Y2K fashion – it’s everywhere. We’re talking low-rise jeans, graphic baby tees, cargoes, tiny miniskirts, diamantes, bucket hats, kitten heels, double denim and more.
The trend is a nostalgic look back at fashion from the early 2000s – although, for those who lived through it the first time, it’s not quite how we remember it. It’s really a reinterpretation of those trends, driven in part by Gen Z’s fascination with celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. Mainstream fashion in the 2000s was a reaction to the minimalism of the ’90s, so if you want to be a purist, stick to vivid colours and bold prints. Read on for some fun ways to work a little Y2K into your wardrobe.
Double denim
Who can forget the image of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake in head-to-toe denim at the 2001 American Music Awards? Double denim is a feature of the Y2K look and can be worn in a variety of ways. Our top choice is a cropped shirt and miniskirt from Aje, both in a mid-wash denim. Alternatively, a coloured denim two-piece is another good option, such as Kowtow’s green denim jacket and jeans made from organic cotton or Outland Denim’s jacket and jeans in ecru. If you prefer a looser fit, try this charming LF Markey denim trouser and blouse combo from Somebuddy Loves You.
Rhinestone chokers
Inspired by Paris Hilton and the heavy rhinestone choker she wore to her 21st birthday party in 2002, this look demands a wide and dramatic necklace – a statement piece that can elevate any outfit. If you prefer a classic style, this geometric-design choker from Kenneth Jay Lane is for you. An elegant option is this sterling silver or 18ct gold-plated piece by Melbourne jeweller By Nye, or you can go extravagant with this art deco-inspired one by Butler and Wilson, with iridescent crystals in an intricate interweaving pattern.
Bucket hats
No Y2K shopping list is complete without a bucket hat. (Just ask Brad Pitt, who rocked one very well in Bullet Train.) Our top pick is this lime terry towelling hat from Venroy. We also love the many bucket hats by Double Rainbouu. For a shiny waterproof version, get Penny Sage’s bucket hat in a soft pink. And, if you want to make a statement, get a Best Mate hat from Best Jumpers.
Wraparound tinted sunglasses
Tinted wraparound sunglasses were seen on everyone from J Lo to Justin Timberlake to Victoria Beckham. They’re more of a fashion accessory than a practical sunblock item, so look for glasses in lime, purple, yellow, orange or pink. We love these ones in a violet frame by South Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster, available via Incu. Or there’s these bronze shield glasses from Sunglass Hut.
Sheer mesh tops
This look is inspired by the vintage Jean Paul Gaultier tops that have been trending lately, seen on the likes of Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid. If you can’t get your hands on a vintage version, shop this rip-tide print top from Bec & Bridge. (Also, if you want some low-rise pants for your Y2K look, Bec & Bridge has plenty to choose from.) For a bolder look, try this Scanlan Theodore psychedelic print top. If you prefer something more subtle, then this delicate floral print version from Hansel & Gretel might be for you.
Square-toed sandals
A square toe was the defining shoe of this period. They were worn as either a chunky mule-style shoe or a strappy sandal. Look for a pair in a coloured leather, like these By Far mules in a turquoise shade. We also love these Nelson Made strappy sandals in cream, and these gorgeous lilac-coloured mules from Paul Smith.
Butterfly motifs
This look is inspired by Mariah Carey’s fascination with butterflies in the late ’90s and 2000s. Not only was her sixth album, released in 1997, called Butterfly, but she wore a signature diamond butterfly ring and butterfly sequin top. Try to incorporate a little bit of a butterfly motif into your outfit with this butterfly ring from legendary designer Anna Sui in a range of resin shades. Or a butterfly print baby tee from Permanent Vacation. This Olivia Burton watch with mother-of-pearl butterflies is a subtle way to work the look into your wardrobe.
Claw hairclips
A large claw hairclip is perfect to hold all your hair up in a messy do – think Hilary Duff in Lizzie McGuire. We recommend this large clip from Orora in a pearlescent shade. For a more environmentally conscious option, Kitsch makes clips from recycled materials, or you can go luxe and splurge on this one by Balmain.
Updated on November 9, 2022.
