Turquoise rooms, chevron pillows, crackle nail polish and the unicorn frappuccino were defining characteristics of girls growing up in the 2010s. Our playlists were filled with 5 Seconds of Summer, our book shelves stacked with the newest John Green book and our hair parted wonderfully to the side.
The side part is back and here to stay, a reminiscence of Gen Z childhood. This simple, and arguably chic style, is taking social media by storm. Yet, celebrities are rebranding the side part to be a more effortless style, where the simple addition of volume can change the entire look.
Though society has yet to resurrect Vine, the side part is a trend that has resurfaced once more.
Throwback
The side part is a historical hairstyle, dating back to the early 19th century (yes, before Jenna Marbles conquered YouTube with her side-swept hair!).
Film stars like Josephine Baker and Veronica Lake defined the side-parted style of the mid 19th century. These stars inspired a new wave of fashion as young girls turned to them for inspiration. Their take on the side part was classy and chic, traits that developed in the early 20th century.
In our generation, the influence of Emily Blunt in “The Devil Wears Prada,” or Vanessa Hudgens in “High School Musical,” paved the way for an unmistakable era. This influence continued throughout the early 2010s, when side bangs became an accessory to almost every look.
Revamped Styles
As time progressed, so did the styling of this part. The scene subculture gave side parts a whole new definition. Teasing and neon colors were simply a necessary addition to the otherwise simplistic style. With skunk stripes and shaggy volume, this trend was a peak adaptation of the classic style.
Side parts seemed to take reality TV by storm during a time when social media didn’t yet have its influential presence. Many turned to TV to seek inspiration from celebrities, and one of the most prominent characters was none other than Kim Kardashian.
Kim Kardashian’s side part in “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” seemed to be in it for the long haul. From red carpets to photoshoots, the side part was here to stay.
Simultaneously, a different approach to the side hairstyle was prominent in yet another reality TV show. Nicole Elizabeth LaValle, better known as Snooki, showed viewers her take on this look as a girl from the Jersey Shore. With volume in the back and sharp angles in the front, she took a maximalist approach to this otherwise simplistic style.
Did you rock a side part in middle school? Share a throwback pic and tag @VALLEYmag on Instagram!
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