank top and plush fur-trimmed coat, reflecting the effortless elegance of The Row designers.

      

       **Shop Skinny Jeans:**

       - **Topshop:** Joni high-rise skinny jeans – a classic making a comeback!

       - **FRAME:** The Pencil high-rise skinny jeans – style them tucked into knee-high boots for a modern look.

      2. **Studs**

       Style Notes: For minimalist fashion lovers, studs are increasingly appearing in the capsule wardrobes of the fashion elite. They maintain denim's cool factor while adding an edgier twist