There’s something known as “Y2K fatigue,” and some of us may or may not have it right now. As someone who’s in their late 30s, I wore many of the early 2000s trends when they were originally popular, so it’s difficult for me to wrap my head around wearing items I wore when I was in high school. Butterfly hair clips? No, thank you. Tight low-rise jeans? There’s no way. Trucker hats? Hard pass. That said, I do think that the early 2000s revival is quite fun, and I’ve seen many people wear Y2K-inspired trends quite well. So if you’re enjoying the moment, by all means, enjoy it. But if you’re ready to move on to something more modern, you’ve come to the right place.
Truth be told, some of the more moderntrends I’m about to highlight below actually originated in time periods prior to the 2000s (i.e., crochet) but they feel fresher and less costumey than head-to-toe Y2K gear. These nine trends will help you achieve an eclectic wardrobe if that’s your goal. Read on if you’re interested in mixing things up and avoiding all the butterflies and micro minis.
If you ask me, maxi skirts are chicer and more versatile than micro minis.
Sparkles and sequins may be fun to wear after dark, but crochet can be dressed up or down for both day and night.
Yep, leopard print is back, but bold colors are easier to wear and mix-and-match, in my opinion.
Velour hoodies are certainly historically accurate for the time period, but that doesn’t mean you have to like them. Instead, fashion people are into leather bomber jackets as of late, which make every outfit look cooler.
Rimless, colored sunglasses scream early 2000s, but sleek sporty shades don’t belong to a specific time period. If that appeals to you, get yourself a pair.
Cropped blazers (especially with a micro-mini) easily make for a Y2K-inspired outfit that you’ve probably spotted on Euphoria, but single-breasted blazers go with just about everything (unlike the latter).
Even though cargo pants are everywhere, you don’t have to wear them. For a similar chill vibe, go for a pair of loose pleated trousers.
Unlike baby tees, the beauty of a button-down shirt is that you can wear it over tanks and tees. While it’s a very 2022 look, I don’t see it going away anytime soon.
Platforms are fun, but they aren’t for everyone or for every occasion. On the flip side, loafers are a shoe style you could feasibly wear every single day.
