Hello dear listeners! For this week’s blog, I will be discussing the trend of Y2K fashion.
(Image from collegefashion.net)
Short for Year 2000, Y2K is an aesthetic that has continually resurfaced over the past two decades. I was introduced to this style during the year 2020 when many of us turned to TikTok for the greater good of our daily “activities.”
Through the platform, I was able to view many influencers take their spin on this fashionable aesthetic. However, when I think of the main executive characters of this pop cultural trend, icons such as Paris Hilton, Britney Spears, Kim Kardashian, and Christina Aguilera come to mind. That sense of rebellion and nostalgia from the ’90s happened to pour over into the early ’00s and inspire many of us in the modern day to dress maximally. It is quite literally the opposite of the minimal expression that comes along with “Quiet Luxury,” the trend we discussed last week.
(Image from vogue.com.au)
Y2K is known for its youthful and vibrant color palette. I want you to imagine pieces such as mini-skirts, baby tees, EVERYTHING DENIM, bejeweled belts, and flamboyant sunglasses. The look is extremely playful and does not discriminate in the presence of gender orientation. Men, women, and everyone in between can collectively vamp up their closet with these technology-inspired, accessory-dominated, and metallic looks.
(Image from gq.com)
In the modern day, TikTok has explored the look through many accessory and make-up-based outlets. Many of us have had the honor of coming across Outfit of the Day videos, and consumed much of our time longing for a sense of variation in our closets. The concept of shoulder bags have become much more popularized, as well as hair clips, and other well-forgotten accessories.
(Image from backwardfashion.com)
Being a student, it can get difficult to pick between looking fashionable or feeling comfortable for classes. That’s when the athleisure side of Y2K comes in to save plenty of us.
When I think of athletic attire in response to Y2K, tracksuits, cute sneakers, and a simple up-do of the hair, spring to my mind. Think Juicy Couture, Nike, Adidas, or even a non-name brand piece. Moreover, pieces such as sports jerseys, baggy jeans, and anything remotely loose can inspire style change. It allows many to look put-together, without that sense of discomfort in the short skirts, or mesh tanked pieces. An addition of jewelry, such as chains, hooped earrings, chokers, and chunky shoes, successfully ship us back to the ’00s.
(Image from vogue.com)
(Image from pinterest.co.uk)
Expression-wise, makeup is everything. The use of the Y2K color palette is any make-up artist’s dream. The combination of vibrant blues, glossy lips, metallic eye lids, and blushed cheeks all reign distinctive for this look. The more clashing of clothing prints with lively makeup, the better for this trend.
(Image from beautyinsider.my)
As a whole, the aesthetic of Y2K is oftentimes an out-there look. For those who want to push for that spirited and technologically glitched style however, look no further.
Until next week, I wish for you all to increase your screen times in hopes of connecting with some of the trending looks of today.
It was interesting to read about a look so different from the one in last week’s post. The pictures were very helpful, especially with how much variation there seems to be in Y2K fashion.
I feel like you’ve sold me on this aesthetic and given me plenty of references as to why I should (or shouldn’t) take you up on that offer. Additionally, the juxtaposition from your last post to this one shows the variety of TikTok trends in the past few years.
It is really interesting to hear about fashion trends that I didn’t even know existed 10 minutes ago! I like your succinct analysis of the trends and how you gave specific details. I feel like now I know what I would need in order to pull off a Y2K style.