The Y2K movement has been trending for what feels like an age now, and yet, somehow the fashion world remains utterly captivated by the 2000s-inspired aesthetic. For those who missed it the first time around, Y2K is all about early Aughts style and all the accompanying vibes.
If stepping back in time fills you with intense dread rather than a warm glow of nostalgia, you might want to sit this one out. Pop princesses who defined the era – think Anastacia, Destiny's Child, and, of course, Britney Spears – led the way in denim corsets, tinted shades, ultra-low-waisted jeans, and pretty much anything diamanté. Not for the fainthearted – that's for sure.
What is Y2K?
© Photo: Getty ImagesY2K is an abbreviation for 'the year 2000’ more specifically the Y2K 'bug' – news to us, too. The phrase referred to the doom of expected computer errors related to the date change from 1999 to 2000, following the turn of the century - which never actually manifested.
Style-wise, the term is synonymous with the Gen Z-adored aesthetic which harks back to the 00s. Thanks to the TikTok girlies among us, the Y2K hashtag has been viewed more than 10.1 billion times – yep, billion with a 'b'. If nothing else, the resurgence has proved that fashion is 100 per cent cyclical, and if you lived through it the first time around, count yourself lucky that you probably still own some authentic Y2K pieces that are now considered 'vintage'.
© Getty
© Getty
© GettyBasically, if in doubt, use Paris Hilton (and ingenué Kim Kardashian for that matter) as your main reference point. The OG It-girl is essentially the physical embodiment of the 2000s aesthetic.
Fendi Baguettes, velour tracksuits and butterfly tops – what Paris doesn't know about Y2K, frankly, isn't worth knowing.
What are the need-to-know brands for nailing the Y2K aesthetic?
These days, the list of Y2K devotees is growing ever-longer, but the likes of Dua Lipa, Bella Hadid and Lily-Rose Depp deserve a special mention.
Clad in contemporary brands such as Miaou, Masha Popova, Poster Girl, The Attico, and KNWLS, as well as vintage archival pieces by Jean Paul Gaultier, John Galliano for Dior, Fendi, Miu Miu and Versace, these girls seriously know their stuff – and we can't get enough.
Our Y2K picks to add to cart right now:
Asymmetric Printed Crêpe Mini Dress
Acne Studios
Featuring a romantic graphic print, a handkerchief hemline and a romantic cowl-neck, Acne Studios' whimsical dress is cool-girl gem for those curating their forever Y2K wardrobes.
Crystal-Logo Tank Top
Blumarine
Blumarine is the ultimate Y2K brand, spanning fur-trimmed textures to sequin midi skirts and ethereal silhouettes. This pink tank top is a 2000s dream, complete with a mesh effect and crystal logo detailing.
De-Hush Mini Skirt
Diesel
Searching for Y2K denim staples? Diesel is your friend. The brand is brimming with low-rise denim essentials to wear year-round. This Y2K mini very much included.
Button Me Up Mini Dress
Jaded London
Glitter under the club lights with a helping hand from Jaded London's Button Me Up Mini Dress - perfect for Ibiza outings and beachside lounging.
Faux Fur Lined Afghan Coat
Superdry
The Afghan coat gained global popularity in the 1960s and 70s, but remerged during the Noughties. Superdry's playful version in a vanilla cream hue is set to inject some fun frivolity into your nostalgic wardrobe.
Shae Mule
Tony Bianco
Suede? Check. Bows? Check. Kitten heel? Check. Tony Bianco's adorable mules are 00s style personified. Pair yours with some flares and channel your best Britney self.
Leonardo's Skirt
Hand Over
The skirt to own at the moment, Hand Over's sequin Leonardo Skirt is primed to add a hefty dose of after-hours glam to your everyday wardrobe. Also available in sweet monochrome florals and Barbie pink.
Jonie Bag With Cherry Print
Coach
Bold colours, glossy finishes, and playful designs - Y2K bags are the party girls of any wardrobe. This cherry-printed gem by Coach oozes youthful nostalgia, thanks to its kitsch design and half-moon silhouette.
Orchid Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Desigual
Graphic tops are a must have for those wanting to emulate the kitsch style of the era. Desigual's orchid print long-sleeve is firmly on our wishlist - perfect for pairng with low-slung jeans and kitten heels. Regina George eat your heart out.
Flared Denim Trousers Jeans
Ed Hardy
Ed Hardy rose to fame in the 2000s with bold, tattoo-inspired designs by Don Ed Hardy. Known for rhinestones, skulls, and tigers, the brand became a staple of Y2K celebrity fashion. Add to bag.
Logo-Appliquéd Webbing Wedge Flip Flops
Coperni
Get your Groovy chick on with Coperni's wedged flip flops. A true Y2K staple, these nostalgic kickers are ideal for summers spent abroad and East London outings. Wear yours with a slinky floral midi for maximum impact.
Blue Sequin Bag
JW Anderson
Take partywear to new heights with JW Anderson's teal-toned bag that's topping out wish lists. Crochet and sequins? Noughties perfection.
Girl Next Door Slogan-Print Cotton T-Shirt
Praying
Beloved by 00s princesses like Paris Hilton, slogan tees are are key part of Y2K style. Our choice? Praying's affordable option - perfect for making a statement.
Cut-Out Bandage Dress
Hervé Léger
Pioneered by Hervé Léger, bandage dresses were a rite of passage for millennials hitting the clubs in the 2000s. Luckily for fans, they're back and better than ever - and we love the vibrant hue of this discounted designer find.
I Heart Me Serena Shorts
Ashley Williams
Slogans? Check. Cheeky cut? Check. Y2K brilliances comes to life in Ashley William's cutesy designs - and we're very much into it.
Madison Hoodie
Juicy Couture
You didn't think we'd forget about Juicy did you? Juicy Couture defined 2000s fashion with its iconic velour tracksuits, rhinestone logos, and playful luxury. Beloved by celebrities like Paris Hilton, the brand symbolised casual glamour and the era's It-girl aesthetic.
Gold Sequin Tunic Top
River Island
River Island's gold sequin tunic top radiates Y2K energy with its shimmering fabric and relaxed silhouette. Ideal for channelling that nostalgic, glamorous vibe.
Heeled Sandals with Sequin Strap
Mango
Mango resplendent heeled mules exude Y2K vibes with their shimmering silver sequins, slingback design and disco-inspired aesthetic. Add to bag with immediate effect.
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