As a millennial, I was both pleased and a bit surprised to see Y2F fashion come back in popularity, mainly through gen Z and on the catwalk: were we that stylish?!
We certainly felt like it, back then. Not sure if we still feel the same when we look at old photos.
But the best thing about embracing Y2K fashion now is that you get to make it your own.
There are tons of 2000s fashion guides out there, but I’m going to focus on how to dress Y2K in a more sustainable and mindful way, so that we’re not contributing to overconsumption or jumping on trends that don’t feel ‘us’.
What does Y2K mean in fashion?
Y2K fashion is often associated with the 00s and even the 2010s, but it’s actually more about the clothes and trends from the late 90s and very early 00s (so, 1997-2004).
The right mindset to build a Y2K wardrobe sustainably
It’s tempting to go all in just because we’ve watched a few TikToks romanticising the late 90s and early 00s.
But if we were to completely revamp our wardrobe every time we discover a ‘new’ aesthetic, we’d stay trapped in the cycle of fast fashion overconsumption.
Instead, I highly recommend:
- Only embracing Y2K fashion if it genuinely feels ‘you’ and you can see yourself (re)wearing those clothes at least 30 times, not just while they’re trending
- Focusing on Y2K-style garments that go well with each other and with other items in your wardrobe (rather than as standalone pieces). That way, you can mix them and re-use them to create all kinds of different outfits, both in a 00s style and beyond
- Adding to your wardrobe mindfully (I’ll share some tips soon!) instead of falling for impulse purchases or cheap fast fashion options made in sweatshops using terrible materials
How to dress Y2K: what to look for and focus on (ethical Y2K fashion guide)
Popular Y2K colours
- Pastels, like baby blue, soft pink, lavender
- Bright neon and vibrant colours, like lime green, Barbie-esque fuchsia, and cherry red
- Shiny hues and metallic silver
Popular 2000s fashion vibes and Y2K aesthetics
- Overly feminine (like bows, frills, ruffles, and lace)
- Fun, loud, and bold
- Streetwear (baggy and oversized fits, logos, and a blend of hip-hop and tech-inspired fashion)
- Cosy, layered preppy looks
- Futuristic (from metallic hues to glitter and rhinestone, or fabrics like vinyl and mesh)
- Think ‘pop star during a day off’
Y2K fashion staples
- Baby tee (especially with logos or prints)
- Low-rise jeans (bootcut or flared), cargo pants, and baggy trousers
- Tops: tube tops, going-out tops (a true millennial staple! Aim for ‘a top that can elevate a simple pair of jeans’), lace crop tops, corset tops, halter tops, or butterfly tops
- Dresses over jeans (yes, really)
- Cardigans: cropped, form-fitting, cable-knit, and with faux fur, ruffle trims, and ribbons
- Velour tracksuits (bonus 2000s points if it’s Juicy Couture)
- Skirts: low-waist denim or pleated skirts
As for how to wear Y2K style clothes:
mix and match and accessorise these staples to unlock many more Y2K outfit ideas, or pair them up with modern pieces for a more balanced look.
Popular Y2K accessories
- Paisley bandanas
- Tinted sunglasses
- Butterfly clips
- Jewellery: chunky necklaces, nameplate necklaces, chokers, large hoop earrings, charm bracelets, rhinestone everything
- Bold belts
- Belly chains
- Shoes: platform sandals, pointed-toe kitten heels, and chunky trainers
- Bags: mini bags, baguette bags, and armpit bag
How to build a Y2K wardrobe sustainably
Unlike impulse fast fashion purchases, this more mindful approach will help you reduce waste and save money without compromising on your 2000s fashion style!
Start from your existing wardrobe (or your old pieces)
One of my greatest luxuries in life is that my parents never moved out of my childhood home, and I never had to empty out the ton of clothes I bought during my former shopaholic era (yet!).
So, a quick dive in my old closet got me several Y2K pieces, like glitter tops.
But if you Marie Kondo’ed a bit too hard or weren’t even born back then (I feel old, now), don’t overlook your current wardrobe.
After all, trends come and go. So, the chances are… you’ve already bought something that can help you achieve a 2000s look, even when you weren’t specifically aiming for that!
Look for second-hand Y2K-style or original clothes and accessories
In the late 90s and early 00s, fashion wasn’t as fast as today (even though, unfortunately, it was about to start speeding up).
So, most clothes were made to last, and that means you can still find plenty of authentic Y2K clothes and accessories in physical thrift stores or online platforms like Depop and Vinted.
(Be careful, though, because lots of new SHEIN and ultra fast fashion garments are resold as ‘vintage’)
Buy less but better: choose new Y2K-style clothes and accessories you actually love and that were made ethically
Now you know exactly what to look for when choosing Y2K clothes. And since we started from our existing wardrobe, you probably realised you already have a few staples.
So, only look for what you need and want (and by ‘want’, I mean ‘something you’ll genuinely want to rewear plenty of times’).
And when you do, try to choose fairtrade brands.
Yes, the price-tags of ethical clothes are higher than most fast fashion pieces, but that’s because the latter hide an expensive environmental and human cost.
Plus, because you’ll buy fewer pieces but keep them for longer (and remix them to create all kinds of exciting 2000s outfits), your cost per wear will be much lower, and you’ll save money by avoiding hauls.
Best ethical brands for a Y2K fashion style
For accessories
Find more ethical Y2K-style clothes on Project Cece
We’re by no means a vintage or 00s-specific platform.
However, at Project Cece, we brought hundreds of fair trade brands in one place, with filters to simplify your choice. And you’re bound to find lots more pieces that work well for a 00s-inspired wardrobe.
Start shopping
I hope this Y2K fashion guide helps you embrace it more sustainably, without treating it like a trend.
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