I was wearingY2K trends the first time they came around, and boy, would you have liked to see my collection of halter tops, choker necklaces, baggy jeans and pointed slingback shoes with stumped toes. (Let's face it: I was probably alittleinexperienced at walking in heels.) It was a time when dressing was truly fun, even if I probably looked horrendous 99% of the time. The big question is, would I re-wear these pieces now? Because of TikTok, it's something I have to legitimately ask myself.
(Image credit: @jeannine.roxas)
Thanks to the social media platform and the fact that the early 2000s were 20 years ago, there's a current revival of everything related to Y2K fashion. According to a Stylight report, "these turn-of-the-millennium trends are booming thanks to Gen Z discovering and showcasing them on TikTok." It's a compliment, really, that the young and hip people of today regard my generation's style as aspirational. That's what they're saying, isn't it?
Admittedly, I was scared when Y2K fashion first came back around. I wouldn't even say that I got it right the first time around, so why would I repeat the same mistakes now as a seasoned, 30-something fashion editor? While I managed to avoid it long enough, the pull of nostalgia has proven too tempting to resist, so I set out on a hunt for Y2K outfits I could see myself in, courtesy of some influencers who have already embraced the movement.
Keep scrolling to see the ways in which you can channel late '90s- and '00s-inspired Y2K outfits.
1. Leather Coat + Cropped Knit + Low-Rise Trousers
(Image credit: @camillecharriere)
Style Notes: The Matrix's influence on fashion should never be underestimated. The iconic 1999 film is solely responsible for the influx of leather coats that ruled at the turn of the century. Add low-rise trousers and a crop top to further enhance your Y2K aesthetic.
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& Other Stories
Oversized Leather Trench Coat
& Other Stories
Off-Shoulder Knit Top
Bershka
Striped Worker Trousers
2. Denim Bustier +Bootcut Jeans
(Image credit: @raeannlangas)
Style Notes:I only need to type the words "Britney Spears,"and an image of her iconic all-denim outfit flashes before my eyes. Make this look your own with a fresh take on double denim. Try pairing a bustier with bootcut jeans.
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Reformation
Macy Denim Bustier Top
River Island
Mid Rise Bootcut Jeans
3. Pleated Skirt + Short-Sleeved Shirt + Socks + Loafers
(Image credit: @allisonho)
Style Notes: Preppy outfits dominated the 2022 runways, but the look has deep roots in the '90s thanks to all those teen movies that came out during that time. (If you haven't seen it, She's All That is finally streaming on Netflix, and I would highly recommend.) Willa pleated skirt, tube socks and chunky loafers become your new Y2K uniform?
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NastyGal
Petite Pleated Linen Tennis Skirt
Arket
Chunky Cotton Rib Socks
Russell & Bromley
Cloud Loafers
4. Handkerchief-Hem Dress + Wedge Heels
(Image credit: @palomija)
Style Notes:When it comes to Y2K dress trends, none speak "throwback" more than handkerchief hemlines. Pair yours with simple mule wedges for main-character, 13 Going on 30energy.
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KNWLS
Gsh Dress Tip Paisley
Porte & Paire
Leather and Suede Wedge Mules
5. Sporty Vest + Loose Trousers + Cow-Print Bag
(Image credit: @the_oluwaseun)
Style Notes: if you're unsure how to kick-start assembling your Y2K outfit, you only need to look to the Spice Girls (anddigital creator Oluwaseun) for guidance. Throw on a sporty vest, loose trousers and a smattering of statement animal print, and consider your life and wardrobe spiced.
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Adanola
Edit by Hanna Schonberg Ribbed Asymmetric Stretch-Cotton Top
Liaoli
Cow-Print Shoulder Bag
6. Mesh Top + Miniskirt + Pointed Knee Boots
(Image credit: @champagnemani)
Style Notes: The overlap between Y2K fashion and punk fashion is blurred, so why try to define it? Fuse the two by pairing a mesh printed top with an edgy leather skirt and pointy boots for a vamped-up take on the aesthetics.
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Kai Collective
Gaia Long Sleeve Printed Mesh Top in Red
H&M
Wrapover Leather Skirt
Balenciaga
Cagole 90 Black Leather Knee-High Boots
7. Shrug + Vest + Cargo Trousers
(Image credit: @isabellecoheen)
Style Notes:Cargo trousers are one of the easiest and, admittedly, least-daunting ways to tap into the Y2K trend without much commitment. Once you're comfortable wearing them, I suggest adding a discernibly '90s shrug into the equation.
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& Other Stories
Fitted Bolero
& Other Stories
Ribbed Crop Top
Abercrombie & Fitch
Relaxed Utility Pants
8. Fitted Minidress + Shoulder Bag
(Image credit: @amaka.hamelijnck)
Style Notes: Another staple up for consideration is the minidress—specifically a tight-fitting minidress. Just add a shoulder bag (preferably in nylon), and you've just assembled the perfect Y2K-inspired going-out look. It's as easy as that.
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Sergio Hudson
Stretch-Wool Crepe Mini Dress
Prada
Re-Nylon Re-Edition 2000 Mini-Bag
9. Oversized Shirt + Sparkly Top + Ripped Jeans
(Image credit: @dananozime)
Style Notes:The jeans-and-a-nice-top outfit equation was born out of the '90s and therefore falls into the Y2K aesthetic. Right now, I'm seeing lots of Gen Z influencers wearing rhinestone or chainmail tops with bleached, ripped denim. If you wan more coverage, simply layer on an oversized shirt.
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The Frankie Shop
Lui Organic Cotton-Poplin Shirt
NastyGal
Diamante Chainmail Cami Top
Abercrombie & Fitch
Curve Love High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean
10. Cropped Cardigan + Tube Skirt
(Image credit: @devonleecarlson)
Style Notes:Tube dresses might be making a comeback, but can I please draw your attention and appreciation to the tube skirt? Yes, I might have worn it to school, but now, the humble buy is making waves on social media. It's most commonly styled with cropped cardigans, the sort you'd find in the Clueless costume department.
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Zara
Ribbed Knit Cardigan
Raey
Recycled-Yarn Pencil Midi Skirt
Next Up,The Autumn 2022 Shopping Guide: Where to Buy the Biggest Trends of the Season
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