The 2010s were a decade of immense change and innovations in popular culture. Learn about some of the top trends that dominated the world of music, art and fashion.

By Seth Ellison

The 2010s were a decade marked by explosive growth in technology, the rise of social media and a shifting cultural landscape that saw new forms of entertainment take center stage. From the reign of superhero films to the emergence of viral memes, the pop culture trends of the last decade were defined by an endless stream of both nostalgia and innovation that made an indelible mark on our cultural consciousness.

Music

1. Electronic Dance Music (EDM)

EDM musician playing to a large venue of concertgoers. Courtesy of Britannica.

With its infectious beats, high-energy rhythms and larger-than-life drops, EDM exploded in popularity during the 2010s, with festivals like Tomorrowland and Ultra Music Festival drawing huge crowds. Producers like Calvin Harris, Avicii and David Guetta became household names, while EDM-infused hits like “Wake Me Up” and “Levels” dominated the charts.

2. “Sad Girl” Music

American singer and songwriter, Lana Del Rey, whose music is noted for its cinematic quality and melancholia. Courtesy of The Chronicle.

Popularized by artists like Billie Eilish, Lana Del Rey and Lorde, the “Sad Girl” music trend really caught fire in the 2010s among teenagers, particularly young women, and is characterized by melancholic and emotional lyrics that often focus on themes such as heartbreak, mental health struggles and loneliness. While some critics argue that the trend glamorizes mental health issues and negative emotions, supporters of the movement see it as a way to express intense feelings and find a community with others who share similar struggles.

3. Streaming

Smartphone streaming music on the Spotify app. Courtesy of Forbes.

The rise of streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music changed how people listened to music in the 2010s, and they continue to do so today. As physical album sales further declined, streaming became the dominant way people consumed music, with artists like Drake and Post Malone setting streaming records.

Art

4. Street Art

A mural created by the street artist Banksy. Courtesy of Maddox Gallery.

Street art became popular in the world of fine art with artists like Jean Michelle Basquiat, but it continued to gain mainstream acceptance during the 2010s with the popularity of artists like Banksy and Shepard Fairey, who achieved global recognition and sold their art at very high prices at auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christies. Murals and installations became a popular way to beautify urban spaces, while street art festivals like Art Basel and Pow! Wow! drew huge crowds.

5. Art and Activism

Artist Ai Weiwei walking among his installation. Courtesy of Avant Arte.

Many artists in the 2010s used their work as a means of activism and social commentary. Examples include artists Ai Weiwei and Tania Bruguera, who used their art to raise awareness about issues like human rights and political oppression, as well as JR, the French photographer and street artist who created public installations that tackled issues like immigration and police brutality.

6. Art and Technology

Photo of Random International’s Rain Room installation. Courtesy of Random International.

The 2010s also saw a surge in art that used technology to create immersive and interactive experiences. Examples include teamLab’s digital art installations, which used projection mapping and other technologies to create immersive environments, and Random International’s Rain Room, an installation that used sensors to create a rain-free zone where visitors could walk through a simulated downpour.

Fashion

7. Athleisure

Examples of athleisure clothing, including sweatpants, sneakers and more. Courtesy of Travel + Leisure.

Athleisure, a trend that combines athletic wear with everyday clothing, became increasingly popular in the 2010s. The trend was driven by several factors, including a growing emphasis on health and wellness, a shift towards more casual dress codes in the workplace and the rise of social media influencers. Brands like Lululemon and Adidas capitalized on the trend, with yoga pants and leggings becoming a staple of many people’s wardrobes.

8. Fast Fashion

Photo of fast fashion department store and mannequins.

Fast fashion, a business model that emphasizes rapid turnover of inexpensive clothing, continued to gain ground in the 2010s, with brands like Zara and H&M becoming known for their quick production cycles and affordable prices. Fast fashion, however, has been a controversial topic in the fashion industry since the peak of its popularity, with many consumers and experts expressing concern over its negative environmental and social impact. 

9. 90s Revival 

Photo of woman wearing 1990s-style clothing in the 2010s. Courtesy of Vox.

Many millennials grew up in the 90s or were influenced by the decade through media and pop culture. Both nostalgic and comforting, the revival of 90s fashion in the 2010s allowed them to relive the styles and trends they loved as children and teenagers. Trends like chokers, crop tops, oversized denim jackets and all things Grunge became once again very cool and fashion-forward.