What’s next after Y2K? (2024)

Mira Al-Momani, fashion creator

I think we’re certainly seeing a shift towards 2016 aesthetics. Whether or not they’ll rewrite the Y2K trend that’s been plastered across Pinterest and our TikTok For You page for the past while, I’m not so sure. The 2010s were quite different in silhouette to the Paris Hilton-esque trend we know and love. Y2K is Juicy Couture, baggy denim and mini, mini skirts. I find it hard to imagine the term being coined for bomber jackets, loafers and the impending resurgence of the skinny jean. But maybe I’m wrong or maybe I’m just hoping I won’t be wearing a tattoo choker again, at least anytime soon?

Alex Kessler, junior fashion editor, British Vogue

The Y2K aesthetic is irreplaceable, yet parallels exist between Y2K and 2016, particularly concerning the notion of embracing “good bad taste”. With the dominance of clean-cut, “quiet luxury” fashion, perhaps a reflection of our economic state, the desire to go against the grain is an innate human instinct. And 2016 has all the style tropes that negate what the wider public are buying into right now, which makes it appear cool again. To be frank, I kind of hate all of it — particularly the frayed denim cut-offs, sheer-panelled leggings and off-the-shoulder crop tops. Feels way too soon. Y2K will never die in my opinion. It will always have a place in the hearts and wardrobes of hotties.

Grant Goulden, co-founder of Jaded London

I think we’ve seen Y2K explode in recent years to the point of it becoming the new “commercial” again, with high street giants reclaiming and pushing it to the masses. It’s a natural reaction for people to stray away from it at that point and seek out a new way to explore a unique level of irony within style and fashion. There’s a large common agreement on social media (particularly among millennial and Gen Z generations) of 2016 being the “best year yet”, so I think that has a large part to play. From a menswear perspective, it’s when we really began to see streetwear boom such as Off-White etc. It felt like a real sub-culture to an extent, which is hard to pinpoint in more recent years. It’s very nostalgic.

2016 was a great year for brands like Saint Laurent, they were still relying heavily on their 2000s Indie Sleaze that remains the most relevant trend right now in 2024. I think we’ll see a lot of people referring back to those collections. I think longline T-shirts should absolutely stay in 2016, however. I don’t think the Y2K trend will ever die, fashion is a cycle, and it will always come back eventually. But I think the 2010s has a lot to explore, and there’s a lot more room for creativity and irony, which is only growing in popularity.

What’s next after Y2K? (2024)

FAQs

What fashion came after Y2K? ›

The obvious place to look for Y2K's follow-up would be the years that followed, aka 2006 and on. Boho (the more-is-more statement-necklace look pioneered by Rachel Zoe) comes to mind, as do vests and chambray.

Is Y2K taking over 2024? ›

The resurgence of Y2K fashion in 2024 is driven by a mix of nostalgia, sustainability, and the influence of social media. People are drawn to the unique blend of futuristic optimism and the iconic styles of the early 2000s.

Is the Y2K trend over? ›

Y2K won't die, in my opinion. It will eventually hop off the trend cycle and likely jump back on at some point, and some people will continue to dress like so in the same way there's folks who are obsessed with dressing like they're in the '70s or '90s. It's simply become another tool in the sartorial box.

What's the opposite of Y2K? ›

If you mean timewise, since y2k was more "futuristic" , maybe a more old fashion era of styles could be its opposite. It could also technically be grunge, since it is its preceeding aesthetic. Along with that y2k is more "bright" and "futuristic" while grunge is a bit more "dark" and "natural".

What are the 2000s trends in 2023? ›

Trends throughout 2023 have involved a plethora of born-again, solidified, 2000s-era staples, like ballet flats, low-rise jeans, ribbed tanks as statement pieces, unbuttoned pants, chunky belts resting on hips, and peekaboo bras.

What is the 20 year rule in fashion? ›

This rule is known as the '20-year rule', and what it means is that fashion follows cycles that repeat every 20 years. We go from 'love it' to 'hate it' to 'meh', only to end right back at 'love it'. An essential element of this rule is the feeling of nostalgia that these trends stir.

Is 70s coming back? ›

Trends are fleeting, so that the general Y2K obsession has lasted as long as it has is quite a feat. Trends are also circular, though, so it only figures that Y2K's successor would be another distinct era in fashion. Suddenly, it's the 1970s once again.

What's out for 2024? ›

Common ins for 2024 include early bedtimes, staying hydrated and red-light therapy, while impulsive shopping, mindless phone scrolling and vaping are popular outs.

Is 70s fashion coming back in 2024? ›

The free-spirited vibe of the 70s is back, blazing just the same pattern 2024 fashion trends are trying to repeat. The tides of fashion swing back to its retro past, but with a modern flair. Liquids gowns, florals, and bell-bottoms are taking over the world with a modern twist.

How to dress like a Y2K girl? ›

Velvet track pants, low rise denim skirts and bootcut jeans, bedazzled jackets and chunky heels are just some essentials for the recognisable trend. Autumn/Winter notes include fur trimmed afghan coats, denim midi skirts, thin scarves, berets, leather jackets, mesh blouses and 90s knitwear.

Is scene Y2K? ›

Scene was a subculture that started in the early aughts and became popular through the mid- and late-2000s. While it's often confused with Emo, and some portions of the aesthetic (particularly the hairstyles) do intersect, Scene kids or Trendies were different.

Is Y2K here to stay? ›

Return of the Y2K icons

Klarna's 2022 trend report declared 'nostalgia' the moment's key trend, and Klarna's own House of Y2K showcased the evolution of shopping through the power of 'Nowstalgia'. The brand's partnership with Paris Hilton saw a range of her iconic 2000s looks go on display.

Was Y2K a bug? ›

The year 2000 problem, also commonly known as the Y2K problem, Y2K scare, millennium bug, Y2K bug, Y2K glitch, Y2K error, or simply Y2K, refers to potential computer errors related to the formatting and storage of calendar data for dates in and after the year 2000.

Why is Y2K scary? ›

When complex computer programs were first written in the 1960s, engineers used a two-digit code for the year, leaving out the "19." As the year 2000 approached, many believed that the systems would not interpret the "00" correctly, therefore causing a major glitch in the system.

What the heck is Y2K? ›

Y2K literally means 'Year 2000' and encompasses trends that span from the very late nineties to 2009.

When did Y2K fashion start and end? ›

In Highsnobiety's Spring 2022 print issue, Joanna Pope explained that as TikTok, Depop, and fast fashion retailers throw around the term “Y2K” for clicks and sales, our concept of early 2000s fashion is evolving. Technically, Y2K spans the years 1997 to 2005.

What was the style in 2006? ›

2006 fashion trends included low-rise jeans, crop tops, hoodies, oversized sunglasses, hats and embellished denim. Accessorizing was key.

What was trendy in 2009? ›

In 2009, pantyhose in bright colors like pink, purple and blue could be seen paired with dresses and heels, and black hose with black outfits became an affordable way to look sophisticated. No longer just for punk kids, studs and leather also made a mainstream comeback in 2009.

What is the revival of Y2K fashion? ›

Logo-centric designs were a key part of the Y2K aesthetic. Big brand or designer logos were seen as an indicator of status and fashion knowledge. This trend has seen a revival in modern streetwear, with large, impossible-to-miss logos back in style.

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