What’s the “twee” style and how you can implement it

The twee style was all the trend for some time within the early 2000s and likewise lower than a decade ago. Nevertheless, it’s made a recent comeback due to the trends set by social networks, particularly TikTok.

This fashion is characterised by adopting elements of the ’50s and ’60s, combined with some more current pieces. Read on and we’ll inform you more about how you possibly can incorporate it into your outfits.

The “twee” aesthetic

The word that designates this fashion trend is a deformation, in a very good way, of sweet. Such can be a toddler’s way of pronouncing it. And indeed, many individuals would agree that the twee style has a little bit of sweetness and childishness.

This may be seen in elements resembling Peter Pan collars, hair styled in bangs or curls, mini skirts, and flat shoes. It’s an old-fashioned yet current trend, embraced by a hybrid generation, including Gen Z, millennials, and even some baby boomers.

But it surely’s also said to go a bit beyond clothing. In Twee: The gentle revolution in music, books, television, fashion, and film, American journalist and author Marc Spitz argues that the phenomenon is identified with values resembling freedom, gentleness, and kindness, driven by an ethic of kindness and a sensibility against the social imperative to be “cool.”

However, one can speak broadly of the twee aesthetic being linked to or influenced by artistic manifestations:

• Literature: JD Salinger, Sylvia Plath.
• Cinema: Wes Anderson ‘s movies are considered an example of the twee style.
• Music: Belle and Sebastian, and the indie style typically.
• TV shows: The Latest Girl. By the way in which, this was the style adopted by the protagonist of that series, Zooey Deschanel, who’s been called the queen of twee. Her character appears wearing dresses and bows, sometimes with tights and ballerina slippers, and all the time appears innocent and sweet and doesn’t speak with sarcasm or irony in any respect.

Moreover, it ought to be noted the influence that other stars, resembling Taylor Swift, have generated on this regard. Although currently, it appears that evidently probably the most well-known example is Lexi, from the series Euphoria (the character played by actress Maude Apatow, in the duvet photo).

Tips on how to implement the twee style

Amongst its characteristics, we are able to indicate the extravagance, in addition to the preciousness, the fetishization of childhood, nostalgia, vintage, and retro influences of the 60s and 70s. All that is manifested with a more romantic, feminine, and colourful air.

Considered one of the peculiarities of the twee style is that this mix of latest and old lends itself to the incorporation of second-hand clothes, which in turn makes it a more accessible fashion for many. Could this be a proof for its popularity? Possibly.

But let’s take a more in-depth take a look at how you can implement it. Be aware of what it’s best to have in your closet.

Dresses and minidresses

Mini-dresses are preferred in the form of A. Most are frequently sleeveless.

They’re often fitted on the waist and a bit open on the hip. They may be cut mid-thigh or barely above the knee. The straight mini skirt and other kinds of skirts, resembling flared skirts, are also worn.

Knitted jackets and cardigans

Cardigans are a must on this look. They may be in soft tones or shiny prints. In fact, the larger they appear, the more twee they may seem.

Tights

Since comfort is sought, tights are one other essential element on this outfit. They may be dark, just like the ones Zooey wears, or with rhombus, checkered, floral, and even animal print…

Shoes

There’s less tendency to wear heels. In actual fact, ballerina flats are considered typical of the twee style, in addition to being very practical.

Nevertheless, nowadays there are also high boots and Oxford shoes, in addition to various kinds of loafers, with white socks, in a schoolboy style.

Collars

One other notorious feature is the oversized collars, either the Peter Pan type or the so-called goofy collars. In case you’re interested, there are even some which can be detachable and which you could mix in alternative ways, to realize several layers (they are saying that this can also be typical of this look).

Colours

Colours are frequently pastels, although not exclusively. Likewise, dark tones may be seen in dresses, brown in shoes, and sometimes silver in flats, in addition to various prints, a few of that are very retro.

Complements

You’ll be able to complement your outfit with berets or a hat (Bogart or Fedora) and a bag (preferably small). This may be manufactured from leather or tweed fabric. Even gloves are allowed.

Hairstyle

Hairstyles that go well with this style are the bob with bangs (a la Anna Wintour); or with bangs framing the face, layered hair, and hair that’s a bit disheveled. Don’t forget a bow for a childish touch.

Vintage

And keep in mind that twee should all the time have a vintage touch. Here, you possibly can introduce something you bought from second-hand markets. Search for items from the ’60s and ’70s or designed based on the usage of those a long time.

The return of the Twee

Twee fashion began to reign supreme on the turn of the millennium. Its reign soon passed, replaced by a more retro aesthetic. Then, in 2010, it was booming again, as you possibly can see by the closets of many Tumblr girls.

The best point is reached in 2014. It then declined and we discover it again in 2022, even though it’s claimed that now it reappears with more current pieces. Overall, it appears to be a cyclical phenomenon!

But what’s the rationale for this resurgence? Well, it’s all attributed to TikTok.

One particularity observed on the aforementioned social network is that guidance is given in order that this style is on the market to everyone, whatever their body type and even the budget available. However, the applications that exist today make all the things that involves making second-hand purchases more accessible and straightforward. Remember, this process is the idea of the style we’re talking about.

It’s necessary to keep in mind that it’s not only in regards to the look, but additionally a few way of being. The twee look implies a one who seems more innocent, pure, gentle, and nice, with an interest in music, reading, and romantic movies. Nevertheless, this vision can also be partly criticized for being considered somewhat stereotypical femininity.

Anyway, if you’ve gotten some clothes which can be twee in your closet, and this style catches your attention, dust them off and provides them a try. Evidently the trend will proceed in 2023.

COVER IMAGE: EUPHORIA.

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