POV: You were a Tumblr girl n highschool

Hello, Lemonatas,

I used to be what some might call "THAT girl." It wasn't just because of the attention I received on Tumblr, but because I was unapologetically true to myself and my beliefs. Although others may not have seen me that way, my confidence wouldn't allow me to be anything else.

There are times when I find myself longing for that same confidence. Occasionally, I yearn to go back to the days when I was an innocent teenager without a care in the world.

I am truly grateful for the life I have been blessed with and the opportunity to embrace my quirky nature. #tumblr #tumblraesthetic #teenager #millenialmom #millennials #embracevulnerability #confidence #beauty

2024/1/19 Edited to

... Read moreIt's so interesting to look back at our high school selves, especially if you, like me, identify with being a 'Tumblr girl' around 2016. What exactly did that mean? Well, it wasn't just a phase; it was a whole subculture. For many of us, being a 2016 Tumblr girl was about cultivating a unique online aesthetic that spilled over into our real lives, especially during those formative high school years. It was about expressing individuality, finding beauty in the unconventional, and often, a touch of melancholic artistry mixed with undeniable confidence. From what I remember, the 2016 Tumblr aesthetic was a vibrant mix of styles. You’d see everything from grunge-inspired looks – think oversized plaid shirts, ripped jeans, and combat boots – to more ethereal, soft grunge vibes. Graphic tees were huge, and I specifically recall friends rocking vintage-inspired shirts, sometimes even with playful cartoon characters like a Donald Duck graphic. Accessorizing was key; chokers, layered necklaces (maybe even a pearl necklace), and statement rings like a giant butterfly ring were staples. Hair was often a canvas for expression, with many experimenting with bold colors or subtle accents like pink streaks in bangs or vibrant dips. I even experimented with a black fedora and a striped scarf to complete some of my more edgy outfits. There was a definite focus on comfort meeting style, whether it was shiny black leggings or a casual white t-shirt paired with something unexpected. Beyond the fashion, being a Tumblr girl in high school meant a certain attitude. It was about embracing your quirks and unapologetically being yourself, much like the original post describes. We curated our online presence with candid photos – sometimes with a playful face or a confident pose – and shared quotes that resonated with our inner thoughts. There was a sense of community in sharing these experiences, even if it was just through reblogging posts about teen angst or dreamy photography. I remember seeing photos of girls with dark hair posing confidently, whether it was in a simple black top, white collar, and black pants or a more whimsical patterned strapless top with a yellow flower accent. It was all about creating your personal narrative. Looking back, the 'Tumblr girl' identity provided a space for self-discovery and confidence during a time when many teenagers feel lost. It taught us to experiment, to embrace our vulnerabilities (as the original author mentioned), and to find beauty in our own unique styles. It wasn't just about chasing trends; it was about defining who we were, one carefully curated post and outfit at a time. It's a nostalgic reminder of how we navigated high school, using creativity and digital platforms to express ourselves and build a sense of belonging.