With the recent and undeniable resurgence of 2014 Tumblr aesthetics and looks, we’re seeing trends infused with waves of nostalgia. She’s just so fierce: Cher Lloyd, forever tied with a Scottish girl’s ’unflushed shet’, is an icon of mine which I believe is ripe and ready for one such nostalgic comeback. Cher Lloyd was the English Nicki Minaj equivalent. Getting her start on 2010’s X-Factor (next to One Direction), Cher placed fourth but left a lasting impression that transcended the show. Soon after, she signed with Syco and dropped her debut album Sticks and Stones (2011).

It’s not just her music (though ‘Swagger Jagger’ and ‘Want U Back’ still sneak onto my playlists now and then), it’s her fearless fashion that grabs me: once the freshest thing in pop, now a perfect time capsule of early 2010s style. As the 2014 Tumblr style surges back into mainstream fashion, Cher’s iconic looks have become a blueprint worth revisiting. Her peak era celebrates bold, brash, and totally unapologetic fashion. She is long overdue for the retrospective hype she deserves.

When she performed Keri Hilson’s “Turn My Swag On,” it was immediately clear that Cher brought something entirely fresh to the stage. It’s her daring unpredictable style, a blend of streetwear grit and pop-punk accessories that cultivated such an impactful persona. Most iconically, Cher’s looks feature rolled up or ¾ length, usually grey, jogging bottoms or baggy trousers, and a high-top trainer (occasionally with a heel!). Best paired with a graphic top, and oversized or cropped jacket, Cher’s typical hip-hop toes are trending again. There has been a recent rise in popularity of the Isabel Marant trainer, which is a very similar style to Cher’s go-to footwear. Cher’s range of heels to trainers shows one doesn’t need a designer price tag to get your ‘swagger in check’. Cher knows the importance of comfort and ankle support; we should all be like Cher. A little bit of “Turn Your Swag On” for the shoes has never hurt anybody.

“It’s her daring unpredictable style, a blend of streetwear grit and pop-punk accessories that cultivated such an impactful persona”

Then we have her accessories, where Cher’s character really surfaces. And first and foremost: hoops. If you don’t own a pair of hoops, Cher Lloyd would not support your Swagger Jagger. Swagger Jagger is all in the big, fun accessories. Hoops are classics, they’ll never be out of style, and you can always make them work. Whether you are a cool-toned silver fan or love a warm golden moment, get your biggest pair to emphasise that Cher Lloyd essence. Moving on from the hoops, a close second in iconicity for Cher is the big, chunky, fat gold necklace. Unfortunately for me, a chunky gold necklace sparks traumatic memories of some atrocious looking gold statement necklaces found in Topshop circa 2019. As a result, I will sadly not incorporate these into my Swagger Jagger, amping up my statement earrings as a compromise.

Cher’s handbags were always a hit. Obsessed with Paul’s Boutique, Cher sported flashy, big handbags, usually decorated with badges, charms and other bedazzlements and keyrings. This is so easy to replicate. All you need is a long necklace and any handbag with charity shops routinely being the best sources for the 2010s vibe!

“Cher’s eye combo is hardly recognisable without a bubble-gum pink or red lip — a bold and cheeky combo to her eyes”

As great as Cher is, I do not particularly wish to promote her early 2010’s eyebrows. I will not hate on my queen, but I fear that is where I would draw the line. Her bright popping eyes, however? Classic. Think big popping eye makeup brightened by long, thick eyeliner and cheeky lash extensions. Any pharmacy glue on lashes will do. But Cher’s eye combo is hardly recognisable without a bubble-gum pink or red lip — a bold and cheeky combo to her eyes. With MAC’s Saint Germain shade of lipstick seeing a resurgence in trending online, I cannot help but be reminded of Cher Lloyd’s music video looks.

Cher’s hair is equally as iconic. She is often seen sporting a bump-it for some volume, like during her audition on the X-Factor where she combined it with a high bun. Her hair is loud! The ‘clean-girl’ aesthetic trend saw a tragic death of hair volume. The evil middle part has had us all in a chokehold. Flat and symmetrical… Cher Lloyd says: BORING! Get backcombing! Get the mousse! I cannot expect to be successful in my encouragement to get bump-its back into fashion, but if we can take any of Cher’s hair tips, you’ll need volume!

So there we have it: chunky gold necklace, baggy pants, cropped top and some heel trainers or high tops and you are set. No one will ever quite do it like Cher Lloyd, but we can try.