Oh, Millennials. Our slightly older, forever–big-sibling generation: quirky, overstimulated, and somehow still clutching your Tumblr login like it’s a family heirloom. And honestly? Same. Because lately, as people pretend they never owned a pair of galaxy leggings, I’ve been feeling a gravitational pull back toward the decade that shaped the cultural DNA of an entire generation: the 2010s. The true golden age of Hot Chelle Rae bops, chevron patterns without irony, and those motivational posters insisting that the secret to life was simply to “keep calm.” It was the Millennial Optimism Era — and apparently, we’re ready for a comeback tour.
Even as a Gen Zer, I grew up standing directly in the splash zone of all that glittery chaos. These were the years when we genuinely believed that changing the world was just one Pinterest quote, infinity scarf, or Bath & Body Works sanitizer away. And TikTok feels the shift, too. Every “Millennial Optimism Era” video has this subtle whisper beneath it: “What if we went back?”
So yes, I’m answering the call. The Millennial Optimism Era is ringing my oversized statement necklace like it’s a landline, and I’m absolutely picking up. If the world insists on being a circus, then I’m showing up with sharp winged eyeliner, a PSL, and the unearned but powerful confidence of a 2014 BuzzFeed quiz telling me I’m “87% quirky but lovable.” We are, without question, so back.
What is the “Millennial Optimism Era” TikTok trend?
Queue the 2009 hit “Blood” by The Middle East — you know, the song straight out of every indie coming-of-age montage — because TikTok has collectively decided it’s time to re-enter our whimsical woodland-fairy-slash-soft-girlboss era. This TikTok trend is basically the spiritual reboot of the quirky 2010s protagonist: Think messy buns with purpose. Think handwriting affirmations in gel pens. It’s a return to soft joy, and you’re the main character in a CW drama even when you’re simply walking to class with AirPods in.
Why Is Gen Z Suddenly Craving the 2010s?
Because the world is… a lot. Gen Zers are burnt out, chronically online, and half of us feel like we’ve become full-time workers before even turning 21. And even though 62% of young people say they want to spend less time on social media, 40% of Gen Z is on it for one to three hours a day — and another 38% for four to six. Between doomscrolling, “productivity hacks,” and pretending our student loans are just a fun little side quest, something in our collective psyche snapped — but like, in a whimsical way.
So, how do you channel your own Millennial Optimism Era?
It comes down to three essentials: delusional confidence, zero-ironic joy, and a maximal commitment to cozy. Walk into your group project meeting like you personally invented Google Slides. If the 2010s taught us anything, it’s that you could reinvent your entire identity with thirty Pinterest quotes and a dream.
Romanticize the bare minimum. Love things loudly. Embrace glitter. Revive DIY crafts. Build a playlist of Neon Trees, Paramore, and at least one aggressively enthusiastic Glee cover. Dust off the statement necklace. Accept that ballet flats have returned. And if galaxy print still sparks joy for you, who am I to interfere with destiny?
And don’t forget about the fuzzy socks, oversized sweaters, a mug collection that’s starting to get concerning, and candles that make your apartment smell like a holiday-themed bakery. You need it all.
Because at the end of the day, what we’re craving isn’t complicated. Optimism that doesn’t require permission, a mood board, or a five-step aesthetic alignment plan. We want something delightful. Something sparkly. Something a little unhinged and beautifully hopeful.