The 2000s Are Calling

HOW TO INCORPORATE 2000s TRENDS INTO YOUR EVERYDAY STYLE

Written by Manon Bushong, Assistant Fashion Editor • Photographed by Seth DeGier, Staff Photograher • Modeled by Channing Smith and Jade Christensen

The most definable constant of modern fashion culture is that it is entirely cyclical. Fashion trends reappear every few decades, manifesting in different and new forms, ultimately holding timeless and immortal themes. As a member of Generation Z, I have witnessed a variety of fashion seasons inspired by prior decades, such as the obsession with all things 90s. However, the most recent time period inspired fashion trend happens to be the first that I lived through: the 2000s. “Y2K” or year two thousand could easily be the most popular search on second hand fashion websites such as Depop. The 2000s are all the rage at the moment, as modern style icons embrace themes from this decade. After years and years of high waisted jeans being the go to denim, the low rise style of the 2000s is finally coming back. This low rise trend even extends to mini skirts which were an “it piece” of the early 2000s. Socialites from this time, such as Paris Hilton,

Nicole Richie, and Hilary Duff, were nearly always photographed in low rise buttons. This trend may be the most controversial amongst the recent Y2K fad, as many feel this style is unflattering and are opposed to the “whale tail” trend ever resurfacing. However, whether or not you choose to bring back low rise, there are several other popular ways to embrace the return of the 2000s.

One prominent way people are incorporating Y2K fashion into their looks today is through baby tees. Small cropped, often graphic tops paired with low rise bootcut jeans screams early 2000s, but in recent times, it has also become a recent trend. You can take this look up a notch through sporting a baby tee with a bedazzled pattern, maybe even a butterfly, in order to truly capture the essence of this decade. One iconic 2000s brand known for their graphics that is making a colossal comeback is Von Dutch. Tank tops, graphic tees, and trucker hats from this line are blowing up on Depop and being flaunted by modern day “socialites,” now referred to as influencers. Additionally, brands such as Juicy Couture and Ed Hardy that reigned over the 2000s have recently been available in popular retail stores such as Urban Outfitters.

In the early 2000s, socialites such as the notable Paris Hilton, would wear lacy, babydoll style tops resembling lingerie (sometimes actually being actual lingerie) out in public. Recently, a Victoria Secret lace bra top, shown on a model wearing nothing but coordinating underwear, was

trending on TikTok. However, those who purchased this popular piece style it with jeans or a cute skirt, possibly even under a cardigan or blazer, proving that the lingerie-asstreetwear trend is far from over. Additionally, it’s also popular to layer lace bodysuits over white mock neck shirts to incorporate this style into one’s winter wardrobe.

Recently, there has been a number of Y2K accessory trends making their way onto the racks of today’s trendiest stores. One notable example is the baguette bag, a hybrid of recent bag trends such as the micro purse and the tote bag. These small shoulder purses are definitely a size up from the recently trendy micro bag, but less bulky than a tote. A few retailers offering cute baguette bags at affordable prices are ASOS, Zara, and Mango.1 These stylish purses can take any Y2K outfit to the next level, and there are endless varieties of patterns, colors, and textiles that they can be paired with.

Clothing isn’t the only Y2K trend that is gaining popularity this year. The recent “e-girl” hair moment heavily resembles iconic hairstyles of 2000s popculture figures, such as Avril Levigne and Christina Agulara. Whether it be a contrasting blonde and brown dyed hair look, recently seen on Dua Lipa, or a pop of color in one’s front pieces, there is no denying modern popular hairstyles are a tribute to the 2000s. After

1 Montgomery, J. (2019, August 15). The One Bag Trend You Really Don’t Need to Spend a Lot On. years of natural highlights and balayage styles dominating hair trends, chunky highlights are also making a comeback.

The best thing about the cyclical nature of the fashion industry is that it’s so easy to find trendy pieces second hand. Consider hitting up your local thrift shop if you are planning to take part in this trend, as you can surely find a cool piece no one else will have, while also remaining environmentally friendly. There is also no shortage of stylish Y2K pieces on second hand sites such as Poshmark and Depop.

The revival of the 2000s in the fashion industry brings sparkles, pastels, and nostalgia that is sure to aid with any pandemic blues.■