It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (2024)

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (1)

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If you grew up in the 2000s, you'll probably be surprised to hear that the decade's fashion trends are once again popular. I was born in 1994, and if you ask me, the decade still feels like it happened just yesterday. I grew up watchingBritney Spears music videos and vying to get my hands on basically everything Paris Hilton wore. For me, 2000s fashion trends are more nostalgic than those of the'80s or '90s.

Yes, I'm talking about the teeny-tinyhandbags and even tinierstrappy sandals that defined the decade's aesthetic. I won't lie, though. I'm thankful that not everything we wore in the 2000s is making it into the2010s because, well, styles likeultra-low-rise jeans are best left in the past (in my opinion). But if you're as ready as we are to embrace the best of noughties fashion once again, see all the 2000s fashion trends thatare still going strong ever since their initial resurgence.

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (2)

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WHO: Naomi Campbell and Iman, 2004

Whether logo-filled or embellished with buckles, baguette-shapedbags wereconsideredthe 2000s It trendto own. It was during this era when the Dior Saddle, Louis Vuitton Pochette, and Fendi Zucca bags all featured prominently on the arms ofthe A-list set.

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (3)

Louis Vuitton

Monogram Pochette

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (4)

Staud

Tommy Bag

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (5)

Fendi

Baguette

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (6)

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WHO: Rihanna, 2005

Now, would it even be an early aughts storywithout a mention of low rises? They were as iconic a silhouette during the decade then as they are now, and it was all about pairing them with a crop topfor an exposed midriff moment. Daring? Yes. Nostalgic? Absolutely.

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (7)

Abercrombie

Low Rise Baggy Jean

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (8)

superdown

Christina Maxi Skirt

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (9)

Miaou

Fig Faux Leather Mini Skirt

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (10)

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WHO: Nicole Richie, 2006

Shield sunglasses are the accessory trend that's still popping up everywhere fromMiu Miu to Le Specs. The good news is that you don't have to spend a fortune to nail this noughties trend.

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (11)

Miu Miu

Rimless Shield Sunglasses

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (12)

Aire

Pegasus Sunglasses

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (14)

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WHO:Paris Hilton,2003

Everything about 2000s fashion was defined by a more is more mentality: more embellishments, more layering, and showing more skin.Skirtswerehemmed high to show offas much leg as possible, while waistlines were slung ultra-low to maximize an exposed midriff which brings us to the epitome of early 2000s silhouettes: the micro mini skirt.

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (15)

Guzio

Denim Belted Mini Skirt

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (16)

Cultnaked

Forever Mini Mini Skort

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (17)

Mango

Low-Rise Denim Mini Skirt

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (18)

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WHO:Jessica Alba, 2003

Ready or not, thisdivisive outfittrendis bubbling back up again—except that 2023's versions are much more refined and forward.

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (19)

Zara

Asymmetric Tunic

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (20)

Open Edit

Relaxed Waist Wide Leg Trousers

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (21)

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WHO: Sarah Jessica-Parker, 2001

Soft rufflesare still having a major moment today, and we're thanking icons like Carrie Bradshawwho made theasymmetric silhouette look so good.

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (22)

LPA

Jess Flounce Mini Dress

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (23)

Reformation

Lissy Top

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (24)

Mango

Ruffled Chiffon Skirt

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (25)

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WHO: Destiny's Child, 2000

One thing we'll always remember this decade for was how committed everyone was to achieving a standout look.No embellishments were spared when getting dressed, and that means we saw all manner of glitz and glam throughout the decade's most memorable ensembles, but especially the popularity of crystal dressing. Whether it was a crystal mesh dress à la Paris Hilton at her 21st birthday or the coordinating crystal bra tops Destiny's Child donned at the 2000 Hip-Hop Music Awards, more is more when it came to this shimmery trend.

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (26)

Mango

Strass Detail Bra

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (27)

Prada

Rhinestone Embroidered Mesh Mini Skirt

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (28)

Loewe

Petal Crystal-Embellished Suede Mules

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WHO: Britney Spears, 2002

Love them or hate them today, there's no denying that bootcut jeans were the ultimate denim trend of the 2000swith their slim fits and flared-ankle shape.

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (30)

Re/Done

'70s Bootcut Jeans

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (31)

Zara

Flare Z1975 Jeans

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (32)

H&M

Bootcut High Jeans

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (33)

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WHO:Mariah Carey, 2000

If you grew up in the early 2000s, you know all about the "going out top" (looking at you, Millennials). They were an entire category of our closets back then, defined bystatement colors, asymmetric necklines, cropped hems, and pretty embellishments. Mariah Carey's sequin butterfly top is the blueprint here. Essentially, the going-out top was the only thing you needed to own to make an outfit look good—pair one with jeans and you're good to go.

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Blumarine

Blue Butterfly Camisole

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16Arlington

Beige Solaria Tank Top

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Kim Shui

Butterfly Bustier

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WHO:Christina Aguilera, 2000

Say what you will, but the 2000s were nothing if not one big experiment in taking fashion risks. And boy did celebs embrace a risqué look. When Christina Aguilera showed up to the MTV VMAs in 2000 in a G-string skirt, it sparked an entire movement of purposefully showing off your thong straps via hip cutouts or built-instraps.

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (38)

Dion Lee

Lingerie Cut-Out Wool Trousers

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (39)

Christopher Esber

Buckled Cutout Jersey Maxi Skirt

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (40)

Subsurface

Hostess Pants

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WHO:Meagan Good,2003

Truckerhats are continuing to be relevant, but the Von Dutch styles will always be reminiscent of the era. Everyone and their mother sported the iconic brand.

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Von Dutch

Pink Crush Velvet Trucker

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (43)

Boys Lie

Corduroy Trucker Hat

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (44)

Sporty & Rich

Off-White & Green Tank Flannel Cap

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (45)

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WHO: Kate Moss, 2005

Skinny scarves were a micro-trend that fashion people adored adding to their outfits throughout the Y2K era and now, peopleare yet again draping themselves in this trend. Buy into it before it sells out.

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Urban Outfitters

Velvet Rosette Sknny Scarf

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (47)

Coach

Floral Skinny Silk Scarf

It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (48)

Treasure & Bond

Skinny Sequin Scarf

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It's a Y2K World, We're Just Living in It: 12 Trends That Defined the Iconic Era (2024)
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