Nostalgia Called: These 4 Trends Are Hot Again, According To Etsy

As Etsy celebrates 20 years of handmade magic and trendsetting, one thing is clear: nostalgia is having a serious moment. From flower crowns to custom necklaces, retro is back and cooler than ever. We sat down with Etsy’s official Trend Expert, Dayna Isom Johnson, to chat about the platform’s most iconic comebacks, the Y2K pieces we should be digging out again, and why what’s old is not just new—but totally trending. —Noa Nichol

Etsy is turning 20 this year—congrats! When you look back at the platform’s evolution, what stands out most about how trends have cycled and resurfaced?

It’s been such a joy to watch Etsy evolve over the past two decades into a global community of creative makers. What stands out most is how trends never truly disappear – they just wait for the right moment to re-emerge. We’ve seen it time and again: what was once trending a decade or two ago is suddenly hot again, but with new energy and a fresh, handmade twist. That cyclical nature is part of what makes trendspotting so exciting, especially on a platform where sellers are constantly reinventing the familiar.

Customized necklaces were the “it” accessory in 2005 and are now trending again—what do you think is driving this return to personalization in 2025?

Customization is having a major moment, and it’s no surprise. We’re living in a time where people crave meaningful self-expression, and nothing says “this is me” quite like a personalized necklace. Whether it’s your name, a loved one’s initials, or a word that holds special meaning, these pieces help people tell their story. And the numbers say it all. Searches for “personalized necklaces” are up more than 2,300%*. It’s a beautiful blend of sentimentality and style, and Etsy sellers are making each piece as unique as the person wearing it.

Y2K fashion and decor are back in a big way. What’s your take on why this aesthetic continues to resonate with shoppers today?

Y2K is one of those eras that just won’t quit – and we’re here for it! I think it’s because the aesthetic is playful, maximalist, and totally unapologetic. It taps into a sense of fun that feels refreshing right now. And for different generations, it hits in different ways: for millennials, it’s nostalgia; for Gen Z, it’s a retro fantasy. On Etsy, we’ve seen over 250% growth in searches for “Y2K decor”*, and one of our most favourited items ever is a neon Y2K-inspired sign. It’s clear people aren’t just revisiting this style, they’re fully embracing it.

Flower crowns, flowy skirts, macrame—boho never seems to go out of style. What’s behind the resurgence of this vibe right now, and how are Etsy sellers giving it a fresh twist?

A: Boho is the ultimate free spirit. It reinvents itself with every comeback. Right now, we’re seeing a more refined take on boho: softer palettes, natural materials, and a focus on intentional living. Think handcrafted macrame in earthy tones or breezy crochet tops. Searches for “flowy skirts” are up 190%*, and “boho macrame” has jumped nearly 400%*. Boho often reflects the cultural moment, and right now, it’s about ease, connection to nature, and expressing your individuality in a grounded way.

From shiplap to ‘France cottage’ chic—how has the rustic farmhouse look evolved over the past two decades, and what’s giving it staying power?

The rustic farmhouse look has truly grown up. What began with shiplap and barn doors in the late 2010s has transformed into something more elevated – enter “Chateaucore”. It’s still rooted in warmth and character, but with more romance and European flair. We’ve seen nearly 3,500%* growth in searches for “modern farmhouse decor” and a jaw-dropping 26,000%* increase for “France cottage decor.” That’s the power of reinvention – our sellers are mixing vintage charm with modern sensibilities, and shoppers are loving it.

Etsy’s newly released Trend Lookback is a total trip down memory lane. Were there any standout trends that surprised even you in their comeback power?

Oh yes, so many fun surprises! One that really made me smile was friendship bracelets. While they never really left – and had a major comeback a few years back sparked by a certain pop star’s global tour – they’ve taken on a whole new life. We’re seeing a stylish reinvention of them, complete with custom charms and luxe materials. It’s a reminder that the trends we often love never really go away, they just wait for the right creative revival.

Nostalgia is clearly having a moment. Why do you think we’re so drawn to familiar aesthetics and past eras, especially right now?

Nostalgia brings comfort and I think revisiting styles from the past helps ground us. It’s a way of saying, “Hey, I’ve been here before, and I know how to make it through.” But it’s also about play. Nostalgia gives us permission to have fun, to not take ourselves too seriously.

What role do Etsy sellers play in not just following, but shaping these trend revivals? Can you share an example of a creator whose nostalgic spin is driving big buzz?

Etsy sellers are the trendsetters. They’re often the first to spot a rising wave and turn it into something tangible – and deeply personal. With unique insight into what shoppers are searching for and engaging with, sellers can create items that feel ahead of the curve.

One of my favourite Etsy sellers is LaLisette who has been selling on the platform for 15 years. She handcrafts playful, one-of-a-kind bags using upcycled leather, many of which embrace the bold, quirky aesthetic of Y2K. From unexpected shapes to bag charms, her designs instantly evoke the early 2000s, a look that continues to resonate with shoppers craving individuality and a hit of nostalgia. She’s one of many Etsy sellers that are really reinventing vintage nostalgia with soul.

Looking ahead, are there any ‘vintage’ trends you’re predicting will make a comeback next on Etsy? Anything we should be watching for in late 2025 or 2026?

Keep your eyes peeled for the return of early 2010s “indie sleaze.” We’re talking messy-chic layering, and that gritty Tumblr aesthetic – think flash photography, studded belts, and statement tights. There’s a rawness to it that feels surprisingly fresh today. I also think 70s glam is poised for a comeback – metallics, disco balls, velvet everything. As shoppers embrace boldness and personal flair again, we’ll see these eras get a whole new life on Etsy.

Etsy has always celebrated creativity and individuality. How do you think nostalgia-core fits into that bigger picture, and what does it say about how we want to express ourselves today?

A: Nostalgia-core is about reclaiming joy, and what’s more personal than that? Whether it’s a piece of jewelry that reminds you of your childhood or a home decor item that evokes your grandma’s kitchen, these pieces help us connect to who we are and where we’ve been. On Etsy, those expressions are always one-of-a-kind. You’re not just buying something trendy, you’re finding something that means something. That’s the magic of Etsy: past, present, and future, all in one handmade piece.

*Search term in the last three months compared to the same time the previous year.