I know, I know—we’ve made it pretty clear that the fashion this year features waves of nostalgia from the ’70s to the ‘2000s. It’s an obvious part of the fashion cycle, but while we usually turn to a specific era at a time, there are no limits for 2021. You can wear a sleek ’90s ‘fit to brunch and a retro ensemble to dinner, and no one will bat an eye. While the ’90s era has become more of a staple, the Y2K movement can err on the more controversial side. Even we editors are picky about which risky trends from the past we’re ready to revisit. Obviously, things don’t look exactly the same as before and get updates over time, so I took a deep dive into the Getty Images time capsule to find the trends that were worn then and compare them to how they’re being styled now. While I don’t expect everyone to copy exactly what Paris Hilton or Destiny’s Child wore (do what makes you happy), the modern-day versions may be a little easier to style.
To be quite honest, this list could’ve gone on for a long time because there’s just a high stream of Y2K influence on the market right now, and I’m not surprised. From bucket hats to baby tees and risqué cutouts, the fashion world is taking large cues from the previous decades. It stretches all over the industry, as we’ve included current images from the recent runway collections and from your favorite celebrities and fashion girls. If you’re feeling a little nervous about trying out the nostalgic trends, look further to see how your favorite fashion influences are trying them out below.
The hemlines on the skirts of the S/S 21 runways were definitely shorter than usual, and they gave instant flashbacks to the red carpets of the 2000s. While I’ve seen plenty of fashion girls channel Halle Berry’s energy, the modified way to wear the trend is layering around your microscopic minis, like Kendall Jenner’s shown above.
This trend most definitely bubbled up in the previous summers—don’t you remember everyone using the butterfly emoji and themed Instagram filters? Recently, Dua Lipa channeled her inner Y2K with an Atelier Versace gown for her Grammy’s win. While we may not all have Donatella Versace on speed dial, there are plenty of other ways to incorporate mariposas into your wardrobe.
To be quite honest, I didn’t think this one would follow through, but that just proves that fashion can always surprise you. It’s definitely a controversial option because of how much of a throwback it is, but many people (including Rihanna) have shown that they’re okay with a little bit of nostalgia.
As we head back into a more normal world, it’s no secret that people are already planning their going-out outfits—with no holding back. Glitz, sparkle, and glitter are sure to be emerging themes of summer fashion, with designers like Paco Rabanne and Area taking the lead on the runway. (Don’t the Destiny’s Child ensembles look like they could be part of Area’s couture?)
Bucket hats have gone through an assortment of stages in the past year, from furry materials to the canvas ones on the current market for the summertime. Either way, they all check the boxes in my book. They’ve been on-trend for quite some time now, and I think they’ll soon become an accessory staple we won’t see going away.
While we may not be ready to bring back the bug-eyes sunglasses you and your mom wore in 2005, we’re still hitting nostalgic points by taking the rims off our shades. Bonus points if they’re donned in a cool color.
As someone who prefers an oversize fit, I’m still intrigued by this trend that has now become a fashion phenomenon. Vintage Dior tanks are poppin’ on the resale market, and graphic tees from brands such as Réalisation have become cult favorites among the fashion community. Don’t worry. There’s always space for a roomy top, but these ones also can be styled exceptionally well.
These are not the sweater sleeves you wanted to buy from Hot Topic after obsessing over Avril Lavigne—they’re so much better and elevated. The design was seen on the runways of Chanel and Mugler and brings an element of drama to what would be an otherwise simple structured top.
This trend may not be for everyone’s sartorial palette (it certainly isn’t for me), but if you enjoy dressing on the risqué side of things, this is one of the trends seen on the runways defining the mood for #HotGirlSummer. You can go all out or buy a piece with tied details that gives a similar but more subtle effect.
Meeting the perfect middle ground between an oversize bag and a tiny one, baguette bags started off as a trend but have become handbag staples in the fashion world. Brands like BY FAR have championed the trend within the modern-day style set, so much so that even Coach—Y2K handbag royalty—has reprised its iconic shoulder bag for the masses to pick back up once again.
Next, 11 Iconic 2000s Hairstyles That Could Still Fly in 2021