It’s been 18 long years since Atomic Kitten first touched the charts (Christ, that makes me feel old). These days, pop stars are glossy Barbie dolls with perfect hair and flawless styling. But, that wasn’t always the case. Back in Atomic Kitten’s era, girl bands had shit highlights and dodgy color-coordinated wardrobes. They were normal and relatable. They looked like all of us on a girl’s night out with crimped waves and a Smirnoff Ice in hand - just flick to the left on Facebook photos for proof. For better or worse, celebrities, they were just like us!
Watches Coyote Ugly Once
Can’t Fight The Moonlight was an anthem for everyone, obviously. Giving Liberty X a run for their money, the Atomics embraced leather flares and crop tops like their lives depend on it.
Ladies Night
For that prerequisite group dance around a handbag on the floor, at least one Kitten had to bring a bag, even if it only held a lipgloss and a Motorola Razr.
And, Turn
Who didn’t strike this pose at Year 9 prom? You’re lying if you don’t admit to it. Vibing Destiny’s Child, this is Atomic Kitten asking if we’re ready for this jelly?
Pride of Britain
There was a hot moment in the early 2000s when it was legit cool to like the union jack. So, obviously, when Natasha got the chance to show off her new wheels she wore a studded sleeveless top emblazoned with her patriotic inclination.
Jeans And A Going Out Top
Ask yourself, what was more glam in 2002 than a nice top and a pair of bootcut jeans?
Solange’s Inspiration?
Long before Solange’s bridal party took squad shots wearing all white, there was Atomic Kitten at Party In The Park in 2001. In that classic girl group move, they wore similarly flared pants with matching tops with ever so slightly different necklines. Same, but different.
Geography Teachers Gone Wild
Yes, she is wearing a sleeveless fleece and slip on trainers. And no, we don’t remember this ever being acceptable, even in 1999.
Eternal Flame
Maybe it’s because I’m older, wiser but looking back through Getty Image’s magnum opus on the Kittens, it’s only now that I’ve realised just how touchy-feely they were with each other. Fact: Regardless of which interchangeable members were in the band, they were never photographed more than 3mm apart, and more often or not there would be a stray hand stroking a Juicy Couture-clad leg or a diamanted top.
Whole Again
When you’re pregnant, but you’re not ready to tell everyone yet, consider making everyone around you dress the same and see if you all just merge into one black, honey-coloured highlighted blob.
Personal Highlight
Whoever gave these girls racoon highlights needs to get in the sea. Stat. It was fine for you or me, with our at-home dye jobs paid for with pocket money and a Saturday job, but these girls were celebs and a fully trained, professional did this. No wonder, Prince Charles is wincing.
The Tide Is High
This is what happened in the days before group chat. With no way of checking in, you ran the risk of all turning up in peddle pushers and pointed boots. Hard, cold truth.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.