My Favorite Y2K Trends

It feels like the early 2000s are back with the revival of y2k style, and today we are going to talk about it. From body chains to baby tees, I have seen so many y2k trends on my Instagram feed this past year. It feels that five years ago, when 90s style was coming back, everyone said, “I hope the 2000s never come back!” However, they are back, and as scared as I was, I can confidently say that a lot of y2k trends have pleasantly surprised me. Except low waisted jeans. To which I say, never again please.

Let’s dissect the 2000s a bit, shall we? As a 2005 baby, I was too young to watch this iconic era of fashion flash before my eyes. However, a lot of research and an obsession with early 2000s TV shows have taught me a lot about y2k style. It was an era of experimentation with color and prints. Celebrities like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Beyonce, and more pushed the envelope with fashion. Through their experimentation with prints, colors, and texture, they begged the question, “How much is too much?”

What is great about this new wave of y2k style, though, is that you do not have to go all out. Instead, you can wear one or two of your favorite y2k trends at a time for a more modern look. As someone who does not like too much chaos in my style, I can never commit to more than one or two y2k trends at a time. However, someone who lives for prints and colors may commit to multiple 2000s trends in one look. There are endless ways to express yourself through y2k style!

I have my personal favorite trends from the early 2000s, so here are the y2k trends I love the most and hope will stay around for years to come.

1. Funky prints

2000s style is characterized by a lot of cheesy prints. However many established brands have turned these prints into fashionable, statement patterns that turn heads. Take the Hawaiian tourist dad shirt print for example. A year ago, I would have never considered wearing anything with this print. However, huge swimwear brands like Frankie’s Bikinis and Bamba Swim have put their own colorful spin on these prints (as seen down below) and have made them into highly coveted swimwear. I have seen lots of other funky prints styled in really cool ways on Instagram lately. See a few of my favorite funky prints styled down below!

Image credits: @barbarakristoffersen, @amyhallimond, @frankiesbikinis on Instagram

2. Sweater vest

Sweater vests are adorable, not to mention the perfect layering piece for fall. I love to layer my sweater vest with a turtleneck during this chilly time of year.

Image credits: @laurenelson on Instagram, Pinterest, @nycbambi on Instagram

3. Baguette bags

This trend takes the cake as my favorite y2k trend because baguette bags are not only cute but also practical for teenagers like me. I love purses, but I often don’t wear them because I do not want to look older than I am. However, I need a place to keep my phone, keys, and other belongings when I am out, so the baguette bag has saved my life because it is youthful yet practical.

Image credits: @barbarakristoffersen, @jourdansloane, @carodaur on Instagram

4. Baby tees

A baby tee is my go-to when I need a top to go with wide-leg jeans, sweatpants, or other loose bottoms because the tight-loose combination is super flattering and looks a bit more pulled together than a super baggy top. Check out some examples of how to style y2k baby tees down below!

Image credits: @chloefraterr, @laurenladnier, @amyhallimond on Instagram

5. Bucket hats

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I am obsessed with my Ganni denim bucket hat! What’s not to love about sun protection that doubles as a great accessory?!

Image credits: Me, Pinterest, Pinterest

6. Wide leg jeans

I am obsessed with wide leg jeans. They are not only cute but comfortable. These are the perfect jeans to wear with a baby tee or another tight top for a trendy and flattering outfit.