26 Questionable Early 2000s Trends That Are Back

Y2K style is back.

Time travel may not be a thing yet, but when it comes to fashion, it kind of feels like we're stuck somewhere around 2002. For years at this point, old '00s and Y2K fashion trends have been resurfacing, ranging from the cute (butterfly everything!) to the questionable (dresses over jeans?). One thing, though, is certain: the early aughts aren't going anywhere just yet.

Perhaps the reason we've fallen so deep into Y2K round two is because not everyone was old enough (or even alive yet) to enjoy—and later, heavily regret—some of the creative, confusing, or just plain strange styles. Or maybe some of us are just nostalgic for simpler times when our main source of outfit inspiration was shows like Lizzie McGuire and Laguna Beach. Whatever the case, there are a whole lot of layering tricks, random accessories, and hairstyles that have weaseled their way back into our lives, and although we may cringe at first, it might be time to give them a chance.

Here's a refresher on which Y2K and early '00s styles to add to—or dig out of—your closet.

Graphic T-Shirts

The sweet, the snarky, the simple: whatever your statement, it (almost) always fits on a graphic T. Slogan shirts are cool again—including slightly controversial Ed Hardy tees.

Pleated Skirts

Tennis may get all the credit for the revival of this staple, but elder millennials will remember its roots. If you're looking to go full Y2K, plenty of cute outfits can be created with pleated micro-minis. Still, if you prefer something slightly longer, it's fine to stick with a simple tennis option, just like Eiza González, and pair it with a casual shoe.

Structured Vests

In recent years, we've seen models wear this style with nothing underneath—just like the stars did in 2004. Of course, at that time, metallic options were fit for the stage and came complete with coordinated bottoms.

Holes and Cutouts

There's nothing sexier than showing off a hint of skin in the right place. Fashion icons like Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa are big fans of cutouts these days and revealing Poster Girl dresses continue to pop up everywhere.

Corsets

Some may blame the corset's popularity on Netflix's Bridgerton or cottagecore. However, the stars of the early '00s also enjoyed this body-hugging design, inspiring us to work this lingerie staple into our sexiest outfits.

Platform Boots

When celebrities first began stepping out in break-your-ankle heels, we were unsure if we could wobble around in this shoe trend again. However, platform boots have become a wardrobe essential and pair well with jeans, skirts, and another throwback favorite, the duster jacket.

Logo Bags

Every time we spot a style icon rocking a logo'd shoulder bag, we feel inspired to fish out our original designer purchases from storage. Coach and Dooney & Bourke, here we come!

The Kerchief

Besides making you feel like an early '00s pop star, wearing a bandana in your hair is a brilliant trick for a bad hair day.

Twisted Halter Tops

Christina Aguilera wore the sexiest fashion trends first—especially the twisted halter top, which has become a modern-day favorite for models and influencers.

Trucker Hats

If seeing this hat style brings you back to the days of TRL and boy bands, you're not alone—and, unfortunately, it's not the only old-school look Addison Rae wants to see make a comeback. She's also into wearing multiple belts with jeans.

Belly Chains

This accessory will never not be sexy, whether at the beach or on the red carpet. Super fans can take after Khloe Kardashian and wear two at a time.

Bubble Skirts

It's hard to say why, exactly, this extra puffy, pillow-like skirt came back, but one thing's for sure: it'll turn heads the moment you walk into a room.

Capri Pants

Capris are the natural progression after biker shorts and are perfect for in-between temperatures. To style it in a more modern way, swap butterfly clips and sequined shirts for a tailored blazer and neutral accessories.

Random Ties

Once upon a time, Avril Lavigne convinced thousands of people to style ties with tank tops and T-shirts, rather than knotting them around their collars. These days, celebrities are adding them to every outfit and even wearing them like a scarf.

Tube Tops

The tube top never really went out of style, but it's seen a resurgence as of late. Whether with a boho skirt or a pair of low rise jeans you can't go wrong.

Strapless Satin Dresses

This sleek and shiny dress was bound to have a Renaissance. Chances are, plenty of similar '00s prom dresses are available on Depop or Poshmark.

Dresses Over Jeans

We regret to inform you that this layering technique is celebrity-approved (again).

Fishnet Material

When worn as a naked dress, this trend can be sexy and even work as a swimsuit coverup. But the second people start layering fishnet under graphic tees and stacking on bangle bracelets the trend has gone too far.

Halter Tops

Halter tops were one of Y2K's top shirt styles, and even today, they're sexy and elegant at the same time. This one can stay.

Cargo Pants

So. Many. Pockets. And while that detail makes these bottoms a bit bulky, a fitted shirt or bralette will work to balance them out. Plus, the Kim Possible outfit has really made a comeback!

Lace-Up Details

It's not just lace-up tops that are having a(nother) moment. They're popping up in pants, skirts, and even gowns.

North Face Puffers

Warm winter puffers are timeless, although it's hard to say if they would be red carpet-worthy today. Still, Tara Reid did wear hers in a way many of today's models would approve of, adding black pants with chunky black shoes and completing the look with a logo bag.

Mid-Section Belts

Everyone from Michelle Obama to Emily Ratajkowski is a fan of this waist-cinching trick, but before things get too extreme, let's promise to skip the whole belting T-shirts, tank tops, and polos thing.

Crochet Clothing

Crochet was big in the '70s, but the '70s were big in the 2000s. Now that both eras are having a moment, it's the perfect time to embrace knit sets, bikini tops, sweaters, and more.

Ponchos

It was the original Snuggie, only it was completely acceptable to wear it in public. And now it's making a comeback.

Flip Flops

Platform options, ones with heels—all kinds of flips flops have added spice to summer outfits over the years.

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