The early 2000s style of layering shorts over tights returns, prompting a mix of nostalgia and practicality discussions among a new generation of fashion enthusiasts.
Fashion trends from the past often resurface, invoking a sense of nostalgia among different generations. Recently, the early 2000s style of layering shorts over tights has made a return, stirring varied reactions among those who had previously embraced or rejected the look.
This trend, once a hallmark of youthful style during the late 2000s, saw prominent figures such as Alexa Chung and Sienna Miller donning the combination. During that era, Chung famously paired shorts and tights with collared blouses, while Miller complemented her look with bohemian tops. At that time, the aesthetic was part of a broader fashion phenomenon embraced by many young women keen on spending their discretionary income at popular retailers like Topshop.
The appeal of the shorts and tights style was often pragmatically rooted; it offered a way to navigate chilly weather while maintaining a fashionable appearance. However, many who wore this trend also found it uncomfortable, with the combination of polyester and denim fabric contributing to struggles with humidity and styling challenges. “The friction of polyester under denim… wasn’t exactly the most comfortable sensation,” one observer noted.
According to Riani Kenyon, an anthropologist and behavioral analyst, a significant number of today’s fashion enthusiasts who are rediscovering this Noughties trend were either infants or not yet born during its original popularity. Speaking to the Independent, Kenyon describes this phenomenon as “fauxstalgia,” wherein the past is romanticized through cultural references and curated aesthetics.
Supermodel Bella Hadid recently wore sheer, low-denier tights under black hotpants at a brand launch, while singer and actress Suki Waterhouse has been spotted in frayed denim cut-offs paired with tights, an outfit reminiscent of the earlier fashion league. On social media platforms, a new generation of influencers is styling their shorts with tights, combining them with contemporary pieces like oversized blazers.
Despite its resurgence, the practicality of the shorts-tights ensemble remains questionable. Originally deemed a transitional outfit suitable for varying temperatures, it has not evolved significantly in functionality since its first outing. Wearers continue to face the stark realities of the British climate, where layering could lead to discomfort from sweating or chills. However, the combination achieved a notable presence in fashion conversations, with some wearing it in a bid to channel high-end aesthetics.
While this blend of garments seems to be framed as a fashionable statement today, many recall the experience of wearing it as one marked by the struggle between looking chic and dealing with uncomfortable realities. As the trend looks to embrace a new audience, its previous iteration lingers in the memories of those who experienced its rise and fall, leading to a common sentiment shared among them: the challenges of maintaining comfort and style simultaneously remain timeless.
Source: Noah Wire Services
