In the true fashion of social media evolution, TikTok has become more than just a platform for prank videos and nifty DIYs. In fact, the app—used largely by Gen Z and Millennials—has become a reporting ground for the latest fashion aesthetics and trends. The latest trend gaining traction? Twee.
Through the pandemic years in particular, TikTokers have coalesced and subsequently served up a number of stylized fashion aesthetics. Y2K, cottagecore, dark academia, coconut girl, and cabincore are just a handful of styles that have recently graced both our screens and our wardrobes. While twee is just the latest one to go viral, a certain subset of us (ahem, Tumblr girls) are thrilled.
What is twee fashion?
With a beret
If you’ve seen #twee on TikTok (which has 78.3M views and counting), it’s possible you’re either having nostalgic flashbacks to your Tumblr days or you’re feeling a little confused by both the term itself and the larger aesthetic.
If you’re unfamiliar with the term, the word “twee” itself is British and is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as “excessively or affectedly quaint, pretty, or sentimental.” The twee fashion aesthetic was first popular in the 2000s through the early 2010s and was largely influenced by the Indie music movement. Pop culture icons such as Alexa Chung and Taylor Swift are known for having rocked the trend in its heyday and the internet has unanimously dubbed Zooey Deschanel as the queen of twee. Think 500 Days of Summer or New Girl.
In short, it’s a fashion trend that mixes British prep with bold colors and demure accessories while saluting vintage silhouettes and prints. Peter Pan collars, colorful tights, and satchels are all must-haves in the twee-verse.
How to nail it
While the internet is currently debating whether or not twee should make a true reappearance, we’re all for people dressing in the styles that makes them happiest. With its emphasis on vintage pieces, we also love how approachable and affordable this particular trend is—thrift store, anyone?
If you’re looking to dive into the trend, noteworthy twee essentials include oversized collars, glasses, loafers, vintage-inspired skirts and dresses, and hair accessories of all varieties—headbands, bows, supersized scrunchies, you name it. Here are some 2022-approved twee outfit ideas to get you started.
With a collared top
With high-waisted shorts
Dressing twee is all about embracing vintage silhouettes and fun patterns. Layer a Peterr Pan collared blouse with high-waisted shorts and a colorful cardigan for a look that’s as vibrant as it is put together. For colder weather, add a pair of tights under the shorts (which, let’s be real, only make it more twee). Polish it off with a structured bag and Mary Jane flats, which pay homage to the trend’s origins.
Tweed Shorts
MANGO
Tweed Shorts
ELOQUII
With a vintage-feeling dress
Written by Emilee Janitz
Source: Twee Fashion is Back—Here’s How to Rock It | The Everygirl
