80's revival: a new nostalgia core
From Y2K dominance to a potential 80's substitution
Nostalgia core: the internet’s comfort zone
In our Gen Z world, nostalgia core is everything. It’s an intrinsic part of our online universe, rooted in escapism and hope. Romanticizing the past, whether it’s through Y2K fashion or normcore aesthetics, has defined internet culture since TikTok surged to dominance in 2020. But now, we’re witnessing a new nostalgic wave: the 80s are becoming the next big thing.
The 80s feel like a perfect escape in today’s uncertain times. It was a decade of bold optimism, innovation, and creativity. For Gen Z, who never experienced the 80s firsthand, the aesthetic isn’t just nostalgic, it’s aspirational. It represents a time of reinvention, when self-expression and opulence thrived. These values feel magnetic, especially on platforms like TikTok, where trends blend the past with the present in fascinating new ways.
TikTok powered
Once again, TikTok has proven to be a powerful engine of cultural revival. The 80s resurgence started with music: synthwave tracks. From there, the trend snowballed into fashion, with creators mimicking the glamorous opulence seen in 80s movies like Scarface.
But it’s not just about emulating vintage styles. Entire TikTok accounts are dedicated to archiving 80s moments, and a niche frenzy about Caroline Bassette and JFK Kennedy, building a collective obsession with the era’s visual and cultural identity. This content chain has made the 80s aesthetic accessible and desirable to a generation that thrives on reinterpreting the past.
Corporate Girlies and Office Sirens: the subculture
One of the most exciting evolutions of the 80s revival is the rise of the “Corporate Girlies” and “Office Sirens.” These subcultures embrace the power-dressing aesthetic that defined the decade’s professional look: blazers with exaggerated shoulders, sharp pencil skirts, and luxurious fabrics.
