20 Nostalgic Y2K Trends That Are Back in Fashion

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20 Nostalgic Y2K Trends That Are Back in Fashion

The Gist

  • Fashion trends come and go over the decades, and the stylings of the Y2K era are back with a vengeance.
  • From sultry halter tops, dresses over jeans, to logo bags, there’s a nostalgic trend to give your personal style an update.

—The Gist

Time travel may not be a thing yet, but when it comes to fashion, it kind of feels like we’re stuck somewhere in the early aughts. For years now, old ’00s and Y2K fashion trends have been resurfacing, ranging from the sultry (halter tops) to the questionable (dresses over jeans?). One thing, though, is certain: the early aughts aren’t going anywhere just yet.

Perhaps the reason we’ve fallen so deep into Y2K round two is that not everyone was old enough (or even alive yet) to enjoy—and later, heavily regret—some of the creative, confusing, or just plain strange styles. Or maybe some of us are just nostalgic for simpler times when our main source of outfit inspiration was shows like Lizzie McGuire and Laguna Beach. Whatever the case, there are a whole lot of layering tricks, random accessories, and hairstyles that have weaseled their way back into our lives, and although we may cringe at first, it might be time to give them a chance.

Here’s a refresher on which Y2K and early ’00s styles to add to—or dig out of—your closet.

Holes and Cutouts

Passerby seen in Paris, France.

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images


There’s nothing sexier than showing off a hint of skin in the right place. Fashion icons like Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa are big fans of cutouts these days, and revealing dresses continue to pop up everywhere.

Graphic T-Shirts

Passerby seen in Berlin, Germany.

Christian Vierig/Getty Images


Fashions of the early aughts were filled with statement-making graphic T-shirts because it allowed the wearer to express their identity without saying a word. Afterall, fashion will always be political.

Pleated Skirts

Delaney Rowe seen in New York.

Jason Jean/Getty Images


Tennis may get all the credit for the revival of this staple, but elder millennials will remember its roots. If you’re looking to go full Y2K, plenty of cute outfits can be created with pleated micro-minis. Extra points if you wear it with a matching top.

Corsets

Thora Valdimars seen in Milan, Italy.

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images


Some may blame the corset’s resurgence in popularity on Netflix’s Bridgerton or cottagecore. However, the stars of the early ’00s also enjoyed this body-hugging design, inspiring us to work this lingerie staple into our everyday outfits.

Structured Vests

Xiayan Guo seen in Paris, France.

Christian Vierig/Getty Images


In recent years, we’ve seen fashion enthusiasts wear this style with nothing underneath—just like the stars did in the early aughts. Of course, at that time, metallic options were fit for the stage and came complete with coordinated bottoms.

Platform Boots

Passerby seen in Paris, France.

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images


When celebrities first began stepping out in break-your-ankle heels in the 00s, we were unsure if we could wobble around in this shoe trend again. However, platform boots have become a wardrobe essential and pair well with jeans, skirts, and just about everything else in your closet.

Logo Bags

Passerby seen in Paris, France.

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images


Every time we spot a fashion lover rocking a logo’d shoulder bag, we feel inspired to fish out our original designer purchases from storage. Afterall, what better way to show off your love of Y2K fashion than with a logo bag? Coach and Dooney & Bourke, here we come!

Twisted Halter Tops

Passerby in Paris, France.

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images


Christina Aguilera was one of the first celebs to wear this sexy fashion trend, especially of the scarf variety, which has become a modern-day favorite for models and influencers. They’re an easy way to inject color and print into your look that’s perfect for spring.

Trucker Hats

Aleali May seen in New York.

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images


If seeing this hat style brings you back to the days of TRL and boy bands, you’re not alone—and, unfortunately, it’s not the only old-school look Addison Rae wants to see make a comeback. She’s also into wearing multiple belts with jeans.

Belly Chains

Passerby seen in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images


This accessory will never not be sexy, whether at the beach or on the red carpet. After all, what better way to show off your hard work in the gym than with some shiny ab adornment?

Bubble Skirts

Passerby seen in New York City.

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images


It’s hard to say why, exactly, this extra puffy, pillow-like skirt came back, but one thing’s for sure: it’ll turn heads the moment you walk into a room. The soft lines and billowing volume of a bubble skirt add a touch of romance to even the most mundane of outfits.

Capri Pants

Bella Emar seen in Berlin, Germany.

Moritz Scholz/Getty Images


Capris are the natural progression after biker shorts and are perfect for in-between temperatures. To style it in a more modern way, swap butterfly clips and sequined shirts for a tailored blazer and neutral accessories.

Random Ties

Passerby seen in Paris, France.

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images


Once upon a time, Avril Lavigne convinced thousands of people to style ties with tank tops and T-shirts, rather than knotting them around their collars. These days, you can just add them to every outfit and even wear them like a scarf.

Tube Tops

Passerby seen in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Christian Vierig/Getty Images


The tube top never really went out of style, but it’s seen a resurgence as of late. Whether with a boho skirt or a pair of low rise jeans you can’t go wrong.

Dresses Over Jeans

Hajiba Fahmy seen in New York City.

Jason Jean/Getty Images


Believe it or not, wearing a dress over jeans has become a go-to layering technique amongst the fashion set in recent months. The nostalgic look brings back memories of Disney channel stars dressing up to the nines and can a modest style proposal for those who what to cover up.

Fishnet Material

Mia Mindingall seen in New York City.

Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images


When worn as a naked dress, this trend can be sexy and even work as a swimsuit cover-up. Look for a fishnet dress in a more luxe and colorful textile to make it feel more evening wear than beachy.

Halter Tops

Izzi Allain seen in Milan, Italy.

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images


Halter tops were one of Y2K’s top shirt styles, and even today, they’re sexy and elegant at the same time. Wearing one with an oversized skirt or baggy jeans gives a nice contrast to the tight fit of a halter.

Cargo Pants

Passerby seen in Paris, France.

Edward Berthelot/Getty Images


So. Many. Pockets. Cargo pants have evolved from a workwear staple to a chic must-have for those looking to command attention. And while that detail makes these bottoms a bit bulky, a fitted shirt or bralette will work to balance them out. Plus, the Kim Possible outfit has really made a comeback!

Lace-Up Details

Iryna Thater seen in Paris, France.

Christian Vierig/Getty Images


It’s not just lace-up tops that are having a(nother) moment. They’re popping up in pants, skirts, and even gowns. Lace-up details add a touch of edge that can make even the most romantic pieces look cool.

Statement Belts

Passerby seen in Paris, France.

Claudio Lavenia/Getty Images


During the Y2K era, it was nearly impossible to find an outfit that didn’t include a belted T-shirt, tank tops, or polos. Nowadays, a statement belt cinched over a top looks anything but old-fashioned. This accessory will be your unexpected go-to once you start wearing it.

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