The early 2000s were a wild ride for fashion – futuristic fantasy collided with late 90s nostalgia, birthing Y2K style as the era’s uncontested queen. It wasn’t subtle, and that was the point. Britney, Paris, and Destiny’s Child were the ringleaders, draped in glitter-dipped everything, low-slung jeans, and halter tops so iconic they deserved their own MTV show.
Flash forward two decades and guess what? Y2K has been revived, reimagined, and rebranded (as if it ever left). Gen Z style icons like Bella Hadid, Olivia Rodrigo and Dua Lipa are putting their own spin on it. And on the runways, brands like Blumarine and Miu Miu are leaning all the way in.
Key players of the Y2K wardrobe? Juicy Couture velour tracksuits (worn with flip phones, obviously), denim-on-denim, and baguette bags (we see you Carrie Bradshaw). Add to that a flurry of butterfly clips, tinted sunglasses, and platform sandals you could practically spot from outer space, and you’ve got the Y2K starter pack. In a nutshell? More is more is more.
1. Baby tees
So small they barely count as clothes, but big enough to carry the weight of 2000s pop culture.
REALISATION PAR Real Love Tee
CHRISTOPHER ESBER What Ever Happened To Fun Tee
2. Baguette bags
Carries less than your pockets but looks twice as iconic — just ask Carrie Bradshaw.
BURBERRY Check Mini Bag
CHARLES AND KEITH Nylon Chain-Link Trapeze Shoulder Bag
3. Tube tops
Defying gravity and logic since 2002, because straps were clearly so last season.
DIESEL Blue M-Clarksville Tube Top
I.AM.GIA Arly Top
4. Belts
Worn everywhere but your waist, proving fashion is less about function and more about vibes.
BLUMARINE Gold Butterfly Belt
BELLE THE LABEL Beige Dilara Belt
5. Micro skirts
Less fabric, more attitude. The higher the hemline, the better.
MIU MIU Check Miniskirt
SIR. Leonardo Belted Mini Skirt
6. Sparkle
Part fabric, part disco ball — every 'going out top', dress and handbag saw themselves remade in this one.
LOEWE Flamenco Purse
BEC + BRIDGE Shilou Halter Dress
7. Tinted sunglasses
Because the world looks better through rose (or blue, or yellow) coloured lenses.
GENTLE MONSTER Ttl 02
LE SPECS The Bodyguard
8. Cardigans
Worn with nothing but a prayer and a single button holding it all together.
UNIQLO 100% Merino Crew Neck Cardigan
HENNE Solene Cardigan
9. Butterfly motifs
If Mariah Carey wore it, you had to have it — no questions asked.
GANNI White Butterfly T-shirt
BLUMARINE Butterfly 75 Embellished Satin Mules
10. Denim
Blurring the line between nostalgia and rebellion with low rises, baggy cuts, and just a hint of rock stud and sequin.
GANNI Blue Sequin Small Butterfly Pouch
VRG GIRL Aston Denim Jeans and Anna Denim Top
Where can I shop for Y2K outfit inspo?
Miu Miu
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Blumarine
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Diesel
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Juicy Couture
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Daisy
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Heaven by Marc Jacobs
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Realisation Par
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CHANEL
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Miaou
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Who should I follow for Y2K outfit inspo?
Dua Lipa (@dualipa)
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Olivia Rodrigo (@oliviarodrigo)
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Devon Lee Carlson (@devonleecarlson)
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Ice Spice (@icespice)
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Paris Hilton (@parishilton)
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Addison Rae (@addisonraee)
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Iris Law (@lirisaw)
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Bella Hadid (@bellahadid)
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Michelle Li (@himichelleli)
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Charli XCX (@charli_xcx)
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Gabbriette (@gabbriette)
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Charlotte Briar D’Alessio (@charlottedalessio)
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Alex Consani (@alexconsani)
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Tara Yummy (@tarayummy)
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Enya Umanzor (@enyaumanzor)
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Lily-Rose Depp (@lilyrose_depp)
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Peggy Gou (@peggygou_)
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Feature image: one, two.
Featured products are selected editorially. Our opinions are our own. Occasionally, we may receive a standard affiliate partner fee if you make a purchase using the links we feature.
