The Rise of Y2k Fashion
Should I wear low rise jeans? How about platform sandals? Ooh and maybe a shoulder bag? Butterfly hair clip or no butterfly hair clip? Yes, yes, yes, and yes! Y2k is in.
There’s a lot of history behind the iconic y2k fashion trends. For many Americans, the year 2000 brought a lot of fear and anxiety. Technology and new innovations were on the rise, and no one knew what a new millennium would bring. Some feared the world would end and time would stop. Others decided that the only real way to prepare for a new millennium was to shop until they dropped. The late 1990’s and early 2000’s were filled with luxurious consumers.
Similarly, with Coronavirus looming over all our heads, many of us also feel as though the world (or the comfort of our daily lives) is coming to an end. When you think about it like that, it’s no surprise that we’ve all run back to trends from the early 2000’s.
Before praising fashion influencers who are currently wearing 2000’s clothes, we have to dive into the past. Paris Hilton, Beyonce, Jenifer Aniston, and Britney Spears are notable celebrities who contributed to the y2k trends that are still admired today. Paris Hilton is y2k fashion- there’s literally no other way to look at it. She single handedly convinced the masses to dress like she did. From kitten heels to mini skirts, Paris wore it all, and wore it well.
There are also countless films that have perfectly captured the essence of y2k trends. Mean Girls, Clueless, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Friends to name a few.
Now, onto specific y2k fashion essentials…
LOW WAISTED JEANS
Honestly, it took me a while to get over my fear of low waisted jeans. I was always worried about how I’d look in them once the “morning skinny” went away. After spending countless hours looking for the perfect low waisted jeans, I can confirm that if you dedicate time to finding a pair that works for you, you’ll absolutely fall in love with low waisted jeans. I usually style low waisted jeans with a baby tee or a lacy tank.
MINI SKIRTS
I absolutely adore mini skirts. From pleated tennis skirts to jean skirts, there’s countless opportunities to incorporate a skirt into your outfit. My favorite way to style a pleated skirt is to pair it with a button up polo and an oversized pullover on top.
MICRO SUNGLASSES
Again, I was skeptical about micro sunnies. But after seeing trend starters like Bella Hadid, Kendall Jenner, and Devon Lee Carlson wearing them, I’ve been searching for a pair nonstop.
SHOULDER BAGS
Shoulder bags are in high demand. They’re all over Instagram, Pinterest, and Depop. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with the Prada Re-Edition 2000 Nylon Mini Bag. Shoulder bags are a y2k staple, since they are not only functional, but extremely cute.
Since most of the Gen Z community is turning to Depop and other reselling sites to buy y2k items, this trend is definitely a positive one because it's sustainable. As for older generations, many of them can search the back of their closets for their 2000’s fashion pieces. Fortunately, y2k isn’t going out of style anytime soon.
And as Paris Hilton once said:
“That’s hot.”
Written By Our Co-Editor-in-Chief Charlie Slan