Social media has brought back the idea of 2014’s aesthetic due to it being the “time to be alive” for some. Many students feel as though the vibe of 2014 was carefree and allow for expressing their personality. The resurfacing of this aesthetic and the inspiration it gives, encourages students at Bonita Vista High (BVH) to become more interested and involved in it.
“[The aesthetic of] 2014 is more millennial core. It is a very white girl pumpkin spice latte [type of vibe]. It is more kiddish than [what students are dressing like today]. I am inspired by it [because of the vibe] it gives off. I think it is fashionable and better [than how people are dressing now],” sophomore Bella Sanchez said.
Throughout the years of 2014 to 2023, fashion has changed considerably. The 2014 fashion sense obtained more “freedom” and a darker aesthetic compared to 2023. When it comes to 2023 there is a specific style students follow, but with 2014 there is total freedom for clothing styles. With the idea of 2014 being over nine years ago, there are different perspectives of what 2014 attire looks like, but according to Sanchez, she believes she dresses just like it.
“I am very grudge and was heavily influenced by the style. Whenever I wake up, I make sure that I am grunge. I love [to] look at myself everyday in the mirror and make sure I get the image correct,” Sanchez said.
Similar to Sanchez, BVH junior Sophia Manion is very heavily impacted by the style coming back. Not only does the style spark interest in many students at BVH, but has made it as far to look on Pinterest for the subtle idea of 2014’s grunge. Moreover, Manion elaborates on her style change after the aesthetic made its way back to BVH.
“[I dress very similar to] grunge, I really like the aesthetic and love the overall style,” Manion said. “I like the whole tights, Doc Martens and choker grunge style. I feel like the music that was really popular in 2014 is also coming back and resurfacing.”
Students at BVH are inspired by the sudden popularity of the aesthetic, while other students are not. In fact, few students at BVH are not opposed to the idea of the aesthetic. In contrast, BVH sophomore Aaliyah Dewalt believes that 2014 contains a different perspective compared to the grunge style.
“I see people wearing tight ripped jeans and I think, ‘That is an interesting fashion choice.’ [Personally,] I could never wear tight ripped jeans. I also see people wearing cardigans, especially during fall,” Dewalt states.
In terms of 2014’s style, it has had numerous effects on Sanchez and Manion. The grunge aesthetic is what multiple people tend to enjoy here at BVH. However, the “ripped skinny jeans” are what people are not inspired by as they believe it is out of frame. BVH sophomore Kylie Barron agrees that the 2014 style is outdated and should not be resurfacing.
“When I think of 2014, I think of pumpkin spice lattes. I like the coziness of it, but it is outdated. [The style] does give the nostalgic feeling so I understand why students are doing it, but I would not [bring it back]. I [would prefer] to choose another year [to be inspired by],” Barron said.
As the years have progressed there has been a drastic change in style as some people will grow out of it and choose another style to take inspiration from. Moreover, the style of 2014’s aesthetic also has an effect based on the celebrities that were very popular during that time.
“I like the musician Beabadoobee and her style. I try to go more towards how she dresses. I [also] really like Paramore and their beginning years. I enjoyed the way she dressed back then,” Manion said.
Manion enjoys the outfits Beabadoobee wears during her concerts and tries to replicate the style. Additionally, Manion’s style is also taken from the American rock band, Paramore. Haley Williams, the lead singer from Paramore follows a specific style that is similar to 2014. Her punk style is incorporated with leather in every aspect of her outfits. Although, numerous students at BVH dislike the punk style including the leather involving many 2014 styles.
“I remember the skinny jeans, but [what I really remember] was the bold makeup [that was worn most]. [2014’s] style was more of tight black leather pants and any outfit [involving] leather,” Barron said.
2014 is an aesthetic that is liked by some and not so much by others. With it trending again, students at BVH have strong opinions whether or not it should be brought back in today’s style. From grunge to pumpkin spice latte looks, 2014 is trending whether students agree or not.
“I try to [dress like 2014’s grunge] because I really enjoy the style and want it to continue to be popular. 2014’s style is resurfacing and I really love it,” Manion said.
