The Resurgence of Y2K Fashion: Love It or Leave It?
The Resurgence of Y2K Fashion: Love It or Leave It?
By: Briley Rakow
The TikTok and influencer-fueled nostalgia over Y2K fashion has led to a major resurgence in trends that many of today’s youth were too young to fully experience. This rise, while recent, has already been embraced by the likes of Dua Lipa, Olivia Rodrigo, and prominent TikTok influencers like Addison Rae and Charli D’Amelio. As with all era-specific fashion phenomena, we have to wonder: which 2000s staples should we bring back, and which are better left in the past? We have done a deep dive into some of the biggest trends of the decade to find out.
LOW-RISE JEANS: LOVE IT
I will be the first to admit that the thought of a resurgence in low-rise jeans used to keep me awake at night. I do not own a single pair of pants that are not high-waisted, but recently, I have had a slight change of heart. While I still fully believe that high-waisted jeans are the more flattering style, I have seen multiple outfits featuring low-rise jeans with baby tees, making me realize that there just may be a place for both in a 2021 wardrobe.
BEDAZZLED CLOTHING: LEAVE IT
Adding sparkles, jewels, and glitter to every piece of clothing imaginable is very representative of the 2000s era. I am sorry to anyone who has been patiently waiting at home with their be-dazzler for this trend to finally come back, but I am going to have to leave it in the time capsule where it belongs.
BEADED JEWELRY: LOVE IT
As someone who grew up making homemade jewelry and friendship bracelets, this trend is incredibly nostalgic. Beaded jewelry is a fun way to add color and playfulness to an outfit, a center point of what Y2K fashion is all about.
BUCKET HATS: LOVE IT
Bucket hats began to make their return in the summer of 2019, and I have been a supporter of the trend ever since. They are a casual way to wear hats that are not a baseball cap, and can tie together an outfit while still having their own flare.
TUNICS: LEAVE IT
For whatever reason, wearing tunics and dresses over jeans was a popular look at one point, but the outfit does not fit modern times. Tunics are a strange middle point between shirts and dresses, and I am confident we can make do without them.
BABY TEES: LOVE IT
I have been obsessed with baby tees for a hot minute now and am so glad they are still on the rise. The tighter fit makes them a versatile and easy to style staple that pairs well with several types of pants and jackets.
BAGUETTE BAGS: LOVE IT
Baguette bags are perfect for on-the-go style. They are small enough to be taken anywhere but large enough to hold the necessities for a full day out of the house.
The resurgence of Y2K fashion trends can be a polarizing subject for some. However, I believe as long as every style from the era does not make a reappearance, there is no reason some of the trends cannot fit into our 2021 lookbooks.
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