26 Questionable Early 2000s Trends That Are Back

Archival Fashion Is Hollywood’s Biggest Style Flex—These 10 Iconic Looks Prove It.

Bella Hadid in a halter top and cargo pants
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NurPhoto / Getty Images

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 When celebrities first began stepping out in 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.

01 of 26

Graphic T-Shirts

Hilary Duff (left) and a white woman (right) wear Y2K graphic T-shirts

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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.

02 of 26

Pleated Skirts

Nicole Richie (left) and a white woman (right) wear Y2K pleated mini skirts

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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.

03 of 26

Structured Vests

Brandy (left) and Kendall Jenner (right) wear Y2K suit vests

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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.

04 of 26

Holes and Cutouts

Kelly Clarkson (left) and Dua Lipa (right) wear Y2K shirts with cutouts

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There's nothing sexier than showing off a hint Whatever the case, there are a whole lot of layering tricks, random accessories, and Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa are big fans of cutouts these days and revealing Poster Girl dresses continue to pop up everywhere.

05 of 26

Corsets

Two women wear Y2K white corsets

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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.

06 of 26

Platform Boots

Two women wear Y2K platform boots

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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.

07 of 26

Logo Bags

Two women hold Y2K logo bags

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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!

08 of 26

The Kerchief

Three women wear the Y2K hair kerchief

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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.

09 of 26

Twisted Halter Tops

Christina Aguilera and Hailey Bieber wearing Y2K twisted halter tops

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

10 of 26

Trucker Hats

Two women wearing Y2K trucker hats

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NurPhoto / Getty Images 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.

11 of 26

Belly Chains

Two women wear Y2K belly chains

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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.

12 of 26

Bubble Skirts

Paris Hilton (left) and Julianne Moore (right) wear white Y2K bubble skirts

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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.

13 of 26

Capri Pants

Two women wear Y2K capris

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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.

14 of 26

Random Ties

Avril Lavigne (left) and Celine Dion (right) wear Y2K ties

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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.

15 of 26

Tube Tops

Two women wear Y2K tube tops

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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.

16 of 26

Strapless Satin Dresses

Gwyneth Paltrow (left) and Selena Gomez (right) wear Y2K satin dresses

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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.

17 of 26

Dresses Over Jeans

Two women wear the Y2K trend of a dress over jeans

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

18 of 26

Fishnet Material

Two women wear Y2K style fishnet dresses

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Whatever the case, there are a whole lot of layering tricks, random accessories, and 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.

19 of 26

Halter Tops

Jessica Simpson (left) and Kendall Jenner (right) wear Y2K style halter tops

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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.

20 of 26

Cargo Pants

Britney Spears (left) and Bella Hadid (right) wear Y2K style cargo pants

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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!

21 of 26

Lace-Up Details

Two women wear dresses with a Y2K style lace-up detail

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

22 of 26

North Face Puffers

Two women wear Y2K style black puffer jackets from The North Face

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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.

23 of 26

Mid-Section Belts

Two women wear Y2K style mid-section belts

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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.

24 of 26

Crochet Clothing

Two women wearing Y2K style crochet outfits

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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.

25 of 26

Ponchos

Two women wear Y2K style ponchos

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

26 of 26

Flip Flops

Eva Longoria and Kim Kardashian wear Y2K style flip flops

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

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