Explaining the Zen Subculture
The nostalgic late 90s to early 2000s zen lifestyle is resurfacing in modern fashion and on social media. The internet is now referring to this look as the “2000’s yoga mom”, a look inspired by suburban mothers who balance their daily yoga sessions with shopping and other errands.
For the past decade, nostalgia has been the only thing keeping people going. We reflect on fashion and media from the start of the millennia and mourn the originality that came with it. Evidently, times are uncertain, leading many to look to the past and find inspiration in the peaceful lifestyles lived back then.
Combining modern wellness (YouTube tutorials for zen activities, pilates studios, comfy new balances) with the tranquil activities of the 2000’s, (yoga DVD’s, journalling, meditation) it reflects how the people of today crave a stability and ease that existed twenty years ago.
Fashion
To embody a woman of that time period, here are a few staple accessories and items that can truly make you feel like you stepped into spring 2004. Think of spring colour palettes (pastels; light pink, butter yellow, baby blue, light green) and comfortability. In addition to this, the emphasis is mainly on comfort, as these were worn during yoga sessions or pilates classes. Loose, flowy clothes are ideal. Oversized sweatpants and airy tops are a key factor. They were not wearing clothing that restricted movement.
Or maybe you’d just prefer a list of what to buy to fully become the relaxed, zen yoga mom of your dreams. That’s okay too!
- Comfy Sweatpants
- Oversized Sunglasses
- Wired Headphones
- A Sturdy Yoga Mat
- Candle Holders & Tapestries
- Earthy Lamps (Salt lamps, lamps with floral patterns)
- Items with lotus, orchid, cherry blossom, or floral imagery
- 2000’s RNB music and audiobooks
- Self-Improvement Books and DVD’s
Why is it resonating with so many people?
As the 2000’s slowly grow further and further away in time, people reminisce about an era before the emergence of modern day technology. A time before cellphones were in every hand, and when the internet was visited rather than lived in.
When people signed out of their accounts and went out for a smoothie run, instead of constantly being logged in and scrolling through algorithms for hours. With the aesthetic being based on the mothers of this time period, part of the nostalgia is from people who grew up with caregivers who practiced this regimen. The moms who did yoga in the living room, following a DVD on TV or who would come home from a spa day relaxed, with white french tips on their fingernails. Many young adults of today go back to a time period where they were children admiring the healthy practices done by their mothers.
The beauty of this subculture resurfacing allows everyone to reflect on those times, even the mothers who dressed and lived this way! It also motivates many to practice positive self-care, prioritize bodily health and find peace, which are all positives. Overall, I think that this curated vibe is incredible as it balances both fashion and comfort.