Early 2000s fashion was equal parts iconic and tragic. And, while there are a fair few red carpet fashion moments we wish we could unsee, there’s a lot to love as well.
Women undoubtedly ruled the world at this time. Destiny’s Child, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Missy Elliot, and Paris Hilton were in their prime, with on-screen icons like Elle Woods in Legally Blonde and Regina George of Mean Girls stealing the show as well. Unsurprisingly then, it’s their closets that act as the gateway to the best Y2K look (think hot pink everything, bedazzled logos, teeny-tiny bags, denim on denim, and of course, Juicy Couture).
In a decade defined by velour tracksuits and trucker hats, there’s a lot to love (and also hate). But, thanks to come of our favourite celebrities like Dua Lipa and Bella Hadid, they’re making a strong case for the return of some key fashion trends. As they say, everything old is new again, and some iconic looks were never meant to die.
So let’s pretend it’s the noughties again. Brad and Jen are still the hottest it couple, MySpace is the main form of communication and you’re listening to NSYNC on your comically oversized iPod. From baby tees to low rise jeans, here are the Y2K fashion trends making a comeback – and how to shop them for yourself.
Halter Tops
The halter top is something you might not immediately identify as a Y2K fashion trend, but it graced many a red carpet during the early ‘noughts. It was basically the going-out top of the decade, loved for its ability to be dressed up or down and a socially acceptable outfit choice in almost any situation.
Whether you opt for a cropped style or tuck it into a pair of jeans, the halter top is a hallmark look that is universally flattering. Come summer, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll be seeing them everywhere, so jump ahead of the curve now and grab yourself one.
House Of Sunny Island Halter, ($109.95)
Beginning Boutique Beach Knit Halter, ($49.95)
Velour Tracksuits
The velour tracksuit is an absolute trademark look of the early 2000s, courtesy of Kim Kardashian and Paris Hilton. In fact, nobody was a bigger fan of this look than these two, and their passion for the pantsuit has never died. Just last year, Kim launched a range of velour tracksuit as part of her SKIMS collection, and it’s like the velour Juicy Couture track set of our 2021 dreams.
While we truly never thought that velvet track pants and jackets would make their way into our wardrobes again, a quiet social year has resulted in us reaching for those comfy, cosy items. Are we mad about it? Absolutely not.
Victoria’s Secret Velour Jogger ($75.80) and Velour Zip Front Hoodie ($75.80)
SKIMS Velour Hoodie ($138) and SKIMS Velour Trackpants ($126)
Cropped Baby Tees
These teeny tiny shirts have made their way back into fashion, arguably making it one of the cutest 2000s trends to see a resurgence.
Typically, these shirts are cropped above the belly button and are higher fit across the chest. You can opt for tops with cute quotes or a graphic design, or go full 2000s with a nostalgic logo like Juicy Couture. Style these with a pair of loose-fitting jeans, pleated skirt, or denim cut-offs – it’s truly a versatile option for your wardrobe and suits almost anything.
Jagger & Stone The Mercury In Retrograde Mini Tee ($69.95)
Princess Polly Everything Nice White Heart Tee ($40)
Baguette Bags
Despite what anyone says, the baguette bag was the first ever ‘it’ bag. Thanks to Carrie Bradshaw from Sex And The City, strutting around town with a tiny bag slung over your shoulder was the thing to do in the early 200s.
Somehow, the bag was small enough to not detract from your outfit but large enough to still hold your essentials (like glitter lip gloss and spare hair clips).
They’ve been making a slow but steady comeback, and have even worked their way up the ranks to high fashion, with the likes of Prada now stocking a range.
Alexander Wang Leather Scrunchie Bag ($675)
Oroton Muse Texture Baguette Bag ($230.30)
Pleated Skirts
Giving major Cady Hm Mean Girls energy, the pleated skirt is a cult classic from the early noughties. They also hail from the era when everyone was obsessed with styling their Bratz dolls, and obviously a mini pleated skirt was a go-to choice.
While the styling options are endless, pairing it with a cropped vest or baby tee is guaranteed to give major oo’s nostalgia.
Luck & Trouble Schools Out Mini Pleated Skirt ($59.95)
Glassons Pleated Wrap Mini Skirt ($14.99)
Low Rise Jeans
Low rise jeans is a term which probably incites fear in most people. And, while it was undeniably a statement look during the noughties, people certainly weren’t upset when it died off, finding itself replaced by high-waisted jeans.
That being said, several celebrities are on a mission to bring the low-rise look back, and given how well they’re wearing it, we’d say they’re making a pretty strong case. It’s been a hot minute since the low rise look has been in style, and while we probably won’t ever wear them as low as Paris Hilton in 2002, we can certainly get behind the just-under-the-bellybutton length.
ROLLA’s Classic Straight Jeans ($159.95)
Glassons High Rise Relaxed Leg Jean ($29.99)
Bucket Hats
The bucket hat – an iconic accessory to elevate any outfit. Luckily for us, the bucket hat has always been quintessentially Australian so it technically never really went out of fashion. That being said, it’s certainly evolved over the years from a sun safety method to full blown fashion statement in its own right.
While they were a big hip hop accessory in the 90s, the 2000s saw them become a mainstream fashion item. While we’ve moved away from the insane bedazzled, crocheted look – they’ve been spotted on several celebrities in a more understated manner.
Isabel Marant Haley Tie-Dyed Slub Cotton-Canvas Bucket Hat ($235)
Lack Of Colour Wave Bucket Hat ($89)
Whale Tail
Naturally, we saved the best till last. The iconic whale tail/visible G-string look has made a triumphant return, and even weaved its way into high fashion (courtesy of none other than Hailey Bieber).
It’s unclear why this became such a huge trend, or why it’s seeing a resurgence now, but some things just can’t be explained. Nowadays, the trend is less about pulling your actual underwear up to the point of being visible, and more about buying pieces with built-in side straps. Along with looking a little chicer, it’s also way more comfortable, so we can definitely get on board.
Christopher Esber Pleated Knit Tie Skirt ($809.90)
Princess Polly Dream Girl Pants ($65)
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