Millennial trends that have defined the decade

It’s clear that popular culture has undergone a huge evolution since the turn of the century, with an increased crackdown on intolerance and inequality, a newfound obsession with the self-care regime and an increased sense of urgency surrounding the future of the planet. So how has this translated in terms of tangible trends?

Yoga and meditation

Today it’s not just cardio workouts and weights that draw people to the gym. Health is no longer just about the body, but also about the mind. Yoga, a form of exercise originating from ancient India focusing on strength, flexibility and breathing, has become a popular way of maintaining physical and mental wellbeing, helping with posture and balance but also providing peace of mind. Many also practise the more modern discipline of pilates, which helps improve muscular control and endurance. On top of this, meditation has become far more common, with mindfulness apps such as Headspace encouraging short daily sessions.

Eco-friendly living

Over the last ten years, environmentalist action has shown incredible growth, from plastic bag charges to full-blown protests. The campaigning of 16-year-old Swedish activist Greta Thunberg has made international news, with her battle against global warming even being recognised – if in a characteristically infantile fashion – by the most notorious climate change denier of all, Donald Trump himself. Extinction Rebellion have also stepped up their game, with huge protests in London over the last few months causing major disruptions to London transport networks.

Istagrammable life

Now that Instagram is so pervasive in modern society, it’s not just important how good life is, but how good it looks. Especially for food, which hasn’t just had an ethical and elemental makeover, but also an aesthetic one. It’s impossible to go to a restaurant without seeing a few dishes go cold as customers pose their plates at every possible angle and select the perfect filter. Many companies encourage Instagram shots, promoting their tag to help endorse their business online, and latte art has become a great way to be noticed in this image-conscious age.

Dietary alternatives

Linked in with this environmental movement is the shift towards animal-friendly diets, with vegetarianism and veganism at their highest and specialist vegan cafes, restaurants and wholesalers on the rise. There’s also a growing trend for gluten-free and lactose-free products; the “free-from” section of the supermarket is positively booming with brands like Alpro and their growing range of alternative milks, making life a lot easier for those with allergies or intolerances. In addition, thanks to the spike in healthy living, fat-free products are equally popular, as well as low-calorie alternatives to treats such as Halo Top ice-cream and Metcalfe’s skinny popcorn.

Gender fluidity

Along with the increased acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community has come a rejection of black and white labels. Binary terms now seem archaic given the broad spectrum of genders and sexualities, and society is continually changing to cater to all identities. From gender-neutral toilets, job titles and fashion to the wider recognition of gender-neutral pronouns, it’s clear that the world is gradually adopting a more open-minded approach.

The editorial unit