If you search “2000s fashion” or “Y2K fashion” on TikTok, you’ll drum up thousands of videos, some of which mock divisive trends from the time (ahem, pencil-thin eyebrows) while others offer how-to videos for younger people trying to re-create the looks.
Early 2000s and Y2K fashion was synonymous with many things — velour tracksuits, trucker hats, Ugg boots and low-rise jeans, to a name a few. Or, think back to the 2000s fashion of Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Gwen Stefani, Destiny’s Child and the Olsen twins.
It’s not an era that people usually associate with great fashion, but it’s decidedly back.
Many folks say Gen Z is driving the return of these ’90s and early 2000s trends, but others think there could be something deeper at play. Research says that people cling to nostalgia during times of strife — folks are even more likely to watch nostalgia-inducing movies and shows when they’re feeling low (which could explain why you turn to your comfort shows on a hard day).
This year (and the past few years, for that matter) have certainly been full of some pretty low lows such as the COVID-19 pandemic and a loneliness epidemic throughout the country. So it makes sense that the aughts (the years from 2000 to 2009) and Y2K (the late 1990s) fashion trends, potentially from a time when you were less stressed about the world, are back in the zeitgeist, too.
Though it’s easy to look back and shudder at the thought of certain late-’90s and early-2000s trends returning, other looks from this time are a welcome respite from the buttoned-up, stressed-out lives that are a reality for many folks.
If throwback fashion makes you feel at peace or reminds you of a carefree childhood, we’re all for it. And you’ll be happy to hear that celebrities and non-celebrities alike are getting in on the often over-the-top trends of the late ’90s and early 2000s.
Here’s how Y2K and early 2000s fashion has shown up on runaways, at parties and in cities throughout the world in 2024:
Low-Rise Jeans
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For many, the high-waisted jeans of recent years were a reprieve from the low-slung jeans of the early 2000s, which are slowly making their way back to stores and runways — and, here, on model Amelie Tremblay.
Newsboy Caps
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In the peak aughts film “Love Actually,” Keira Knightley sports timely fashion with a newsboy cap. Now the style is back on celebrities like Jazmine Sullivan (seen here) and has also been worn by such celebrities as Salma Hayek.
Dresses Over Pants
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From Lindsay Lohan to Ashley Tisdale, the biggest celebrities of the early 2000s were seen wearing dresses and skirts over pants and jeans — a style that is seen here on Emily Ratajkowski.
Moon Boots
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Moon boots had their moment in 2004 with the hit movie “Napoleon Dynamite.” Now you’ll see them again at festivals and in cities throughout the world, and Adidas just announced a new partnership with the Moon Boot brand, too.
Crochet
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Crochet shawls, tops and tanks were a closet mainstay throughout the early 2000s. Actor Tom Moutchi donned a crochet tank for the “Gladiator II” premiere this year.
Ballet Flats
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You’d be hard-pressed to find a woman, celebrity or not, who didn’t own a pair of ballet flats during this time. British director Sam Taylor-Johnson wore the style to Paris Fashion Week this fall.
Baby Tees
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Shorter than just cropped, baby tees were a staple in many closets throughout Y2K and the early aughts. Now they’re becoming a staple in street style, seen here.
Velour
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Few things are more early 2000s than Juicy Couture velour sweatsuits. Though the style disappeared for a while, it’s slowly returning, as seen here on Brooklyn of the reality show “Legendary.”
Jelly Sandals
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In the late ’90s and early 2000s, jelly shoes were on everyone, kids and adults.
Denim On Denim
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It was 2001 when Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears wore their matching denim outfits to the American Music Awards, and all-denim outfits are making a name for themselves once again, as shown in this street-style photo.
Baggy Jeans
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Baggy, straight-legged jeans (specifically, JNCO jeans) defined Y2K and the first years of the 2000s. Now Billie Eilish is rocking the style (complete with an aughts-coded skinny tie, too).
Trucker Hats
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The biggest stars of the 2000s all had trucker hats. Now the style’s seen in 2024 on Aleali May, a designer and model.
Embellished Jeans
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Seen here on Tia Mowry, embellished jeans are making a comeback.
Mesh
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Mesh shirts and dresses were commonplace throughout the Y2K era, and this year, singer Chappell Roan rocked the throwback trend.
Uggs
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Uggs never really went away, but the trend screams aughts. The shoes were right for a French photo shoot featuring stylist Emy Venturini.
Fur-trimmed Jackets
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Fur-trimmed coats were often seen on celebrities such as Missy Elliott and Paris Hilton during the early 2000s. This year, rapper Ice Spice wore the look to the Grammys (and the outfit was designed by beloved Y2K brand Baby Phat).
Bucket Hats
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Bucket hats were once seen on everyone from the Olsen twins to Charlotte York on “Sex and the City.“ They’re making the rounds again at stores like ASOS, Urban Outfitters and Alo Yoga, and on actors such as Dionne Gipson (seen here).
The Return Of Ed Hardy
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Tattoo-inspired clothing brand Ed Hardy was everywhere in the early 2000s — and now it’s back after a late-2024 fashion show (shown here).
Capris
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Capri pants were first made popular in the 1950s and 1960s, but had a major moment in the early 2000s when you couldn’t go into a Gap or Limited Too without seeing them. Now they’re slowly making their comeback, like here on Scottish actor Lois Chimimba at the BAFTA Scotland Awards.
The Return of Von Dutch
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Von Dutch was everywhere in the 2000s, and the brand has catapulted back to popularity in large part because of Charli XCX’s name-dropping song. The Y2K-inspired trucker hat, seen here on a guest at a Von Dutch party earlier this year, was a 2000s staple.
Furry Boots
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“Boots with the fur” was an iconic lyric in Flo Rida’s 2007 single “Low” — and actual boots with fur were an iconic look for many in that era, too. Nearly two decades later, singer Tate McRae wore the trend to the 2024 Jingle Ball.
