Girls, What D’yu Think? Are These Y2K Clothing Trends Fashion-Worthy? 

I asked the Eduloco fam what their worst Y2K outfit was, and sis, they delivered. 

Definitely guilty of capri shorts. No idea why I used to like them – they just made me look shorter. 😟 -Tee May 

Leggings under shorts. I mean..why cover up when I’m already wearing shorts? 😭 – Alyssa 

I thought wearing jeans with dress was cute back then. 😬 – Mia 

The decade you thought would never return is making its comeback. 

That’s right, the 2000’s is back and taking the world by storm. From reboots of ‘00s TV shows to reviving curtain bangs, it is no surprise that 2000’s clothing is returning to our wardrobe.

Denim jacket as one of the latest 2000's clothing trend. Image source: Unsplash

Gen Z (individuals born between 1997 to 2015) is all about experimenting new things, and the nostalgic or Y2K (Year 2000) fashion is the latest addition to their radar.

Psychologists have found that nostalgia is linked with positive emotions. Given the wave of uncertainty that hit us due to the global pandemic, nostalgia offers fashion enthusiasts a sense of familiarity and comfort during stressful times. The rare aesthetic of 2000’s clothing also gives Gen Z fashion lovers more options to express themselves. 

Besides, Gen Z is getting vocal with their support and actions for sustainability, and thrifting is a cost-effective and fun way to be vocal about their rejection towards fast fashion that contributes to environmental pollution. And clothes from the 2000’s are among the most commonly found items in a thrift store. 

But let’s be honest: Not all 2000’s clothing deserve a spotlight in 2021’s fashion trend.

Let’s begin with what should NOT make a comeback: 

1) Low Rise Jeans 

2000's stars in low rise jeans. Image source: Nylon

These jeans can be too revealing when paired with the wrong top, making sitting and squatting extremely inconvenient (Uhm, displaying my butt crack for everyone to see? I’ll pass!). 

Besides, they put too much pressure on the waistline that makes it difficult to sit for long hours. In fact, people have admitted to getting poor digestion after eating while wearing them!

2) Capri Pants

Denim capri pants as a part of 2000's clothing. Image source: The Well Dressed Life

Girl, you’re not doing your fine legs justice!  

Capri pants cut the line of the body at a very awkward point, giving you a disproportionate look overall. They also cut off mid-calf, making your legs look stumpy and short. 

In short (no pun intended), there are almost zero tops to pair with capri pants that could save the look. Instead, opt for cropped pants. They fall right below your calf and rest above your ankle, which give your legs a better silhouette. 

3) Baguette Bags

Personal opinion: They are tiny little devils with the sole purpose of accessorizing your outfit – nothing more. 

Look how tiny and narrow they are! As someone who carries a lot of items in a bag, I find baguette bags unpractical.  

So, imagine my horror when I found out about mini versions of baguette bags. That’s it, I’m sitting this one out. 

4) The Visible Thong

Just, don’t. *shudders* 

5) Dress Over Pants

Miley Cyrus in 2000's clothing. 

Image source: Popsugar

The dress over jeans pairing is a contrast that screams fashion disaster.  

In the 2000s, there seemed to be no end to the combination. Brightly colored silk dress with flared jeans? Even Miley Cyrus couldn’t pull off this look back then. 

I’ve worn dress over jeans in my high school heyday and thought I was cool in them. Now, I just want to burn any photo of me in those 2000’s clothing. 

6) Pocketless Jeans

Girls need pockets too! Hands up if you’re with me. 

I used to own several pairs of pocketless jeans when I was in my teens. Back then they didn’t give me much of an inconvenience because I didn’t have a phone or a packet of tissues to stick into the back pockets. 

I gave it another try two years ago, and I didn’t like it. Besides the lack of ‘storage space’, it simply looked too plain on me. Girls need pockets as much as guys do, because we want to move around without carrying a bag all the time! 

7) Micro Denim Skirts

Need I say more? 

Out of fear of flashing my undies, I’ll pass.. 

..And so should you. 

On the brighter side, these 2000’s babies should totally be our staple in 2021! 

Best 2000’s Clothing To Own Now 

1) Matching Tracksuit

2000's clothing, matching tracksuit in yellow. 

Image source: Unsplash

This is a versatile staple that we should all have in our wardrobe.  

Besides, what’s easier and comfier to wear on Monday blues if not a pair of matching tracksuits? It is breathable and oh-so-comfy especially when we study or work from home.  

Monochrome tracksuits give off an effortless, put-together look. It is the perfect combo for a quick run to the grocery store without looking like you just got out of bed. Pairing them with chunky boots or open-toe heels will make you look edgy and ready for a girl’s night out. 

2) Hair Accessories

Hair accessories make a cute addition to our outfit: Colorful snap clips, butterfly clips, huge scrunchies that double as bracelets, chunky headbands, glittery bobby pins, and the list goes on. 

Modern and timeless, they add a retro touch to our hairdo. And don’t forget the fun of experimenting with these colorful accessories to match with your outfit! 

3) Baby Tees

2000's clothing includes baby tees. Image source: Pinterest

A more conservative version of crop tops, baby tees are cute, versatile, and timeless. They go well with pleated skirts, high-waisted jeans, straight-cut jeans, and even cargo pants. Baby tees also come in all sorts of color, print, and design. I can see why it’s a Gen Z staple. 

The best part is, you can easily find them in thrift stores too! 

4) Denim Skirts

Denim skirts have a solid, structured look that accentuates your waist. High-waisted denim skirt, crop top, and a pair of sneakers or boots make a super cute campus look. 

Also, denim skirts are less likely to wrinkle after washing. Dress well with less work? Count me in! 

5) Cargo Pants

Cargo pants were a staple in 2000's clothing. 

Image source: Pinterest

They are super comfy and convenient. Running late for class? Put on a graphic tee with cargo pants for an effortless street look. Want to channel that inner K-pop dancer in you? Throw on your cargo pants with a fitted black shirt and chunky sneakers. Plus point if you have a bucket hat! 

6) Tube Tops

Best worn with jeans and an oversized jacket, tube tops will make you look sexy without showing too much skin. They highlight your shoulders and collar bone while accentuating your waist, giving the impression of a slim silhouette. 

If you worry about your tube top slipping, use a fashion tape. It keeps your clothing in place so you can stay comfortable and confident all day without tugging at them. 

7) Cropped Cardigan

Cropped cardigan is a great 2000's clothing that should return. 

Image source: Twitter

It’s a trending 2000’s clothing that we should all own! In the 2000’s, cropped cardigans are usually worn with a blouse underneath, but it’s 2021 now! Loose the blouse, button up the cardigan and make it a cute cropped top instead. Heads will be turning! 

Fashion is all about confidence and self-expression. What matters most is that you feel good in what you’re wearing. So, are you in the 2000’s clothing bandwagon?

Learn more about sustainability and thrift shopping here: 

Jocelyn Cheng

Jocelyn Cheng

Jocelyn Cheng (JC) is an INFP writer seeking to spread inspiration and spark connections through her words. Her dedication to writing has gifted her with an ability to write for multiple platforms (e.g., website, social media, newspaper, magazine, etc) in different fields, namely Education, Travel, and Healthcare. JC personalizes her works by adding a touch of her own experience into the mix whenever she can to relate to her readers. A self-proclaimed poet and currently a freelance writer, she's working on an untitled poetry book at home while juggling between writing for Eduloco, dancing, and keeping her only plant alive.

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