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Style Analytics

Cringe-sincerity cycle

The role of irony in trend revivals

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Style Analytics
Jul 23, 2025
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The other day I was walking around Amsterdam (the pijp, specifically) doing my weekly enforced ‘embrace’ of the city I spend so much rent to live in. [In the rush of the week between days at the office, running from one social engagement or another, writing Instagram captions from bed, I often forget to be present where I live.]

Anyways. I came across a girl who was wearing: low rise skinny jeans, a grommeted brown belt, a brown babydoll top, nearly destroyed balenciaga city (inspired) bag, and ballet flats. While a few years ago, one may have flagged this outfit as severely ““behind”” (double quotes bc I am sorry for saying this — but we all do this, right?) but nevertheless, she looked *so* cool.

I couldn’t help but wonder if she:

  1. Was severely behind? (if so, respect for not giving af)

  2. Stepped out of a 2012 time capsule?

  3. Wearing this as a joke/cosplay?

  4. Was really into 2010s revival tiktok?

Her styling indicated the latter, but it did make me think for a second if she was wearing this out…

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