How to own the Tumblr 2014 aesthetic
It’s 2014, and we’re all doomscrolling Tumblr while Arctic Monkeys blare in the background. The dashboard? Flooded with grainy black-and-white pics of oversized flannels, artsy smoke shots, and moody Lorde lyrics. Everyone’s repping ripped tights, layered chokers, and posting cryptic quotes like it’s their side gig. Soft grunge was more than a vibe—it was life, all moody, rebellious energy with a "don’t care" edge.
Fast forward to today, and guess what? The Tumblr 2014 aesthetic is back, and it’s cooler than ever. Whether you’re a TikTok newbie or a Tumblr OG, trust us—you’ll want to hop on this trend.
What even is the Tumblr 2014 aesthetic?
If you somehow missed the Tumblr 2014 memo, let’s catch you up real quick. It was all about soft grunge, with The XX and Arctic Monkeys on repeat and eyeliner sharp enough to cut glass. Plaid flannels? Check. Chokers? Double check. Moody pics with Lana Del Rey lyrics? You bet. Think messy hair and ripped tights like you just walked out of a Sky Ferreira music video. This vibe was the uniform of every cool kid trying to look like they weren’t trying.
So, why’s this vibe back, you ask? Well, Gen Z is all about that nostalgic life, and platforms like TikTok are serving up throwback trends with a modern twist. Sure, influencers like Addison Rae might be strutting around in those vintage hipster fits, but it’s a whole movement, really. Everyone’s diving back into those soft grunge feels, mixing it with their unique styles and proving that rebellion never goes out of fashion.
Whether you’re a seasoned Tumblr pro or just hopping on the bandwagon, one thing’s for sure: the Tumblr aesthetic is back and ready to slay.
Now that you’re all caught up, let’s break down the essentials you need to create that iconic Tumblr 2014 look!
This is what you need to build that Tumblr 2014 outfit
Tumblr girls in 2014 had it down—mysterious, moody, and always ready for an indie photoshoot. Whether you're reliving those soft grunge days or trying the aesthetic for the first time, here’s what you’ll need to nail the look.
Plaid Flannels for days
If you didn’t have a plaid flannel, were you even on Tumblr in 2014? Plaid shirts were the layering MVP, whether thrown over a graphic tee or tied around your waist. Alexa Chung was basically the poster girl for this vibe—she made looking laid-back but stylish an art form, and Tumblr ate it up. These days, Maeve from Sex Education is keeping the look alive, rocking her flannels with a rebellious, “don’t care” attitude.
Outfit Tip: Pair your flannel with distressed jeans and creepers for the ultimate alt-girl vibe. Throw on a choker for extra ‘Tumblr girl’ energy and smudged eyeliner to channel those late-night reblog sessions.
Pleated tennis skirts, please!
Nothing screams “I’m cute but edgy” like a pleated tennis skirt. Back then, Tumblr girls paired these with oversized sweaters or crop tops for that perfect mix of Clueless meets grunge. Lorde’s “Pure Heroine” era served as major inspo for this look, giving off moody-but-playful vibes that Tumblr adored.
Outfit Tip: Pair your pleated tennis skirt with fishnet tights and a graphic tee for that classic Tumblr 2014 edge. Add combat boots or creepers to keep it punky. Throw on a plaid flannel or an oversized denim jacket if you’re feeling extra grunge. Bonus points if you accessorise with bold chokers and moody rings.
Graphics worth a reblog!
Graphic tops were the heartbeat of the Tumblr 2014 aesthetic—your ticket to showcasing your personality and vibe in a single glance. If it was worthy of a reblog, it was definitely a graphic worth wearing! Whether it was a cheeky slogan that made a statement or an eye-catching design featuring skulls or stars, these tops were essential for turning heads.
Outfit Tip: High-waisted jeans + a graphic top = classic soft grunge energy. Bonus points if your top features a sassy slogan or killer graphics like skulls or stars for added flair! And if you really want to amp it up, add some layered necklaces and a messy bun!
Tights that slay
Let’s talk tights—because the right legwear can take your outfit from basic to Tumblr iconic in seconds. Fishnet, thigh-highs, and ripped tights are essential for adding that edgy flair to your soft grunge hipster look.
Outfit Tip: Channel your inner Sky Ferreira with ripped tights under distressed jeans, or pair fishnets with a pleated skirt for serious Tumblr energy. Thigh-highs? They look killer with oversized sweaters, giving you that Maeve from Sex Education vibe. Layer with creepers and you’re good to go.
Choker game strong
If there’s one accessory that screams Tumblr 2014, it’s chokers. Chokers turned any outfit from “meh” to Tumblr-approved, and no soft grunge fit was complete without one. From Alexa Chung to Sky Ferreira, chokers were a symbol of that underground, “I don’t care” rebellion.
Outfit Tip: Go for a layered choker look—mix a spiked choker with something softer like a velvet band or pendant. Stack those chokers and let them peek through your messy hair. Trust us, the more chaotic, the better.
Creepin’ in style
If you were on Tumblr in 2014, creepers were the shoe everyone wanted. These chunky bad boys were all over your feed, making every outfit scream “alt cool” with zero effort. Whether you were vibing to The XX or channeling Lorde, creepers were the ultimate accessory for that rebellious, too-cool-to-care look. Fast forward to now, and creepers are back, ready to level up your outfits.
Outfit Tip: Pair your creepers with a pleated skirt and fishnets, or go for ripped jeans and a graphic tee. Add a choker (duh) and messy eyeliner for the ultimate Tumblr throwback look.
Ready to relive the Tumblr 2014 glory days? Grab your chokers, creepers, and flannels—because this aesthetic is back, and it’s cooler than ever.
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