The era's fashion is synonymous with butterfly clips, Bratz dolls, and everything Britney. But how exactly do you dress Y2K in 2022?
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If you lived through the ’90s as a sentient teenager, fewer things were more exciting than the approach of Y2K: the colloquial name for the impending computer glitch that would halt the world as we knew it right at the turn of the century. These days the expression is less about data entry errors and more about fashion: It’s synonymous with butterfly clips, Bratz dolls, and everything Britney. But how exactly do you dress Y2K in 2022?
The early-aughts style revival is alive and well at brands like Maisie Wilen, AREA, Miaou, Mirror Palais, and Simon Miller in the form of baby tees, pleated miniskirts, bandage dresses, and flares with '00s-inspired details like lettuce-hem trim. (A choker, blue eye shadow, and shiny brown lip gloss can complete the look.)
What Is the Y2K Aesthetic?
If there’s any single word that sums up the Y2K aesthetic, it’s playful. Think of Britney’s ...Baby One More Time album cover or any Delia’s catalog you may have feverishly flipped through in 2001. At the heart of the Y2K fashion revival is the lightheartedness of a more innocent time—and probably also Euphoria’s reign. That means short minidresses sometimes paired with chunky boots and crystal-embellished everything. Other interpretations include Tom Ford’s era-defining designs toward the end of his reign at Gucci, which means satin dresses cut on the bias, low-slung trousers, and even sexy, gem-encrusted black leather slingbacks—a look that started in the ’90s and was reinvigorated with a little more personality in the early aughts.
Y2K Outfit Inspiration
Trying to glean some Y2K outfit inspiration? Here are a few interpretations of the look that became synonymous with the early aughts, plus the best pieces to shop to get the Y2K fashion look.
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Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Bustier Tops
A bustier worn open at the midriff is the ultimate '00s staple.
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Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Matching Minis
Opt for a matching set with a mini-mini.
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Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Chokers
Whether you opt for a slim silk scarf or an actual choker, this is the early-aughts iteration of the trend.
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Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Low-Slung Belts
A low-slung belt—especially when paired with a tube top—is major aughts vibes.
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Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Pleated Miniskirts
A pleated miniskirt feels particularly nostalgic, especially when paired with knee-high boots.
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Los Angeles Apparel Tennis Skirt (Classic Colors)
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Los Angeles Apparel Tennis Skirt (Classic Colors)
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Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Baby Tees
A baby tee is inherently early aughts, but double down with accessories for a complete straight-from-2002 look.
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Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Baguette Bags
Is there anything more synonymous with the early aughts than a baguette bag?
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Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Mini Florals
Sure, florals aren't really grounded in any single decade, but if the '90s saw large-format, inky styles, the '00s iteration is a tinge brighter.
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Puppets and Puppets Tulip Burnout Halter Midi Slip Dress
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Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Tube Tops
Who says a tube top has to mean baring it all? Get in on the trend by layering too.
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Y2K Outfit Inspiration: Hardware Everywhere
Hardware like safety pins and embellished clips were everywhere in the early aughts.
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Sami Miro Vintage Victorian Safety Pin Cardigan
Lauren Caruso
Lauren Caruso is a freelance writer, consultant, and digital media strategist that splits her time between NYC and Los Angeles. She has more than ten years of experience within the publishing industry with a focus on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, with tenures at Refinery29, Allure, and The Zoe Report.
