Decoding Y2K Fashion Trends: Here's What Actually Looks Good 20 Years Later
Photo:
Getty ImagesStyle Notes: A surprising trend, crochet spans decades and still looks good with whatever you wear with it. This is the classic Y2K pairing of jeans and a nice top, with the statement bag adding a little extra.
Photo:
Getty ImagesStyle Notes: Strings are back this season, including the G-string (but not as you know it). Here, Lucy Liu is wearing what looks like a lace-up jumpsuit. Today, it's all about flashing a hint of this—see Jacquemus's latest collection.
Photo:
Getty ImagesStyle Notes: There are few celebrities who avoided this look during Y2K. The nice-jeans-and-a-top outfit was a go-to for even red carpet events, as proven here by Liv Tyler.
From the color to the texture, this top feels intrinsically Y2K.
Photo:
Getty ImagesStyle Notes: Jennifer Lopez was known for plenty of outfits during this time, and while most people were fairly restrained on red carpets, she wore that green Versace dress. But the trend that is coming back today? The body chain.
Photo:
Getty ImagesStyle Notes: While head-to-toe extravagance wasn't necessarily embraced, details were. Rhinestones, gems, and feathers were always present on the A-list at this time. We're still seeing feather trims going strong today.
Photo:
Getty ImagesStyle Notes: With the more pared-back styling of the '90s hanging over our heads around Y2K, minimalist looks were often embraced for the red carpet. Case in point: Katie Holmes wearing a white T-shirt with a pencil skirt and strappy sandals.
Photo:
Getty ImagesStyle Notes: It'll come as no surprise that Sarah Jessica Parker was the one trying to push the fashion boundaries around this time, and it was often hard to know where Carrie Bradshaw's wardrobe ended and hers started. This brightly colored bag is exactly what I'm talking about.
Photo:
Getty ImagesStyle Notes: The king and queen of casual-but-chic outfits were Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston. These loosely tailored pants on Jen An were the epitome of Y2K styling.
Photo:
Getty ImagesStyle Notes: Find me someone who says they didn't own a tattoo choker, and you will have found yourself a liar. Nearly everyone owned some kind of choker at this time, and thanks to brands like Roxanne Assoulin, they're back.
Photo:
Getty ImagesStyle Notes: While Christina Aguilera might have some questionable outfits from the past (let's avoid all the chaps talk), these snakeskin pants are absolutely something I would wear today.
You needn't opt for bright colors—monochrome snake print will also nail the aesthetic.
Photo:
Getty ImagesStyle Notes: The corporate world really bled into late-'90s styling, with pinstripe being a fixture for plenty of A-listers.
Photo:
Getty ImagesStyle Notes: There are so many flatform sandals around right now.
Photo:
Getty ImagesStyle Notes: After some new sunnies? Well, good news: Y2K has your back. Rose-colored glasses, as seen on Naomi Campbell, are sure to make a comeback. Try finding some rimless ones for the real Y2K effect.
