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 trend after Y2K? ›

Boho (the more-is-more statement-necklace look pioneered by Rachel Zoe) comes to mind, as do vests and chambray. But, instead of the most popular styles from the era returning unabridged, a dark horse has emerged as the likely heir to Y2K's fashion throne: indie sleaze.

Is Y2K taking over 2024? ›

Get ready for Fall/Winter 2024 – it's bringing back the cool vibes of Y2K with a modern twist. We're talking skirts over pants, classic black and white outfits, and even micro-short shorts making a bold comeback.

How long will the Y2K trend last? ›

Y2K will never die in my opinion. It will always have a place in the hearts and wardrobes of hotties. 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.

What is the 20 year rule in fashion? ›

For a long time, a common rule of thumb for fashion trends was that trends typically circle back every two decades, also referred to as the 20-year trend cycle.

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 2000 trends are coming back? ›

The Top Ten Y2K Fashion Trends That Made a Comeback: Revived Low-rise Jeans, Trucker Hats and More, According to Google. Ballet flats, puka shell necklaces and miniskirts, oh my.

Why is Y2K so popular now? ›

The term rose to new popularity in 2020 when users on TikTok and Instagram began popularizing nostalgic early 2000s fashion styles as “Y2K.” Now, it has inspired a widespread revival in early 2000s staples such as velour tracksuits, ballet flats, tiny shoulder bags, crop tops, bedazzled shirts, denim and baggy jeans — ...

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.

Is 70s coming back? ›

While some might've been happy to see the back of flared trousers and platform boots, the groovy styles of a decade that finished over five decades ago are now trending again in 2023. You might already have some items in your wardrobe that originated in the '70s and not even realise it.

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.

Is Y2K futuristic? ›

But the Y2K aesthetic is technology based and relies on futuristic looks, signaling the optimism for the 3rd Millennium or 21st Century. The aesthetic itself started in the late 1990's and came to an end around 2004.

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 will the style be in 2030? ›

Another 2030 trend that we can already see emerging is sustainable fashion. Sustainability and an aversion to so-called 'fast fashion' have become more prevalent among consumers. Customers expect companies to demonstrate their commitment to the environment and transparency around how goods are produced.

How fashion will be in 2050? ›

In 2050, 3D printing technology will revolutionize the fashion industry, allowing designers to create intricate and customized garments never seen before. High fashion will take on new dimensions, with avant-garde designs and complex structural elements.

Why are old trends coming back? ›

Researchers believe that fashion repeats itself due to generational changes. Today, designers are inspired by the trends that prevailed during their parents' time.

What is the Y2K style comeback? ›

Imagine bold colors clashing with metallic fabrics, logos so big you could see them from a mile away… that's Y2K for you! Originating from the late 90s and early 2000s, this style was all about optimism, embracing technology, and standing out. Today, the Y2K look is making a major comeback.

When did Y2K aesthetic end? ›

Cybercore (also referred to as Y2K Futurism, Cyber Y2K, Y3K (in Japan), or just simply Y2K) is an aesthetic that was prevalent in popular culture from roughly 1997 to 2004, succeeding the Memphis Design and Grunge eras and overlapping with the McBling, UrBling, Surf Crush, and 2K1 aesthetics.

What is the opposite of Y2K fashion? ›

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".

How did Y2K become popular again? ›

The term rose to new popularity in 2020 when users on TikTok and Instagram began popularizing nostalgic early 2000s fashion styles as “Y2K.” Now, it has inspired a widespread revival in early 2000s staples such as velour tracksuits, ballet flats, tiny shoulder bags, crop tops, bedazzled shirts, denim and baggy jeans — ...

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