In 2024, fashion has taken a nostalgic turn, with low-rise denim, UGGs, and ballet flats making a strong comeback in a major resurgence of 2000s trends.
While many of these trends have been warmly embraced, one more controversial style from the era is quietly slipping back into wardrobes. Those who experienced the ‘indie sleaze’ era the first time might not welcome it as eagerly.
That’s right—shorts over tights are back in vogue, bringing nostalgia for aging millennials.
This look was popular on school mufti days, featured in Tumblr posts, JustGirlyThings blogs, and worn by celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Pixie Lott, and Alexa Chung on red carpets.
However, in the past week, the iconic 2000s “shorts and tights” ensemble has officially made a comeback.
Gen Z fashion influencer and clothing brand owner Aimee Smale recently shared a TikTok from New York, showcasing her outfit: a cropped black coat, black shades, light denim mini shorts, black sheer tights, and pointed-toe heels.
Captioned “10-year-old me is screaming, tights + denim,” the post gained over half a million views but received a mixed response.
One TikToker, @kkmx_, commented, “Looks more chic than when I would wear the Topshop turn-up ones with Converse,” while another, Hannah, added, “Omg I wore this combo all the time, I love it so much. I’m going to wear it again!”
Others were less enthusiastic, including @ashleigh.j0rdan, who wrote, “I do not accept this trend coming back.”
Another user expressed their opinion, saying, “This is a trend I could never get into; something about tights under my shorts just doesn’t sit right with me.”
Aimee isn’t the only influencer rocking this trend lately. Saffron Barker, who has nearly two million Instagram followers, recently posted a series of photos wearing denim shorts and sheer tights. She styled her look with a large cream jumper, a Louis Vuitton blazer, black shades, and brown boots paired with white knee-high socks.
It was giving Kate Moss festival season circa 2008, and the comments were in full support, with @katieward_x writing: ‘Omg obsessing over this fit.’
Before you dig out your teenage gig attire to unleash it on the world again, keep in mind that this look has been slightly modified over the years.
Instead of the classic turn-up shorts of the past, it’s now all about teeny-tiny micro shorts, popularized by stars like Emily Ratajkowski and Sophie Turner after years of Dadcore-style jorts.
Instead of thick black tights or leggings, we’re now opting for sheer pairs, giving the 2000s trend a more luxurious feel while leaving behind any “awkward tween” vibes.
Recent catwalks have also given a nod to the trend, offering style inspiration. Chanel’s autumn/winter 2020 show featured monogrammed tights paired with tailored shorts and pirate boots, while Saint Laurent showcased black leather and lace with delicate, gossamer-thin hosiery, some playfully adorned with polka dots, during their spring/summer 2021 runway.
However, as we all know, just because a trend hits the runway doesn’t mean we all need to follow it. So, if you’d rather leave the shorts and tights combo in the past, no one will hold it against you.
But for those brave enough to channel their 2000s selves in the name of fashion, blast some Katy Perry and start layering up!