The year 2000 was the start of a new era, people were excited some feared the worst, but it was one of the best and biggest times for new fashion and technology and the world was completely losing their minds. There are a few similarities between 2000 and 2020 like the fact that people actually thought the world was ending much like this year with the pandemic. However, all things aside fashion are one thing that has kept the world going, from the millennial fashion trends inspired gen z to remix the iconic Y2K fashion aesthetic with a modern-day twist of course. 

Now some of you might be asking what exactly the Y2K fashion aesthetic is, basically it is the style of clothing that comes from the late 90s and early 00s The fashion aesthesis comes from the pop culture icons at the time such as Destiny’s Child, Aaliyah, Paris Hilton and the ever so icon Bratz dolls. Movies like Mean Girls, Clueless, and Legally Blonde are also huge inspirations for the Y2K look, as they feature stylish female main characters who love overdressing and sporting bling. Designer brands like Dior, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and many others also set the scene for some of the most well-loved trends of the late 90s and early 2000s. There are of course many other icons that have inspired the aesthetic for what it is today.  

The trend has reappeared and made it come back through the popular social media site, Tik Tok. Everyone who is anyone uses Tik Tok and understands the major influence it now has. Anything trendy will appear on Tik Tok and that is why so many Gen-Z’s are now obsessed with YK2 fashion. So, this is the beginner’s guide to Y2K fashion for anyone who loves the 90s and 00s and wants to be trendy. 

Here are a few features of dressing Y2K, crops tops are a must, put a cardigan over that and some camisoles and pair it with a cute mini bag for a cute put together Y2K look. Some other key features of the aesthetic are tennis skirts, bandanas, scrunchies, bright colours as well as lots of pretty bling. Classic Y2K fashion staples are items such as cute butterfly hair clips, turtlenecks over shirts with a very dainty chain pair with a skirt makes for the cutest Y2K look. Make sure not to forget the colour incorporation in your outfits. 

Instead of buying brand new clothing meant to look older, instead, try shopping at your local thrift stores, you will be surprised at the amazing clothing people are so quick to let go of.  So, save money and repurpose old fashion items. Lastly, the most important elements of Y2K fashion are nostalgia. 

And there you have it the complete beginner’s guide to Y2K fashion.