- Fashion
by Elinor Block
I'm old enough to remember Y2K fashion the first time around. I can still vividly recallthe cowl-neck black top I wore with my knee-length stonewash denim skirtanda choker for New Year's Eve 1999. I loved that outfit at the time, and 14-year-old me was very happy about it, but I know there isn't muchfrom it I'd wear today. However, thanks to TikTok and the fact that the 2000s were 20 years ago, there is a current revival going on of everything related to Y2K fashion. According to aStylight report, these turn-of-the-millennium trends are booming thanks to Gen Z discovering and showcasing them on TikTok. While I'm not keen to re-create muchfrom mywardrobe from that era, there are plenty of other trends that still look good today.
I delved into the archivesand dug up some of the best celeb outfits from that time to showcase just what I mean.While it might seem very particular, I'm looking at outfits from around the 1999/2000 mark, as this is thebest way to find the most Y2K looks. I discovered that thereare actually plenty of trends to wear today. I also found it interesting that fashion around the turn of the millennium wasn't very extravagant. Pre–Lady Gaga (she released her first single in 2008), everything seems pretty low-key in regard to red carpet looks. This was also the time when Dawson's Creek was big andThe O.C. was far from hitting our screens. Late-'90s fashion still had its influence, but there was a newer, more polished look coming in, too. Keep scrolling to see the Y2K trends that still look good today.
1. Crochet
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Style Notes:A surprising trend, crochet spans decades and still looks good with whatever you wear with it. This is the classic Y2K pairing of jeans and a nice top, with the statement bag adding a little extra.
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Low-key Y2K luxury is a designer crochet bag.
2. Lace-Up
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Style Notes:Strings are back this season, including theG-string (but not as you know it). Here, Lucy Liu is wearing what looks like a lace-up jumpsuit. Today, it's all about flashing a hint of this—see Jacquemus's latest collection.
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3. Nice Tops
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Style Notes:There are few celebrities who avoided this look during Y2K. The nice-jeans-and-a-top outfit was a go-to for even red carpet events, as proven here by Liv Tyler.
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From theprint to the texture, this top feels intrinsically Y2K.
4. Body Chains
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Style Notes:Jennifer Lopez was known for plenty of outfits during this time, and while most people were fairly restrained on red carpets, she wore that green Versace dress. But the trend that is coming back today? The body chain.
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5. Feathers
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Style Notes:While head-to-toe extravagance wasn't necessarily embraced, details were. Rhinestones, gems and feathers were always present on the A-list at this time. We're still seeing feather trims going strong today.
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6. Basics
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Style Notes:With the more pared-back styling of the '90s hanging over our heads around Y2K, minimalist looks were often embraced for the red carpet. Case in point: Katie Holmes wearing a white T-shirt with a pencil skirt and strappy sandals.
7. Baguette Bags
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Style Notes:It'll come as no surprise thatSarah Jessica Parkerwas the one trying to push the fashion boundaries around this time, and it was often hard to know where Carrie Bradshaw's wardrobe ended and hers started. This brightly coloured bagdemonstrates exactly what I'm talking about.
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Staud’s beaded-bag offering just keeps getting better.
8. Loose Tailoring
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Style Notes:The king and queen of casual-but-chic outfits were Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston. These loosely tailored trousers on Jen An were the epitome of Y2K styling.
9. Chokers
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Style Notes:Find me someone who says they didn't own a tattoo choker, and you will have found yourself a liar. Nearly everyone owned some kind of choker at this time, and thanks to brands likeRoxanne Assoulin, they're back.
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An easy way to bring more joy into your daily wares.
10. Snakeskin
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Style Notes:WhileChristina Aguileramight have some questionable outfits from the past (let's avoid all the chaps talk), these snakeskin trousers are absolutely something I would wear today.
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You needn’t opt for bright colours—neutral snake print will also nail the aesthetic.
11. Pinstripe
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Style Notes:The corporate world really bled into late-'90s styling, with pinstripe being a fixture for plenty of A-listers.
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I’m picturing wearing this with blue straight-leg jeans and mules.
12. Flatform Sandals
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Style Notes:There are so many flatform sandals around right now,particularly as we head into the warmer months. We can't help but feel nostalgic when we spot this trend out and about.
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Flip-flop flatforms? Shoes don’t get much more Y2K than that.
13. Rose-Coloured Sunnies
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Style Notes:After some new sunnies? Well, good news: Y2K has your back. Rose-coloured glasses, as seen on Naomi Campbell, are sure to make a comeback. Try finding some rimless ones for the realnoughties effect.
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The thin gold frames make these throwback shades feel so premium.
This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Next Up:All of the '90s Fashion Trends That We Still Love Wearing Today
- Explore More:
- 2000s
- 1990s
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a wide range of information on various topics, including fashion. In this article, the author discusses the revival of Y2K fashion trends and highlights several trends from that era that are still popular today. Let's explore each of these trends in more detail:
1. Crochet
Crochet is a surprising trend that spans decades and still looks good when paired with different outfits. The article suggests wearing crochet with jeans and a nice top, and even recommends a designer crochet bag as a low-key luxury item.
2. Lace-Up
The lace-up trend, including lace-up jumpsuits, is making a comeback. It's all about flashing a hint of lace-up details in modern outfits. The article mentions Jacquemus's latest collection as an example.
3. Nice Tops
During the Y2K era, the "nice-jeans-and-a-top" outfit was a go-to look for many celebrities, even for red carpet events. The article showcases Liv Tyler wearing a tiger print blouse as an example of this trend.
4. Body Chains
Body chains, popularized by celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, are making a comeback. These accessories can add a stylish touch to various outfits. The article suggests that body chains will be everywhere this summer.
5. Feathers
While head-to-toe extravagance wasn't necessarily embraced during the Y2K era, details like feathers were always present on the A-list. Feather trims are still going strong today and can be incorporated into modern outfits.
6. Basics
With the more pared-back styling of the '90s influencing Y2K fashion, minimalist looks were often embraced for the red carpet. The article showcases Katie Holmes wearing a white T-shirt with a pencil skirt and strappy sandals as an example of this trend.
7. Baguette Bags
Baguette bags, popularized by Sarah Jessica Parker's character Carrie Bradshaw in "Sex and the City," were a fashion boundary-pushing item during the Y2K era. The article suggests that brightly colored baguette bags can add a touch of nostalgia to modern outfits.
8. Loose Tailoring
Loosely tailored trousers, as worn by Jennifer Aniston, were a popular Y2K styling choice. This trend represents a casual-but-chic look that can be incorporated into modern outfits.
9. Chokers
Chokers were a ubiquitous accessory during the Y2K era. The article mentions the resurgence of chokers, thanks to brands like Roxanne Assoulin, and suggests that they are an easy way to bring more joy into daily fashion choices.
10. Snakeskin
Snakeskin trousers, as worn by Christina Aguilera, are highlighted as a trend from the past that can still be worn today. The article suggests opting for neutral snake print to achieve the Y2K aesthetic.
11. Pinstripe
Pinstripe clothing was a fixture for many A-listers during the late '90s and early 2000s. The article mentions Ganni's pinstripe wrap jacket as an example of this trend.
12. Flatform Sandals
Flatform sandals are currently trending, and their popularity is reminiscent of the Y2K era. The article suggests looking for flatform sandals as we head into the warmer months.
13. Rose-Colored Sunnies
Rose-colored sunglasses, as seen on Naomi Campbell, are predicted to make a comeback. The article suggests finding rimless ones for a true Y2K effect.
These are just some of the Y2K fashion trends that are experiencing a revival today. It's interesting to see how fashion trends from the past can still inspire and influence modern styles.
