Love it or Hate it, the Y2K Trend is Here to Stay
design: Katie Huang
Because our childhood’s fashion icons will always be our fashion icons.
by MADISON SHERMAN ★ OCTOBER 04, 2023
Wouldn’t we all kill to go back to the 2000’s? A time when Britney Spears was in her prime (“Work B*tch”), Brad Pitt and Jennifer Anniston were known as Hollywood’s hottest power couple, Juicy Couture velour track suits were all the rage, and the monumental Season 3 of Sex and the City just aired — Charlotte gets engaged to Trey (ew) and Carrie begins her relationship with Aidan (I’m personally a Big fan).
It’s easy to see how hooked we have become to 2000’s pop culture, and that craze remains the same for fashion. Some might say we are ‘addicted’ to Y2K due to the nostalgia factor; we attempt to escape to simpler times through clothing choices. However, others claim it's a way for Gen Z to simply look to the past for vintage inspiration. Whatever it may be, the fashion world hopped on the trend and so should you.
Today, we see celebrities like Dua Lipa, Rihanna, and Hailey Bieber digging through their closets and pulling out 2000’s pieces while adding a modern, fresh take. Here, Dua Lipa is spotted in denim-on-denim paired with black sunnies and accompanying silver jewelry, serving homage to the trend that appeared on red carpets virtually everywhere in the early 2000s. The most iconic example: Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears matching in head to toe denim at the 2001 American Music Awards.
So, how do we implement Y2K into our everyday fits and at the same time look as fire as modern day fashion icons? It’s really simple; I got you covered.
Normalize Cowboy Boots
By far a statement shoe with a playful, costume-like touch, cowboy boots can be styled in a multide of ways, including with a baby tee and wide-cut jeans, a corset top and a maxi skirt, or jean shorts and a tank top. My absolute favorite way is with an over-sized jacket or hoodie, giving off effortless chic.
Embrace the Baggy
Buy yourself a pair of cargo pants, parachute pants, or loose jeans and balance out the baggy bottoms with a tight top, such as a bodysuit or fitted backless tee.
Comfy is the New Cute
Loungewear just became your new best friend. When done right, loungewear can make you feel so comfortable and sophisticated at the same time. To add, anything monochrome makes you instantly look collected and stylish. Especially at Syracuse, loungewear sets are a must. I recommend investing in an Alo set or Aritzia set.
Up your Bag Game
Incredibly versatile, Baguette bags were the first IT bag and continue to be one of the cutest bags of choice. They fit perfectly under your shoulder and are compact, yet roomy enough for essential iteams.
Don’t be Afraid to Make a Statement
This comeback allows for personal choice to seep through. Wear what you feel. Just as Gigi Hadid rocked a “lol ur not zayn malik” shirt, you can pull off a “dump him,” “I put the hot in psychotic,” and “I like making boys cry” statement and make yourself noticed.
Accessorize a Low Waist
Perfect with rolled over jeans and low-rise skirts for a night out, belly chains, essentially a necklace for your waist, add a special touch to every outfit. Belly chains come in stacks of ones, two, or threes, beads, crystals, pearls, shells, and much more.
Hair Me Out
Clips galore: Claw clips, butterfly clips, barettes. You name it. Hair decor can elevate a basic outfit, making anyone appear put-together. Even better, you can easily hide a bad hair day with a hair clip. You might feel lazy, but you won’t look it.
There you have it. Y2K fashion is trending, not only in street wear and more casual looks, but on our favorite celebrities and on the runway. From hair clips to baggy jeans, Y2K is easy to embody in daily looks. Feel free to reference this guide when you're in the mood to channel your inner Sarah Jessica Parker or Lindsay Lohan. But, when in doubt, there’s always our queen, Paris Hilton to use as a reference point.