Low-rise jeans, chunky highlights, and everything glitter, the 2000s were a decade where fashion was loud and expressive. From rhinestone tees to layered tanks, the early 2000s gave us looks that were impossible to ignore.
Celebrities had a significant influence on fashion in the 2000s. Stars like Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, and Lindsay Lohan created what was considered “trendy” at the time. Their fashion choices quickly spread through magazines, TV, and paparazzi, inspiring teens and kids who wanted to dress like them.
Outfits like this were one beacon of fashion. Their fashion choices set the tone for what people thought were popular and chic; bright-colored tracksuits would send tons of people into specific stores to get the same items as others.
For everyday teens, the 2000s were about mixing bright colors, wearing loud accessories, and layering as if it were snowing outside. Leopard and zebra print were a big part of this generation, along with baby tees, cargo pants, and the well-loved brand, Converse Sneakers. From middle school all the way into college, the campus would be flooded with their own perspective on fashion.
By wearing what you like, you are projecting yourself out, essentially showing people what you like; it is one of the things that made the 2000s memorable. Nowadays, the Y2K aesthetic is making an outstanding comeback. Many trends that once seemed bad and outdated are now viewed as popular and fashionable. People have discovered this on popular social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Many clothing pieces, such as low-rise jeans, babydoll tops, and large, rounded sunglasses, have been revived after a 20-year hiatus. For most people, bringing back the Y2K style is about finding a style for themselves that they can call their own, but for others, it’s about being able to get a chance to live in the 2000s for a bit.
At Y2K’s core, it was more about self-expression than following trends. The mix of metallic clothes and chunky jewelry gave people the choice to stand out. Unlike the minimalism style of the ‘90s, the 2000s grew far away from it and encouraged differences between others.
The whole point of 2000s fashion is to stand out and have fun. With Y2K rising from the ground, it is giving people more and more confidence to express themselves. Of course, not every 2000s trend has been noticed as much as the others or has come back. For example, many people have opinions on whether low-rise jeans are considered good-looking.
Overall, the 2000s had definitely left a mark on society, not only as a fashion period, but also as a time for older generations to relive nostalgia through younger generations through a fashionable touch.