The return of the Y2K aesthetic

THE year 2000 is one of the most memorable years because of the iconic cyberpunk fashion trends, the rise of technology and the fact that people thought the world was going to end.

It can be compared to the year 2020 as many thought the world was coming to an end, thanks to the global pandemic and even though things are slowly going back to normal, there is no promise that the future is going to be any better.

This may be why Gen Zs have been gravitating back to fashion trends from the year 2000 (Y2K), which was a simpler time, full of promise, if you did not believe the world was going to end, of course.

The Y2K aesthetic started around the late 1990s, when people were both terrified and excited about the rise of technology. While some were looking forward to the new era, others feared that the year 2000 would be the end of the world due to a “computer bug” that was projected to create so much havoc in computers and computer networks, that the world would cease to exist.

Luckily, this did not happen, but instead people got to experience new gadgets and futuristic fashion trends that included coloured sunglasses, velour tracksuits, and tiny baguette bags.

Thanks to that very same technology, young people have been able to use the internet to go back in time and get some inspiration from the era that some of them are too young to remember living through. It is common in the fashion industry to see a ‘blast from the past’ and the return of the Y2K aesthetic is exactly that – the reappearance of clothing and aesthetic trends from the late 90s and the year 2000.

You can see it today in the fashion influences. Take the transparent heels and accessories trend and the translucent make-up we see in editorials. It’s prevalent in video games, design and also, music. It’s an amalgam of the best bits of the 2000s – grunge, animé, pop, and a lot of tech. When Apple launched its new iMacs, they paid homage to their original iMacs, which were translucent and colourful. The many reboots of iconic 2000 era films, such as The Matrix, have also re-ignited our interest in the Y2K aesthetic.

The trend is more prevalent in fashion, where we are seeing the return of low-rise jeans, wide-leg jeans, bedazzled shirts and cardigans. The sneakers have translucent soles and psychedelic colours.

The reason why 2000s fashion is so popular with Gen Zs can heavily be credited to the rise in thrift shopping, which refers to buying second-hand clothes. The thrifting market has grown 21 times faster than the retail market over the past three years, according to the analytics firm, GlobalData.

Access to pre-loved clothes has exposed Gen Zs to well-knownstyles from the past such as, low-waisted jeans and baby tees. Another reason is the growing interest in making more sustainable fashion choices. Due to the negative impact of fast fashion on the environment, some people are looking into alternative ways to stay fashionable without contributing to the world’s waste problem.

Thrifting is a good way to do this, but it might not be for everyone. There are plenty of clothing brands around the world that have been embracing the Y2K trend just as much as Gen Zs are. Movies and television shows from the 2000s like, Mean Girls, Clueless, Legally Blonde, Lizzy McGuire and Cheetah Girls are also huge inspirations for the Y2K look.

What are the staples?

To avoid fear of missing out (FOMO) there are a few must-have staple pieces that will help you ace the Y2K aesthetic.

Low-waisted jeans

People were a little sceptical about the return of low rise jeans at first, but they were the epitome of Y2K fashion, making them a must-have for the aesthetic.

Baguette bag

The classic French bread purse is here to stay. They rose to fame around 2005, and are usually too small to fit anything more than your phone and some cards.

Velour Tracksuits

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie were big fans of velour tracksuits in the 2000s. They are comfy and perfect for both running errands and lounging around at home.

Bright colours

Think purple, a lot of pink, yellow and blue - bright colours ruled the 2000s aesthetic. The Bratz dolls are the inspiration here. From the eye popping make-up, to the bright coloured streaks in hair.

Butterfly hair clips

Adding butterfly clips to your hairstyle is the easiest way to embrace the Y2K aesthetic because hair accessories were very popular back then. A bandana, claw clips or colourful scrunchies are must-haves as well.

Mini-skirts and baby tees

Small clothing was a hit back in the 2000s, celebrities would even wear baby tees to the red carpet. That is why they are a staple when channelling Y2K fashion.

Coloured sunglasses

Nothing completes the Y2K aesthetic like a pair of colourful sunglasses.