The Her Campus National Editors write about products we love and think you’ll love too. Her Campus has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase. All products are in stock and all prices are accurate as of publication.
While 2020 wasn’t exactly the year we hoped for, it certainly shaped our wardrobe. Going through a global pandemic and staying inside brought out some of the most iconic fashion trends of the year. Whether it was classy, high-end fashion or low-key, simple clothing, these fashion trends were what made 2020 like no other.
Over the summer and fall, tennis skirts became a popular trend all over various social media platforms. This trend reminded me of the skater skirts I used to wear in high school and they brought back so many memories of my teen years. Tennis skirts were assembled with tank tops, crop tops, sweatshirts, loafers, and so much more. This trend turned a simple piece of sportswear into an iconic cute and girly look.
Victorian puff sleeves
Original photo by Naya West
The puff-sleeve trend made it big this year with Victorian-inspired dresses and shirts popping up everywhere. Oversized balloon sleeves became so popular, and are such a stylish fashion statement. This sleeve trend was one of my favorites this year, and I actually did a makeup shoot back in February and wore this adorable white puff-sleeve blouse from H&M. I have a good feeling that this trend is going to last for a while.
Loungewear
Original Photo by Kaitlyn Edgley
There’s nothing more cozy than staying home and lounging in sweatpants all day. With everyone being under quarantine this year, people dressed down and wore pajamas and loungewear for their daily routine. Thus, loungewear outfits became a stylish trend. From slide slippers to pull-on terry shorts with matching hoodies to wide-leg pants, these loungewear trends are perfect for your work-from-home routines.
Does the sight of tie-dye bring you nostalgia and takes you back to your childhood? Just me? Well, this colorful trend has been sweeping the nation all year, and the best part is that anyone can make their own tie-dye look at home, just like how we used to make tie-dye shirts as kids. Now you can make pants, jogger sets, face masks, bucket hats, and so much more — but of course, there are so many stores that sell tie-dye clothing in-store and online, if you prefer that. This contemporary fashion look makes for a fun and colorful statement, and is a great hobby to try while we’re all staying inside.
If you were on Instagram and TikTok constantly over the summer, then you might recognize this trend. Cottagecore fashion blew up on social media platforms. Vintage nap dresses, smocked cotton dresses, midi dresses, and many more took over the internet. This trend is so cozy and chic, and it gives you magical vibes that make it look like you came out of a fairytale.
Some might say this is considered “grandpa” fashion, and I say let grandpa fashion take over for a change. Sweater vests became a fashion-forward trend in the fall. You can find them anywhere, especially in thrift stores for cheap. This fall fashion look gave off such chic and preppy vibes that there are so many versions to choose from.
Y2K fashion
Original photos by Naya West
Y2K fashion in 2020? Just what we need to get that nostalgic feel. The Y2K comeback has been skyrocketing for a while now, with online stores like Depop selling features such as butterfly clips, bandanas, crop tops, scrunchies, and more. Back in August, I did a short ’90s/Y2K fashion lookbook video for my YouTube channel, and it was so much fun putting together Y2K-inspired outfits. I hope this nostalgic trend stays for a long time.
If you were a fan of this trend, you definitely channeled your inner rock star. Known as the electronic girl fashion, the e-girl trend was quite the vibe this year. This grunge-inspired trend had it all. From plaid skirts to band shirts to chunky black boots, this style was bold, daring, and quite the aesthetic. E-girl fashion truly gives off straight-up scene girl and skater girl vibes that we are obsessed with.
Wearing face masks regularly was not what we expected for this year. But I’ll admit that this was hands down the most iconic trend of the year. During the pandemic, people got more creative with their masks and turned it into a fashion statement. From big brand-named companies to small businesses, face masks are everywhere now and are more fashionable than ever.
This year had some of the most iconic fashion trends that we could ever ask for. While we were obsessed with nostalgic fashion comebacks and chic face masks, we have next year to look forward to. Who knows what crazy and iconic fashion trend will pop up next?
Naya West is an actor, singer, dancer, and content creator from Augusta, GA. She graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design. where she majored in Performing Arts and earned her B.F.A in Entertainment Arts. Naya also has her own personal blog, called Just Being Me, where she talks about her many life experiences and gives advice to others. Her hobbies and interests include cooking/baking, watching anime, reading, and making videos for her YouTube channel.
We wanna slide into your DMs
(but via email)
The newsletter you won’t leave unread.
This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you consent to HerCampus.com’s usage of cookies and similar technologies.
Learn More
