If you’re old enough to remember Y2K fashion the first time around, you probably vividly recall the chockers, trucker hats, low slung jeans and pleated mini skirts that were so in style back in the late 90s and early 00s. With the 2020s in full swing, the Y2K fashion is having a renaissance and is updated to an even better version of the fun fashion people used to love. It’s time to toss out the minimalist outfits in dark colours! Sparkly, glittery outfits are all over the place and bubble-gum pink is about to become the new black. Are you curious what today’s Y2K is all about? Continue reading to find out what Y2K fashion is and how to style it.
What is Y2K fashion?
Y2K fashion is back in vogue again, just two decades after its disappearance. In the fashion world, Y2K is a stylistic trend that covers the late 90s and early 2000s styles. Long story short, Y2K fashion was all about fun, which is what fashion should be all about anyway. Tacky accessories, like trucker hats, were having a moment and the It label of the Y2K era was Von Dutch. Clothes from this era feature tons of bling, oversized designer logos, waist-bearing jeans and skirts, and bright colours. And these styles and brands are coming back with a vengeance!
How to wear and style Y2K today
Movies like Mean Girls, Clueless and Legally Blonde are huge inspirations for the Y2K look, as they feature uber-stylish female characters who obsess over fashion. We’ve listed some staples of the Y2K fashion trend:
#1 Teenie-tiny cropped shirts
These teenie-tiny cropped shirts sit above the belly button, and have a higher fit across the chest. Y2K brands like Fiorucci and Juicy Couture still have the cropped micro shirts in their collections!
#2 Low-rise jeans
Back in the late 90s, low-rise jeans were lower than low and featured ultra-tight fits, barely-there zippers, and thong-baring backsides. Today’s low rise jeans sit naturally low on the waist, and are a lot more flattering than the 90s version. No more muffin top and whale tale this time!
#3 Tie front cardigans
Tie-front cardigans and ribbed button-ups are the perfect off-duty style. Wear them with the top and bottom undone and pair them with a matching bralette, baggy denims and heeled boots.
#4 Silk cami
A silk cami is a staple in your Y2K wardrobe. They go with everything! Pair them with a cute cardigan and blue jeans, or your business trousers, a slip skirt or shorts.
#5 Pleated mini skirts
A pleated mini skirt is essential if you want to rock that Y2K vibe. Pair the super short skirt with boots and any top that you love.
#6 Baguette bags
A baguette bag epitomes the Y2K fashion trend. It’s designed to match perfectly to tailored shirting, low-rise denim, and slouchy sweaters.
Y2K styling inspiration for outfits
Y2K hairstyles that throw you back to the 90s
The Y2K craze would not be complete without the era’s iconic hairstyle trends! The supercool ‘dos look amazing on everyone, and there’s no way you can’t pull off the bubble braids, beanies, pigtails, space buns, and butterfly clips. Are these hairstyles out of your comfort zone, and do you need some time to adjust to the supercute Y2K hairstyles? No worries! A simple hair claw will give you the Y2K vibe. Here’s some inspo for Y2K hairstyles.
