The return of the Y2K aesthetic

THE year 2000 can be compared to the last year when many thought the world was coming to an end, thanks to the global pandemic. Even though things are slowly going back to normal, there is no promise that the future is going to be any better.

This may be why Gen Zs have been gravitating back to fashion trends from the year 2000 (Y2K), which was a simpler time, full of promise, if you did not believe the world was going to end, of course.

The Y2K aesthetic started around the late 1990s, when people were both terrified and excited about the rise of technology. While some were looking forward to the new era, others feared that 2000 would be the end of the world due to a “computer bug” that was projected to create so much havoc in computers and computer networks, that the world would cease to exist.

This did not happen. Instead, people got to experience new gadgets and futuristic fashion trends that included coloured sunglasses, velour tracksuits, and tiny baguette bags.

Thanks to the same technology, young people have used the internet to go back in time for inspiration from the era.

It is common in the fashion industry to see a “blast from the past”. The return of the Y2K aesthetic is exactly that – the reappearance of clothing and aesthetic trends from the late ’90s and the year 2000.

You can see it today in the fashion influences. Take the transparent heels and accessories trend and the translucent make-up we see in editorials.

It’s prevalent in video games, design and also, music. It’s an amalgam of the best bits of the 2000s – grunge, animé, pop and a lot of tech.

When Apple launched its new iMacs, it paid homage to its original iMacs which were translucent and colourful. The many reboots of iconic 2000 era films, like The Matrix, have also re-ignited our interest in the Y2K aesthetic.

The trend is more prevalent in fashion, where we are seeing the return of low-rise jeans, wide leg jeans, bedazzled shirts and cardigans. Sneakers have translucent soles.

The reason behind 2000’s fashion being so popular with Gen Z can be credited to the rise in thrift shopping – buying second-hand clothes.

The thrifting market has grown 21 times faster than the retail market over the past three years, according to the analytics firm, GlobalData. Access to pre-loved clothes has exposed Gen Zs to famous styles from the past like, low-waisted jeans and baby tees.

Another reason is the growing interest in making more sustainable fashion choices.

Due to the negative impact of fast fashion on the environment, some people are looking into alternative ways to stay fashionable without contributing to the world’s waste problem.

Thrifting is a good way to do this, but it might not be for everyone. There are plenty of clothing brands across the world that have been embracing the Y2K trend just as much as Gen Zs.

Movies and television shows from the 2000s like, Mean Girls, Clueless, Legally Blonde, Lizzy McGuire and Cheetah Girls, have also inspired the Y2K look.

What are the staples?

To avoid Fomo (fear of missing out) there are a few must-have staple pieces that will help you ace the Y2K aesthetic.

Low-waisted jeans

People were a little sceptical about the return of low-rise jeans at first, but they were the epitome of Y2K fashion, making them a must-have for the aesthetic.

Baguette bag

The classic French bread purse is here to stay. They rose to fame around 2005, and are usually too small to fit anything more than your phone and some cards.

Velour Tracksuits

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie were big fans of velour tracksuits in the 2000s. They are comfy and perfect for running errands or lounging around at home.

Bright colours

Think purple, a lot of pink, yellow and blue – bright colours ruled the 2000’s aesthetic. The Bratz dolls are the inspiration here. From the eye-popping make-up, to the bright coloured streaks in hair.

Butterfly hair clips

Adding butterfly clips to your hairstyle is the easiest way to embrace the Y2K look because hair accessories were very popular back then. A bandana, claw clips or colourful scrunchies are must-haves.

Mini skirts and baby tees

Small clothing was a hit back in the 2000s. Celebrities would even wear baby tees on the red carpet. That is why they are a staple when channelling Y2K fashion.

Coloured sunglasses

Nothing completes the Y2K aesthetic like a pair of colourful sunglasses.