Y2K Revival: Iconic Trends Making a Comeback

GLORIA OLOTU for MacInStyle

Monday December 11th 2023

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The Return of the 2000s

Flared pants, pops of colour, pleated skirts and low-rise jeans. Does this ring a bell? Sounds like fashion heaven to me! Y2K fashion is BACK! Recently, I've been obsessing over the 2000s fashion, hairstyles and the idea of this aesthetic. 

I've been thinking that I was born in the wrong generation, wishing I go back in time and see what it was like back then, but luckily the trend is back for good! This gives people the opportunity to reminisce in nostalgia and allows people to try out this fabulous aesthetic, and own it!!  But it has got me wondering how the trend even started. 

A brief history lesson :) 

First of all, Y2K started in the late 90s and early 2000s. This aesthetic is a combination of metallic themes with a blend of subcultures and a futuristic look. It was promoted by fashion icons that took on the trend including Jay Z, Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and many more. 

Of course, Gen Z is inspired by the look and would want to have a taste of this millennial era. Thanks to Pinterest, TikTok and Instagram it is coming back faster than ever. 

Now if you want to look the part…

Reduce, reuse, recycle. Off the bat, you may be thinking about waste of paper or other materials. Yet, this phrase can be used for much more than just the classic cardboard and paper. Y2K is a perfect example of Sustainable fashion. 

(what is sustainable fashion?? “Sustainable fashion is the, upcycling, and distributing of clothes in ways that can help the environment.”)

Don't worry about buying brand-new clothes, that's the beauty of a throwback trend. These things could be 1. Lying somewhere in your closet  2. You can go thrifting and find cool pieces to work with your outfit. It is also a reminder to rethink before you throw away your clothes. Who knows maybe that piece will come back in style in 20 years or less! 

Here are a few examples of staple pieces you can get to achieve the Y2K  look!

1.Baby tees 

This is a very versatile piece, these tops can be paired with any type of bottoms, Jeans, skirts, sweatpants you name it! That's what I love about it. You can just throw it on with anything and it looks good! You can dress it up, dress it down and layer it if you want! 

2.Tracksuits

I am sure many of you have seen the juicy couture tracksuits. These are back in style! It may not be for everyone, but it has certainly caught my eye, especially because of that velveteen fabric. The tracksuits don't specifically have to be this brand, anything will do. As long as it’s matching it has Y2K written all over it <3

3.Wid-leg jeans/ Flare pants/ Cargo pants 

Now that it's winter it's the perfect time to bring out the jeans! Back in the day, there were way more low-rise jeans, but the high-ride wide-legged jeans will do just right! Plus, I find jeans way more comfortable. There are so many ways you can make it look stylish! I have an obsession with cargo pants, I just love the baggy look and the many different colours they come in! This can be worn with baby tees and paired with accessories! Whatever vibe you like!

Now my favourite part is ACCESSORIES! 

(always, always always accessorize!) 

4.Butterfly Hair clips 

I just love how cute these look! You can add these to any style, and they do not need to match your outfit! (Any type of hair clip will do!) 

5.Baguette bags 

(or any type of handbag) 

I just love how handy bags can be. Although this type of bag doesn't have that much storage, it adds so much more to the outfit!

Which is better? A bag that has a bunch of storage space and doesn't go with the fit? Or a cute small bag that just works well with every fit? It’s all up to you and your sense of style!  If you want that full package, I say add a cute bag to complete the look! It screams Y2K girly. 

Y2K Fashion Now 

Of course, there are going to be some differences when it comes to Y2K Fashion now versus the early 2000s. It's not going to be the same, that's what makes it fun. I've seen some comments on TikTok of people complaining that Y2K Fashion now, is not even close to the past. That is the point, this revival allows people to reinvent themselves and discover their style!! 

The moral of the story is, 1. Be careful what you throw away. 2. Buying new clothes is not necessary. 3. Try new things. 

Are you ready to embrace Y2K fashion? I know I am!  Let me know how you liked these tips and thanks for joining me today. 

Stay tuned for more,

xoxo

References

Mikkelsen, M. (2022, March 11). Y2K Fashion Guide: Why It’s Back, and How to Nail Y2K Outfits.

TheCoolist. https://www.thecoolist.com/y2k-fashion/

Tobiason, E. (2022, October 24). Timeless trends: The recycling of style. KCPR. https://kcpr.org/2022/10/24/comeback-collections-the-recycling-of-fashion-trends/

Understanding the effects of climate change on food security in northern Indigenous communities. (2023, January 27). Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/polar-knowledge/publications/aqhaliat/volume-4/climate-change.htm