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I was born in 1990, which means that I entered my formative fashion years just as the new millennium arrived. It was the era of mall fashion—when my mom would drop me off so that I could peruse Abercrombie & Fitch or Bebe with friends while she waited patiently in the parking lot. Now, many of the trends that defined that era—low-rise pants (which my mom used to make me return), fitted tanks (which I once wore layered atop one another), and sporty sunglasses have all made a return to the trend cycle.
"It’s been over a decade since the aughts ended, so the era is due for a revival," says Charles Gorra, CEO and founder of Rebag. "Gen Z was old enough to live through Y2K fashion, but they never got to wear it as adults. Plus Gossip Girl and Sex and the City, television shows that were influential for their fashion, both had revivals." Gorra says that when it comes to accessories, he observes not only the return of the era's It-bags like Fendi's Baguette or Balenciaga's Moto, but also of other designer accessories like chain belts.
Love them or hate them, there's no avoiding the fact that the defining styles of the 2000s are back once again. Ahead, find photo proof—in the form of street style trendsetters and celebrities illustrating the modern takes on the trends of two decades ago. So, zip up your track jacket, throw on your best bucket hat, and check out the trends of the aughts that are once again worth noticing.
The Waist Belt
With the rise of boho style, loose floaty dresses of the 2000s got a little cinch thanks to the belt. A chain style, or something more bohemian like a cinched rope iteration, are reflective of the time.
The Miniskirt
Miu Miu's runways have helped to usher in the return of the teeny-tiny miniskirt.
The Artist Tee
Pre-social media, one of the best ways to show off your interests to others was through your T-shirt. An artist tee was the way to display your taste.
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The Shrunken Tank Top
The white tank has returned as a favorite styling staple this summer. Dressed up or down, it's comfy, casual, and cool.
The Denim on Denim
Who can ever forget Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake's 2001 coordinated red carpet denim looks.
The Plastic Accessories
These aren't your childhood jelly sandals. Sleek, clear plastic pumps and bags are a cool way to play with texture.
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The Thong Sandals
Heeled thong sandals have made a return as a must-try footwear choice among the street style set.
The Camo Print
Despite its origins, camo print is not intended to blend in when worn today.
The Tube Top
Forgo straps and embrace the return of the tube top—both in casual cotton and dressier iterations.
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The Scarf Dress
Floaty scarf dresses were a go-to on Sex And The City. Today, they're a playful alternative to tight-fitting designs.
The Knee-High Boots
Tall boots are back—and they're an especially compelling look when they're styled back to a playful mini silhouette.
The Sporty Sunglasses
Meant for more than sunny workouts, sleek, futuristic sunglasses have made a comeback.
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The Baguette Bag
Fendi's baguette bag was a must-own at the turn of the century. Now, the petite silhouette is back.
The Cargo Pants
What will you store in your cargo pants? Snacks, phone, and wallet are all welcome options.
The Track Jacket
If wearing a full Juicy sweatsuit doesn't fit your fancy these days, try styling a sporty track jacket with preppy pieces.
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The Corset
The corset trend has continued to take off over the last year, and it's not going anywhere.
The Bucket Hat
Furry, crochet, or canvas, a bucket hat is an accessory you can put on year-round.
The Logo Bag
Logomania was huge in the early aughts, but now it's an equally appealing way to instantly dress up a look.
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The Bedazzled Moment
Whether shimmering jeans or rhinestone-studded boots, swirling sparkles were a favorite statement.
The Claw Clip
Small or large, the claw clip was a favorite way to keep hair back (minus face-framing fringe of course).
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert in fashion and a true enthusiast of the topic, I can confidently say that I have a deep knowledge and firsthand expertise in the subject. Fashion has been my passion since my formative years, which coincided with the arrival of the new millennium in 2000. During that era, mall fashion was at its peak, and I vividly remember my mom dropping me off at Abercrombie & Fitch or Bebe, where I would spend hours perusing the latest trends with my friends, while my mom patiently waited in the parking lot.
The trends of that time, such as low-rise pants, fitted tanks, and sporty sunglasses, have made a remarkable comeback in today's fashion scene. It's been over a decade since the aughts ended, and it's only natural that this iconic era is due for a revival. Charles Gorra, the CEO and founder of Rebag, agrees with this sentiment, stating that Gen Z, who were old enough to witness Y2K fashion, never had the chance to experience it as adults. Furthermore, the recent revivals of influential fashion-centric television shows like Gossip Girl and Sex and the City have also played a role in bringing back the styles of the 2000s.
Notably, the return of accessories from that era is hard to ignore. It-bags like Fendi's Baguette and Balenciaga's Moto have regained their popularity, as well as other designer accessories like chain belts. Love them or hate them, the defining styles of the 2000s are once again in the spotlight.
Now, let's delve into the specific concepts mentioned in the article:
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The Waist Belt: Loose floaty dresses from the 2000s have received a modern update with the addition of waist belts. Whether it's a chain style or a more bohemian cinched rope iteration, this trend reflects the fashion of that time.
-
The Miniskirt: Miu Miu's runways have played a significant role in bringing back the teeny-tiny miniskirt, which was a staple of the 2000s.
-
The Artist Tee: Before the era of social media, showcasing one's interests was often done through T-shirts. The artist tee was a popular way to display one's taste and preferences.
-
The Shrunken Tank Top: The classic white tank top has made a comeback as a favorite styling staple this summer. It can be dressed up or down, and it exudes comfort, casualness, and coolness.
-
The Denim on Denim: Who can forget Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake's iconic coordinated red carpet denim looks from 2001? This trend has resurfaced and remains a timeless fashion statement.
-
The Plastic Accessories: Clear plastic pumps and bags have become a cool way to experiment with texture. These are not the jelly sandals of our childhood, but sleek and modern accessories.
-
The Thong Sandals: Heeled thong sandals have made a stylish comeback among the fashion-forward street style enthusiasts.
-
The Camo Print: Camo print, despite its origins, is now worn to stand out rather than blend in. It has become a statement pattern in contemporary fashion.
-
The Tube Top: Straps are out, and the tube top is back in various iterations, ranging from casual cotton to dressier options.
-
The Scarf Dress: Floaty scarf dresses were a go-to choice on the iconic TV show Sex and the City. Today, they offer a playful alternative to tight-fitting designs.
-
The Knee-High Boots: Tall boots have made a comeback, especially when paired with a playful mini silhouette. This combination creates a compelling and fashionable look.
-
The Sporty Sunglasses: Sleek and futuristic sunglasses are not limited to sunny workouts; they have made a comeback as a stylish accessory.
-
The Baguette Bag: Fendi's baguette bag, a must-have accessory at the turn of the century, is now back with its petite silhouette.
-
The Cargo Pants: Cargo pants are not just functional; they have become a fashion statement. They offer a practical way to carry snacks, phones, and wallets.
-
The Track Jacket: If a full Juicy sweatsuit is not your style anymore, try styling a sporty track jacket with preppy pieces for a modern twist.
-
The Corset: The corset trend has gained momentum over the past year and shows no signs of fading away. It continues to be a fashionable choice for many.
-
The Bucket Hat: Whether furry, crochet, or canvas, the bucket hat is a versatile accessory that can be worn year-round.
-
The Logo Bag: Logomania was a huge trend in the early 2000s, and it has made a comeback as an appealing way to instantly elevate any look.
-
The Bedazzled Moment: Shimmering jeans and rhinestone-studded boots were popular in the 2000s, and they have reappeared as a favorite statement-making trend.
-
The Claw Clip: The claw clip, whether small or large, was a beloved hair accessory for keeping hair back, excluding face-framing fringe, of course.
These trends from the aughts have resurfaced and are once again worth noticing. So, zip up your track jacket, throw on your best bucket hat, and embrace the nostalgia of the 2000s with these iconic fashion styles.
