Already feeling nostalgic for early 2010s fashion? You’re not alone! Twee style is back with a vengeance, and we’re here to cover everything you need to know about its recent resurgence in popularity.

From the origins of twee and its roots in subculture and hipsterdom to how to incorporate twee styles into your everyday wardrobe, we’ve put together this post to help you fall in love with the twee aesthetic once again in 2022 and beyond!

What Is Twee Style?

Twee girl style, or the Twee aesthetic, is characterised by quirky prints, retro silhouettes, and vintage mid-century influences, often with a ‘90s twist: think Zooey Deschanel in New Girl or Audrey Tautou as the eponymous character Amélie.

It was especially popular in the late 2000s through to the mid-2010s, with style icons like Alexa Chung popularising some of the most recognisable aspects of twee girl style. Drawing on the style of models and film stars of the 1960s like Jane Birkin and Patti Boyd, as well as borrowing aspects of ‘80s and ‘90s indie subculture, twee style staples include button-down dresses, A-line skirts, and lots of playful prints!

Twee style is fun and eccentric, and the wide variety of shapes and patterns makes it one of the easiest and prettiest trends to incorporate into your wardrobe! The term itself is even said to have derived from a mispronunciation of the word ‘sweet’ - what could be cuter?

The twee aesthetic has recently enjoyed a huge revival on TikTok and is sometimes referred to as ‘tumblrcore’ owing to its popularity on the blogging site Tumblr in the 2010s. Its recent popularity is rooted in feelings of nostalgia (or ‘newstalgia’ as it’s been referred to because, let’s face it, 2010 was only 12 years ago!) for the fashions of the last decade, but as far as we’re concerned twee is pretty timeless.

How To Style Twee

Taking influence from so many decades is what gives twee its timeless appeal. Pieces that come under the umbrella of twee style are perfect to buy now and wear forever - after all, a chunky knitted cardigan never goes out of style!

To truly embody the twee aesthetic, accessories are a must: funky tights, vintage jewellery, retro sunglasses, or anything else that speaks to you. There are so many ways to incorporate twee into your personal style, but if you’re still on the fence about embracing twee in all of its retro glory, here are some of our picks from the Joanie edit to get you feeling inspired!

MODEL WEARING MERCER CANERNET PINAFOREMercer Cord Pinafore Dress

Mercer Cord Pinafore Dress - Cabernet

One of the most versatile twee style staples is a dungaree dress, and with adjustable straps and BCI cotton cord fabric with added stretch, our Mercer cord pinafore dress is as comfortable as it is stylish! For extra twee girl style points, layer with a vintage knit, jazzy tights, and chunky boots or ballet flats.

 

MODEL WEARING VENETIA NAVY SHIRTVenetia Oversized Collar Check Blouse

Venetia Oversized Collar Check Blouse - Forest Green

Oversized collars have been trendy for a while now, and they’re one of the *biggest* (get it?) motifs of twee style. Bad puns aside, Venetia looks great styled tucked into a ‘60s-inspired A-line skirt or paired with high-waisted trousers and a vintage belt for a slightly less feminine twee look.

 

MODEL WEARING VARTAN STRIPEVartan Black Stripe Polo Dress

Vartan Black Stripe Polo Dress

Vartan is the perfect transitional item and can be styled with tights in the winter months or chunky knitted socks and brogues in the summer. The retro shape collar and O-ring zip front scream Wes Anderson, and the 1960s mini length is as twee as can be!

 

MODEL WEARING GIBSON JUMPER AND SARAH DENIM SKIRTSarah Scallop A-Line Denim Skirt

Sarah Scallop A-Line Denim Skirt - Blue

Denim skirts are not only a twee style essential, but they’re also a great staple to have in your wardrobe and carry from season to season. Sarah’s classic A-line design and scalloped hemline make this skirt ‘60s twee in a nutshell!

 

The best thing about twee dressing is that it mostly consists of wardrobe staples that you can wear year in, year out. There are so many ways to embody the twee aesthetic, and it really is a trend anyone can get involved with. Whether you just want to dip your toes into twee style or you’re ready to time travel back to 2011, there are loads more styles to shop in Joanie’s Twee Style Edit!