2010
‘Toy Story 3’
No one will ever forget the ending of Pixar’s final movie of the heartwarming trilogy. For those that had grown up with “Toy Story,” Andy heading off to college really hit home — after all, Andy was the Class of 2014’s age. The film boasted a $415 million gross.
Red lips, pixie hair, animal print
These were just a few of the fashions trending in 2010. The trends challenged the “bigger is better” mantra by incorporating animal prints and bright colors, even mixing the two.
Men’s fashion
For men in 2010, the trends focused on restocking the basics, adding more color and dressing up when they felt like dressing down.
A few top hits
Katy Perry with “Teenage Dream,” “California Gurls” and “Firework”
Trey Songz and Nicki Minaj added to college parties everywhere with “Bottoms Up.”
Flo Rida and David Guetta also dropped party hit “Club Can’t Handle Me.”
Lady Gaga returned with “Telephone,” “Bad Romance” and “Alejandro.”
Eminem dominated the airwaves with “Not Afraid.”
Biz Stone
Alumnus David Letterman returned to campus for the first time since 2007 to host a conversation with Biz Stone, co-founder of Twitter. The conversation, part of the David Letterman Lecture Series, took place Sept. 17, 2010, at John R. Emens Auditorium.
2011
‘Harry Potter and Deathly Hallows: Part 2’
This was the last movie in the epic journey that consumed most of our childhoods. As Harry Potter grew, we grew. It was in 2011 when we witnessed the end of this beautiful era. The conclusion of the film franchise pulled a $1.34 billion worldwide gross.
UGGS
Uggs originated in Australia and were meant to be for surfers who just finished a gnarly ride. They somehow made their way to Ball State onto the feet of nearly every woman on campus. As the boots are made with soft sheepskin, they’re popular in the winter despite their horrible traction, expensive price tag and not-so-stylish look.
Adele
In 2011, Adele took the stage and almost every award a singer can achieve. This was the year her second album, “21,” was released. It featured “Rolling in the Deep,” “Rumor Has It” and “Someone Like You,” which ultimately earned her an impressive six Grammy Awards in 2012. According to Billboard, this album held the top position longer than any album since 1985’s “Purple Rain.”
Saddle up
Saddle shoes and blazers were in as to dress up the men for the 2011 season. Men were wanting to look leaner and slimmer and have a cleaner look with their wardrobe.
Bow ties
This necktie started gaining popularity to add dapper flair to men’s and women’s outfits. The Doctor from “Doctor Who” helped kickstart this trend as Matt Smith donned his signature burgundy bow tie and stated “bow ties are cool.”
Jeff Dunham
Students in the area over the summer got the chance to see ventriloquist and comedian Jeff Dunham. He performed with puppets Peanut, Walter and José along with others in the show. Earlier in the year, John R. Emens Auditorium presented a string of performances, including “Beauty and the Beast.”
Rachel Maddow
MSNBC host Rachel Maddow joined alumnus David Letterman for a conversation on campus. President Jo Ann Gora also joined the pair on the John R. Emens Auditorium stage Dec. 2, 2011. Maddow also filmed her show, “The Rachel Maddow Show,” live that night from campus.
A few top hits
Katy Perry came back with “E.T.”
Pitbull paired up with Ne-Yo for “Give Me Everything.”
Britney Spears returned with “Till the World Ends.”
LMFAO took over every radio station with “Party Rock Anthem.”
2012
‘The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2’
“The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2” was the last movie in the “Twilight” saga. Though the movie received three stars on IMDb and 48 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, it didn’t lack in popularity, grossing $141.3 million its opening weekend. It seemed as though all the gossip was about vampires or werewolves, and the Team Edward vs. Team Jacob debate still lives on today.
Boy bands
Boy bands in ’90s faded, but the style didn’t die. One Direction, which formed from Britain’s “The X Factor,” made 2012 its year by having two No. 1 albums in less than a year in the U.S.
‘Call Me Maybe’
While 2011 had Rebecca Black’s viral “Friday” song, 2012 owned the top charted “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen.
Yoga pants
Yoga pants are designed for yoga. But in 2012, yoga pants busted out of the studio and onto the streets. Women claim to wear the pants because of the comfort they provide, and they are now seen as an everyday outfit choice.
Polka dots and fur
Polka dot ties and faux fur made a trend on men’s fashion for 2012. The bomber squad jackets also returned to give every guy that “Top Gun” look.
Oprah
On Nov. 26, 2012, Oprah Winfrey came to Ball State for a conversation with David Letterman. For those in attendance, it’s a day that won’t be forgotten. To get the free tickets, students camped out overnight in early November.
A few top hits
David Guetta and Sia hit with “Titanium.”
Demi Lovato rose with “Give Your Heart a Break.”
Maroon 5 and Wiz Khalifa released “Payphone.”
Fun broke onto the scene with “We Are Young” featuring Janelle Monáe.
2013
‘The Hunger Games: Catching Fire’
“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” is the second movie in the series. This movie, based on the book, opened in the box office in November 2013 and became an instant success, bringing in more than $161.1 million domestically its opening weekend. Along with the movie, Jennifer Lawrence, who plays Katniss Everdeen, continued to be a hit with fans. The movie ended up winning numerous awards.
High-waisted shorts
In 2013, it was all about the high-waisted shorts. Girls and women from all over went to thrift shops and Goodwill to find them. Or, in some cases, jeans they cut into shorts. No word on a response from the nation’s moms.
Fun.
Fun. came to Ball State on Jan. 25, 2013, following chart success. After the band left the stage, the crowd started the Ball State chirp and the award-winning group performed “Some Nights” as the encore.
Beards
Long beards. Short beards. Clean beards. Beards are the thing. This growing trend is all the talk.
Florida Georgia Line
In Fall 2013, Florida Georgia line came to Ball State and proved to be a hit among students. In order to get tickets, students waited in line for hours. The band played hit songs such as “Cruise” and “Stay” before going on its own way.
Daft Punk
The French robots came back with their hit “Get Lucky” and a No. 1 charted album, “Random Access Memories” featuring musicians from Pharrell Williams to Giorgio Moroder.
A few top hits
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis rose to fame with “Thrift Shop” featuring Wanz and “Can’t Hold Us” with Ray Dalton.
Robin Thicke, T.I. and Pharrell Williams dropped summer hit “Blurred Lines.”
Imagine Dragons dropped its first studio album and gained popularity with “Radioactive.”
Baauer’s “Harlem Shake” became viral with meme videos on YouTube.
2014
‘Divergent’
Based off the best-selling novel dystopian young-adult by Veronica Roth, the film is the first of three in the “Divergent” series, continuing the trend of books into movies. The night the film was released, it made $4.9 million.
Maxi dresses
Now that the spring is upon us, so are the dresses. If you look out along the sidewalks, it’s an almost guarantee you’ll see these long colorful dresses floating through the warm breeze.
It might seem like an odd combination, but the trainers and patterns are once again striking men’s fashion across the world. Chic is meeting classy, giving men a causal, but comfortable look for all seasons.
