The comeback of the twee aesthetic is not surprising. The styling which defined the era of ‘Tumblr girl’ fashion balances quirky, retro elements with wearability and also makes it easier for fashion risk-takers to channel their personal style.
Be it Zooey Deschanel’s quirky, romantic style from New Girl and 500 Days of Summer, or the modern glam looks aced by Lily Collins in Emily in Paris, twee is the perfect girl-next-door style that offers room to experiment.
The word twee is British and means “affectedly or excessively dainty, delicate, cute, or quaint.” Think cottagecore-meets-dark academia-meets-sixties style. Retro prints, polka-dotted mini skirts with stockings, Peter Pan collars, ballet flats and brogues are great options to explore this look.
Let’s take a look at how some of our favourite celebrities embrace the twee vibe…
Zooey Deschanel
How can we talk about twee aesthetic and not mention the Queen of twee? Zooey’s adorkable polka dot dresses, knee-high socks and floral peplums defined twee culture in the mid-2000s. Her signature blunt bangs made the look cuter and whimsical.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift has always been a twee girl and her love for preppy skater dresses, retro sunglasses, wispy bangs is testament enough. With her 2012 album Red, Taylor mastered a glam, wearable twee look, especially for her live performances — be it her cute newsboy hats, sweeping camel coats, heavy bangs or her high-waisted shorts — she certainly made the look her own.
Mindy Kaling
No one loves colour play as much as Mindy Kaling and we love that about her! Be it her on-screen persona or her social media looks, the actor-producer always leans towards vibrant sundresses, bold colour-blocked co-ords and unusual pairings. This lime green cardigan screams, ‘Queen of Tumblr.’
Lily Collins
The Emily in Paris star is a complete fashionista! Be it Emily or Lily, you have to agree that these looks have a wholesome twee aesthetic. The bright colours, wide belts, bucket hats, pearls or ankle boots — her look is all about the joys of dressing up. #socute!
Reese Witherspoon
While Elle Woods was the goddess of OTT dressing, Reese is much more twee than you’d think and loves a wearable everyday look. From the polka dotted shirt with black trousers to the slip-on brogues, the outfit is perfect to run errands or for a quick work brunch.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Our Desi Girl’s IG feed gives us quite the FOMO (fear of missing out) but we can’t help but swoon over this swimwear look that is as twee as can be. Priyanka Chopra’s bright red swimsuit and lip complement each other while the retro white sunnies and cover-up balance out the look. The classic bun and gold accessories add some drama.
Twinkle Khanna
Miss Funny Bones always has a joke up her sleeve and also seems to have the twee aesthetic wrapped around her finger! The pleated collars and cuffs in the contrasting blue complement the red elegantly. The best part? The shirt’s buttons are pearls!