10 Y2K Fashion Trends To Nail The 2000s Aesthetic
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This may be an unpopular fashion take: great trends last more than just one season. Think of it like this, how often do you discover something new and become obsessed with it for months or years to come? That’s basically how fashion trends work. Fashion trends always seem to have a way of making a comeback and in Spring 2023, Y2K fashion continues to dominate pop culture looks.
What is the Y2K Fashion Aesthetic Exactly?
The Y2K aesthetic may seriously be one of the longest-running fashion trends we’ve seen in decades. It’s been endorsed by style icons from Bella Hadid to Rihanna to Kim Kardashian, and so many more. The aesthetic is also all over TikTok, where Gen Z especially seems to be loving reinventing what it means to look good–the 2000s way. But what even is the Y2K aesthetic? Y2K is simply best described as some of the hottest looks from the 2000s.
So how can you make this popular aesthetic your own this year? It may be easier than you think! With Y2K style ranging from butterfly clips to comfy and baggy jeans, there is at least one Y2K-inspired item out there that fits your personality.
Create your own Y2K looks with any of the items listed below!
Super Low Rise Pants
In the early 2000s, red carpets were like the wild, wild west, and pop stars were the sheriffs. They set the tone for fashion. When Britney Spears or Christina Aguilera wore denim so low that their pelvic bones showed, fashionistas across America and beyond followed suit. Honor some of the greatest pop stars of our generation by wearing midriff-baring bottoms. These low rise jeans and cargo pants will have you looking like a star at a fraction of the price.
Image: Urban Outfitters
Image: Urban Outfitters
Image: Buckle
Mid-Rise Ankle Skinny Jean
Miss Me
A mid-rise pair with embellished pockets designed by the iconic Y2K denim brand, Miss Me.
Image: PacSun
Butterfly No Waistband Low Cut Jeans
PacSun
A low-rise bootcut with a waistline butterfly embellishment perfect for the early 2000s.
Sky High Platforms
The more dramatic the platform, the more Y2K style the boot. Dramatically tall platform shoes were popular sporadically throughout the 2000s. From the emergence of Bratz Dolls in the early millennia to Lady Gaga’s 12-inch platform dominance, super-tall platform boots were the go-to shoes if you wanted to stand out in the crowd. Stand tall in these budget-friendly platform shoes.
Image: Amazon
Image: Amazon
Image: Amazon
Gilisama Platform Boot
Vince Camuto
A chunky patchwork platform ankle boot that will add a chic touch to your look.
Image: Etsy
Platform Furry Snow Boot
BAB Shoes
A super-cute fur trim platform boot that’s fun to wear during the winter season.
All Things Velour
It’s almost illegal to talk about Y2K outfits without mentioning the velour tracksuit. Popularized by Juicy Couture, comfortable tracksuits were the IT item for the whole decade it seems. These items were so popular that Juicy Couture took many by surprise when it emerged as the fashion house of the 2000s. It seemed as though everyone owned a Juicy Couture tracksuit or purse–or both–including the world-famous heiress, Paris Hilton, or young legends, like Beyonce.
Juicy Couture may not be a household name anymore but the velour tracksuit is, and there’s no wrong brand to choose from these days. No matter the retailer or brand, you’ll definitely want a velour outfit in one of the trendy colors of this year: pale pink, green, or purple.
Image: PacSun
Velour Sparkle Hoodie
By PacSun
A light blueish-purple crop with a heart-shaped rhinestone for extra sparkle.
Image: PacSun
Image: Finish Line
OG Big Bling Hoodie
Juicy Couture
The Juicy Couture original hoodie with mega bling in a trendy pale pink.
Image: Finish Line
Denim Jackets
What couple do you think has had the most iconic red carpet appearance of all time?
If you said anyone but Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake at the 2001 American Music Awards, think again. It’s been decades and no one can forget their all-denim (literally) matching outfits. (In their defense, denim was popular in the 2000s.) Take their look down several notches and still embrace the Y2K aesthetic with a denim jacket. These affordable denim jackets bring the Y2K style out, but each in their own way: simple for all outfits, fur trim for a Cheetah Girls vibe, or a pretty print.
Image: Revolve
Image: Amazon
Image: Amazon
Butterfly Top
Another popular early 2000s trend was the butterfly top. This style of top was made famous by the iconic Mariah Carey. The legendary songstress is proudly a lover of butterflies, even going as far as to name an album after the magical species. When she sported her now-infamous top, the world took note. The butterfly top is arguably one of the most fun Y2K looks to recreate, as today’s young fashion icons–like Dua Lipa and Saweetie–have dazzled in brightly colored butterfly-inspired looks. These very affordable butterfly tops will fly you back in style.
Image: Forever 21
Crochet Butterfly Halter Top
Forever 21
A pink crochet halter similar to the one in Mariah Carey’s “Heartbreaker” music video.
Image: Revolve
Jhene Butterfly Top
Superdown
A crop top with butterfly charms that doesn’t need many accessories to pop.
Image: Shein
Butterfly Rhinestone Tube Top
Shein
A rhinestone tube top reminiscent of the 2000s-loved Ed Hardy designs.
Cutesy Hair Clips
Mariah Carey wasn’t the only one obsessed with butterflies in the ‘90s and 2000s. It seemed as though just about every teenage girl loved their hair clips, and most especially, they adored their butterfly and/or multicolored hair clips. These cute hair clips are perfect for styling a wide variety of creative Y2K hairstyles. Still beloved by many today, they can easily be found everywhere, are budget-friendly, and come in a wide array of colors, meaning you can match practically any outfit to your hair clips with ease.
Image: Etsy
'90s Bright Butterfly Clips
Etsy
An assortment of vivid colored mini clips that scream late ‘90s and early 2000s.
Image: Etsy
Y2k Inspired Barrettes
Etsy
A pack of sparkly rainbow barrettes that'll give a glittery finish to your favorite colorful outfit.
Image: Amazon
Mini Butterfly Clips
Amazon
An assortment of light-colored, translucent clips that can make for a fun rainbow look.
Image: Altar’d State
Floral Claw Clip
Altar’d State
A multicolor flower claw clip that can add a cute touch to any casual look.
Berets
The soft flat-crowned hat, most commonly known as a beret, may not have been the most popular 2000s trend, but they certainly still made noise. Most often seen in suede, the berets of today’s Y2K comeback trend appreciate a different feel. The fuzzy beret, in particular, is making headway, largely thanks to Maddy Perez. The stylists at Euphoria clearly love Y2K outfits, and Maddy’s popularity may be the biggest culprit for spreading the Y2K aesthetic agenda. Dare to be as bold as Maddy in one of these berets that won’t put a big dent in your wallet.
Image: Free People
Image: Shein
Image: Nordstrom
Sparkle
Never forget to sparkle. At least, not when you’re wearing Y2K. All things shiny from sequins to glitter were the it-trend in the 2000s. Find some very sparkly pieces like a halter top (Channel your inner “Crazy In Love” era Beyonce) or super mini skirt, but choose ones that feel extra Y2K to be sure to glisten any day.
Image: Saks Fifth Avenue
Valeria Feather Top
Line & Dot
A top full of feathers, sequins, and color for an eye-catching look ideal for a party.
Image: Revolve
Corrine Coated Knit Halter
NBD
A sparkly knit halter that’ll compliment your shoulders and make your jawline pop.
Image: Nordstrom
Soft Girl Aesthetic
Hyper-cute clothing was a vital component of women’s fashion in both the ‘90s and 2000s. Yet, it’s the 2000s that really seemed to put this style on a pedestal. The soft girl aesthetic can be seen in nearly every teen movie during this period. So, what is the "soft girl aesthetic?" It can be described as hyper-feminine fashion, that includes clothing with pretty pastels or Easter-like colors (Legally Blonde, anyone?).
Embody the hyper-cuteness of Y2K fashion with budget-friendly floral patterns or delicate dresses. These simple items are not only a staple in the soft girl aesthetic, but are also a common foundation piece to any of today’s fashion trends.
Image: ASTR The Label
Serilda Cutout Puff Sleeve Dress
ASTR The Label
A girly dress with puff sleeves that’ll look great on a date day out.
Image: Shein
Image: Shein
Bow Front Floral Dress
Shein
An ultra-feminine pink floral dress with an adorable big bow that’s perfect for a day in the park.
Image: Etsy
Image: Amazon
Fur-Trimmed Tie Cardigan
Luckinbaby
A very Y2K fur-trimmed cardigan crop that can be worn by itself for a sexy look or on top of something else for a sweeter appeal.
Image: Etsy
Body Chains
Any Y2K look can be topped off with a body chain. After all, accessories have always been what makes an outfit pop, and this was especially true in the 2000s when minimalism wasn’t heard of. From A-Listers to school kids, everyone loved statement accessories. A more dainty, but just as eye-catching and popular accessory was the body chain.
Not sure what the typical Y2K body chain looked like? Think J-LO’s “Love Doesn’t Cost A Thing” music video. Be the star of your own music video in these ultra-cute body chains that your bank account will also love.
Image: Shein
Image: Amazon