Y Y2K in 2K22

B Y V I C T O R I A S U B E V

“Roaring Y2K fashion, Back in Vogue ” "Y2K Fashion is Making a Sharp Comeback” “Baggy is Back" .

These headlines have been surging in fashion magazines and reading them came as no surprise to many of us. Just by observing our surroundings, the popular aesthetic is obvious. Questions arise.

W H Y I S T H I S H A P P E N I N G ?

In providing an answer to the first question, I will go beyond the obvious, nostalgicdriven explanation. From an early age, sight is our most trusted sense. Incapable of developing much understanding from our surroundings, we observe. We are attracted by outstanding features: Vivid colours, but also patterns and various textures. Since kids from the past now enjoy the financial freedom to fulfil their deeply rooted desires, their observations from childhood reappear: fashion is now bringing back elements from about twenty years ago.

This may be associated with psychological economist Daniel Kahneman ’ s “ what you see is all there is ” (WYSIATI) explanation in Thinking, Fast and Slow. There are two modes of thinking in our mind: System 1 first filters all information without engaging System 2, the rational part. WYSIATI refers to the fact that we normally make our judgements and impressions based on the information available to us (System 1). In making decisions, about our wardrobe in this case, our mind takes into account the things we know. Yet we don 't simply copy old styles. Rather, we are seeing the adoption of Y2K with a modern zeal. How has this trend developed since then?

H O W H A S T H I S T R E N D D E V E L O P E D S I N C E T H E N ?

Take the low-rise jeans as an example. In comparison to the early 2000s, where the rise sat below the hip bones, the 2022 look sees a higher fit. It is less about the ‘ grunge ’ aesthetic of the early 2000s, and more about a loose-fit attire which engenders body-inclusivity. In 2022, body positivity is of great significance in the fashion world. The low-rise jeans reflect this changing mindset and no longer forces the decision between dressing for style versus dressing for comfort. The baggy aesthetic has crossed this divide with which many of us struggled.

The look encapsulates greater freedom – a freedom we need as we grow up and develop our own fashion identity. Moreover, what distinguishes this period’ s inspiration from that of the 1990s, is accessibility. Welldeveloped media platforms grant us access to pop culture and we can effortlessly draw inspiration from previous decades. This is in favour to further today ’ s experimentation - we can jazz up the Y2K-inspired pieces. We might not be actively aware of the expression of individuality, but it surely plays a role in the innovation of Y2K fashion. The minimalistic styles, for example an oversized white shirt thrown over a pair of wide-leg denim jeans, are explicitly more evocative with the addition of futuristic touches - chunky trainers. Much of this revolves around buying items that can be utilised with small tweaks for more than just one occasion.

Fashion stands for individualism, liberalism, and self-expression. In 2023, we will continue to find Y2K-inspired trends adopted with distinct touches by each creator. Uniqueness is what we like to see while learning to appreciate it a little more today than we did yesterday.

The modern-day trend is also not just about the what i.e. what is worn. An explanation of the trend should also focus on the where, i.e. where do we get the what from. In the last couple of years, there has been a surge in popularity of hunting down items from thrift stores. The rising importance of living sustainably has slapped fast-fashion in the face. In comparison to previous generations, Gen Z-ers care substantially more about each decision ’ s impact the environment. Indeed, according to a Nasdaq publication in September 2022, 75% of Gen Z consumers have stated that sustainability is more important to them than brand names. Moreover, the constantly changing selection of choice in vintage shops offers an individually crafted pallet for various combinations.