Baguette bags at the ready, Y2K fashion is making a comeback. Here’s your complete guide on how to wear the trends now.
Do you hear that? It’s the scream of a Juicy Couture tracksuit being dragged out of a storage closet where it’s slept blissfully for twenty years. 2000s style – coined Y2K fashion by the kids – is back with a vengeance thanks to savvy celebrity stylists, nostalgic indie brands and TikTok stars. Even Paris Hilton has returned to the limelight (velour tracksuit and a new Lanvin campaign in hand). And with Gen Z celebrities like Bella Hadid, Dua Lipa and BTS leading the charge, the trend is not likely to disappear any time soon.
There’s a handful of very 2000s fashion trends that have reared their head this spring/summer season, and we’ve got a few tips on making them work for you, whatever your body shape (the 2000s weren’t the most body positive years, but the world of fashion has slowly moved on since then). From miniature baguette bags to new trouser silhouettes, here’s how to channel Y2K fashion without going full costume party.
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Y2K Fashion Trends
Baguette Bags
Chances are you already know baguette bags have made a comeback. Adorable and versatile, we’d actually encourage you to make this one of your statement pieces by opting for a bold colour or pattern – the shape is so oversaturated now that we want you to stand out from the pack.
If your wardrobe leans towards a minimal aesthetic, opt for a more interesting take on the bag: scrunchie-style baguette bags are out in full force, while Bottega Veneta (and all its knockoffs) are championing leather woven versions. Looking to invest? ByFar, Prada and Fendi are way ahead of the pack. And for something wallet-friendly, Mango’s high street versions are amongst the most coveted.
How To Style
Pair your purse with a slinky silhouette for maximum Y2K vibes. We love the kitschy mermaid print and rainbow hues of this silk-crepe Rixo midi dress, or play with texture thanks to this crochet Rebecca Taylor cardi and skirt set. Contrast the fluidity of these looks with a pair of chunky Converse.
Chunky Colourful Jewellery
There’s been an avalanche of late 90s/early 2000s love in the accessory space, with aliens, daisies, yin yang signs, clouds, hearts and other gloriously nostalgic motifs making their mark front and centre.
The great thing is that you don’t have to splash out too much; high street brands like ASOS, Cotton On and more have you covered. Though if you do have more to spend, we have a soft spot for slightly pricier indie designers like July Child, the Bon Bon Whims Club, Wilhelmina Garcia and BlackCurrantPop.
How To Style
As an homage to the “gashapon” machine rings, part of styling these delightfully tacky pieces is just embracing the fun and keeping other accessories to a minimum. Some high-waisted “Mom” jeans and white tee make for the perfect blank canvas, along with some ugly sandals (this pair has been elevated with a touch of Chanel-inspired tweed), or go bold like Dua with a neon dress from up and coming London brand POSTER GIRL.
Read more: 10 Bridgerton-Inspired Style Hits To Shop Now
Wide Legged Trousers
The bigger the better. Bella Hadid and a fleet of fashion brands have hauled this into the limelight and you’re likely to see a lot of wide legged jeans and trousers on the high street.
For optimum coolness, opt for a printed pair; this zebra number will have you standing out from the crowd in no time.
How To Style
Pair with a form fitting top to offset the bagginess of what’s going on down below, or even a crop top if you’re feeling a bit braver. Minimal accessories are a must so as not to clash with your print of choice – try on this structured Charles + Keith shoulder bag and these elevated Rag & Bone flip flops for size. A claw clip adds a fun nostalgic throwback to the overall look.
Oversized Sunglasses
The bug eyed look is in vogue again, and we’re seeing more blocky shapes take spring and summer by storm.
From the quintessential summery white shades to ultra cool black and orange tinted lenses, rocking these is all about attitude – and we don’t doubt you have that in spades.
How To Style
Lean into all the breezy summer feels by pairing your shades with a breezy oversized maxi dress. Add in some pretty floral-accented sandals and a bold macrame bag to take on Hong Kong humidity in style.
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All images property of Sassy Media Group, with product images courtesy of respective brand websites and additional graphics from Krystal Ng via Unsplash, MakeSumo via Unsplash, Getty, July Child via Instagram and Poster Girl via Instagram.
Styling by Megan C. Hill.