If you thought the Indie Twee movement had been left in the early 2010s, we’re here to burst your bubble. Recover those Tumblr and Pinterest logins, for the not-so-effortlessly cool style is back with a bang. Unsure of what we’re harping on about? Let us enlighten you.
Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon Levitt in 500 Days of Summer, The Lumineers, Taylor Swift’s Red album, stacks of books, chunky necklaces complete with owl motifs so that everyone can infer the existence of our stacks of books, messy academia, fake spectacles, The Cambridge Satchell Company, an unplayed ukulele, effortless sex appeal. If we were to boil down the Indie Twee sartorial movement to just a few short descriptors, this should certainly suffice.
From roughly 2010, ruffled, collared shirts and miniskirts suddenly became ubiquitous. While Deschanel and Gordon Levitt’s beloved rom-com was released in 2009, original it-girls including Alexa Chung and Agyness Deyn had already been very busy perfecting the girl-next-door whose boyfriend is a rockstar image.
However, some Indie Twee perfectionists might class these two icons as Indie Sleaze apologists, due to their often uber-cool, dishevelled nature. Party girls will be party girls.
A twist on classic 60s and 70s styles including the tiniest of tweed skirts, A-line shift dresses, plenty of lace, oxford collars and turtlenecks – think of Indie Twee and its more dishevelled sister, Indie Sleaze, as a slight perversion of traditional preppy style.
Consisting of a hodgepodge of seemingly mismatching clothes and subtly revealing leg-action – so long as they are clad in colourful patterned tights – you could complete an outfit with a beret if you were feeling particularly daring.
Lest we forget the infamous heeled brogue, which was an Indie Twee girl’s daily shoe. Perhaps the most outdated accessory of the bunch, modern Twee girls tend to replace the brogue with a pair of patent Mary Janes.
Without further ado, keep scrolling for the best examples of Indie Twee fashion on the market right now.
Wildest Rose Tunic
Not so short that it can’t be worn alone, but short enough that a pair of knitted tights turn this silky tunic into a veritable French It-Girl staple – pair this flowy number with natural hair, red lips and a pair of brogues for the ultimate Twee look.
Buy now £39.95, Free People
Rendez-Vous Cherish Me Tights 40 Denier
A dress without a pair of patterned tights simply cannot be considered an Indie Twee ensemble. Sorry, we don't make the rules. This sheer polka dot pair featuring faux knee-high socks are most definitely Tumblr-girl approved.
Buy now £9.90, Naughty Knickers
Buchanan Dress
We simply can’t be sure that this romantic, light blue maxi from Reformation wasn’t stolen from the set of 500 Days of Summer – either way it’s going straight in our basket.
Buy now £298.00, Reformation
Theodora Crop Top
A brilliant example of slightly daring preppy style, this cropped floral shirt features a flirty pair of gathered sleeves. Dress it up with a mini skirt, or dress it down with a pair of boyfriend jeans and Keds for a true 2010-inspired look.
Buy now £68.00, For Love and Lemons
The Cher Dress
Throw this navy paisley dress on with your favourite sleeveless shirt and a pair of ballet flats for the ultimate Zooey Deschanel-inspired casual outfit.
Buy now £140.27, Hill House
Mid Rise Check Mini Skirt
Adding a plaid mini skirt to your clothing arsenal is essential if you’re to recreate the Indie Twee aesthetic. We’re partial to this blue and red checked option, but Superdry has an array of other colourways on offer.
Buy now £44.99, Superdry
Charles & Keith Patent Buckled Mary Jane Flats
Did you hear? Ballet pumps are back. Call it the Balletcore craze or the revival of all things Noughties but the flats are back. The beauty of the style - as shown wonderfully here with this pair from Charles & Keith - is that they can be worn for any occasion from smart to casual. This Mary Jane silhouette has a strap detail for a Parisian chic feel and to offer additional security so they stay firmly on your feet. They come in the red hue pictured as well as classic black.
Buy now £65.00, Charles & Keith
Sheer Ruffle Blouse
A dramatic, ruffled blouse is a wardrobe staple for any Indie Twee individual. This ivory-hued option from & Other Stories will take you from the office to downtown in a pinch.
Buy now £95.00, & Other Stories
Dôen flute ruffled chiffon-trimmed ramie blouse
Masters of high-quality, vintage-inspired blouses with delightful Peter Pan collars and scalloped details to boot – look no further than Dôen for your next poplin blouse.
Buy now £226.71, Net-A-Porter
Sandro omen striped wool skirt
There’s something inherently business-casual about Indie Twee, in the best possible way. This beautiful pinstripe mini from Sandro will help you complete the aesthetic.
Buy now £219.00, Sandro
Wilde Cherry Penny Loafer
Complete with a pair of delightful painted cherries and the romantic French term of endearment 'ma chérie' on each toe, these contemporary loafers by Duke + Dexter are a wardrobe essential.
Buy now £260.00, Duke + Dexter
Falke Powder Check 40 Den Women Tights
Featured here in a rose-blush checked pattern, these fashion-forward stockings from the iconic German hosiery Falke have been crafted using innovative 3D knitting technology.
Buy now £20.50, Falke
Lace-panelled silk camisole
Layering with lace is essential for completing your Indie Twee ensemble. This silky camisole would look gorgeous slipped over a classic white cotton shirt.
Buy now £75.00, Cos
Melissa Pant Musier Paris
Low-waisted, pinstripe trousers are a classic go-to for Zooey Deschanel’s character in 500 Days of Summer, so you should certainly scoop up a pair of your own.
Buy now £139.00, Revolve
