The Anatomy Of A Trend: How To Wear Y2K Fashion Now

If, like us, you had a blow-up chair in your bedroom (most likely next to a lava lamp) and a stack of Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Destiny's Child albums, we’re about to give you some fashion flashbacks. Everything Y2K (around the year 2000) is making a comeback in the world of fashion, and it’s mainly thanks to TikTok. While Gen-Z give their take on everything from butterfly clips to low-rise jeans to baby tees to belt skirts (think Aguilera in the ‘Dirrty’ video) to mini shoulder bags to bejewelled sunglasses, those of us who wore these trends the first-time round (hands up if this is you) may be pickier with the ones we choose to wear again.

What Does The Y2K Aesthetic Look Like?

Y2K outfits essentially encapsulates the 2000s - and the late '90s. In three words, it’s fun, vibrant and futuristic. During this time, technology and the internet were both evolving. Pop culture also played a huge part in the evolution of the style, the biggest It-girls being Britney Spears, Destiny’s Child and Lindsay Lohan. Cult movies like Clueless, not forgetting Mean Girls, acted as something of a fashion blueprint, too! Fast forward to today and under the TikTok hashtag '#2000saesthetic' there is a whopping 16 million views and counting!

Is Y2K still on trend in 2024?

The sharp return of the discombobulated Y2K aesthetic has come as no surprise. This is no news either, but the hotchpotch trends of the early aughts have been orbiting the fashion spheres for quite some time now. First chainmail tops made a return, then low-slung, stonewash denim crept back up, too. And before we knew it, Gen-Z tastemakers like Bella Hadid spearheaded the return of flatform sandals, crochet accessories, rhinestone and frameless micro glasses for a generation that is experiencing this trend for the first time. Add butterfly-print trousers to pleather jackets, crop tops and multiple claw clips to the mix and the equation becomes the antidote to fashion’s thrall for minimalism and forever pieces (famously, the year 2000 was renowned for being totally extra). But change is on the horizon. Y2K is still on trend, but its tendencies are veering towards the very early years of the millennium, edging on the late ‘90s, when simplicity and minimalism still had a place in fashion.

How To Achieve The Y2K Look

Feel like moving with the times? We’ve done a deep dive into the beginning stages of Y2K to find some new, time-defying style inspo (sorry Juicy Couture tracksuits!). Or, to put it differently, outfits that don’t fill those of us who have been around the first time with second hand embarrassment. Gone are the days of coin belts and flared low-rise pants (hurrah), and in are the days of Noughties Trends you can actually wear on a day-to-day basis. You’re welcome.

1. Spotlight Dressing

Take Katie Holmes as a perfect example for spotlight dressing. Keep the focus on one hero product and finish the outfit with pristine wardrobe staples like the perfect white T-shirt.

2. Dress Over Pants

Yes, you’ve heard right. Dresses over pants (Dropants?) have made a stealth comeback. But done right, it can make for an elegant evening look and smartly convert the naked dress trend into something actually wearable. Take inspiration from Aaliyah and opt for a sheer dress (preferably black) over sharply tailored trousers. This trend is gaining huge traction on TikTok with 2.4 million views for the hashtag '#skirtoverpants' and 1.4 million for '#dressoverpants'. Will you be joining this club?

4. Ballet Pumps

With balletcore being all the talk, now is a great time to add a pair of pumps to your shopping basket.

5. Velour Tracksuits

The velour tracksuit. This was something that was popularised by Paris Hilton. In the early 2000s, she was always seen in a pink Juicy Couture tracksuit, and with the Y2K hype, shoppers have been picking up the set. Paris has also started her own velour tracksuit line as a throwback to her legendary style! It's a great airport outfit (just saying).

6. The Shoulder Bag

If SJP taught us one thing, then that a baguette bag never goes out of style, and never feels out of place.

7. Jeans And A Nice Top

Nothing beats the old jeans and a nice top styling trick. Swap your trainers for kitten heels and you’re all set.

7. Flatforms

Don’t think about vertiginous flatform but consider these everyday pedispreaders. Worn with tailoring and an oversized shirt, they get the style set stamp of approval.

8. Florals

If you associate the combaination of Y2K and florals with Oilily, we don’t blame you. But what Destiny’s Child teaches us here, is that floral can be worn in a cool but grown up way. Steer clear of dainty patterns and opt for bold prints instead.

9. The Skirts

When you think Y2K skirts, you can't help but remember Cher and Dionne's plaid numbers in Clueless! The skirts from this time were so bright and playful. Now it's come full circle, skirts are really the in thing - especially mini ones. As Paris Hilton says ‘skirts should be the size of a belt’. Hopefully you've got that sound on TikTok.

10. Python Print

There’s something to be said about snakeskin print. It’s surprisingly versatile and comes in a variety of options: as shoes, bags, jackets and pants. Whichever one tickles your fancy, keep it to one item and match it with simple wardrobe basics.

11. Souvenir Tees

Repeat after us: souvenir tees are totally acceptable to wear on a day-to-day basis. Simply match them up with something a lot more considered, like a pencil skirt or a suit. It’s all about high-low.

12. Serious Tailoring

Wide-leg tailored trousers are just as popular then as they are now. And how to style them now? Pair them with pointed boots to create a slick silhouette.

13. Keep It Simple

Like a hangover from the ‘90s, minimalism carried over into the noughties. Going forward, this will serve as one of our main Y2K inspirations, putting a more sophisticated spring on this trend. Think tailored pants and skintight tops. Oh, and a cropped denim jacket. Always.

14. Crop Tops

The baby tees. These tops have definitely made a huge return. Whether it’s ribbed or there’s a graphic print on the front, the girlies didn't wait for summer to start wearing their crop tops (they're great for holiday outfits, obviously). Paired with a long denim jean, it’s a look!

15. On-Trend Accessories

What’s an outfit without the accessories? Popular items we're seeing re-emerging are butterfly clips, colourful bandanas and sporty sunnies! The futuristic frames especially are growing in popularity with Pinterest searches for the style increasing by 21%.

Renee Washington, Grazia's Digital Fashion and Beauty Assistant, lives online. With a penchant for wispy lashes and streetwear, she writes about the worlds of fashion and beauty from the viewpoint of the modern fashion girlie.