Y2K fashion essentials and how to style them | Shopping

Y2K fashion is all over social media right now and we’re living for it. Maybe you’ve seen it on TikTok or have been secretly hoarding clothes from your teenage years just in case, but either way, the Y2K aesthetic is back. It’s super chic and works for ANYONE, so let’s get shopping. Grab your flip phone and play NSYNC on your Walkman – here’s how to style the Y2k fashion trend.

Related: The spring trends that Cher Horowitz would like totally wear today

What is Y2K fashion?

Think Paris Hilton mixed with a Bratz doll. Yeah, ‘that’s hot!’. The Y2K aesthetic is inspired by the late ’90s and early to mid-’00s, aka the ultimate era for pop stars, velour tracksuits, glitter and pure nostalgia. If you have a passion for fashion and a love of all things pastel, metallic, faux fur, and Spice Girls chic, then this trend is for you.

Quick history lesson (calling it history hurts, tbh, but let’s move on). The late ’90s and early ’00s were all about the rise of the boyband, the modern technology boom and pop culture staples like Mean Girls and The O.C. All of this inspired the fashion of the time, as we desperately aspired to dress like Regina George and Marissa Cooper.

It was all about pleated skirts, strappy sandals, wide-leg jeans, chunky trainers and statement baby tees. Grab a tiny shoulder bag and you were ready to live your best Carrie Bradshaw fantasy. This aesthetic is all over Instagram and Tik Tok, so we can finally dig out our old butterfly clips and feel whole again.

The best places to buy Y2K fashion:

ASOS

New Look

Urban Outfitters

Amazon

Boohoo

Ebay

Pretty Little Thing

Missguided

Now you’re all clued up, get in loser, we’re going shopping.

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.

Women’s Y2K Floral Knitted Cardigan

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Starting with a cute and cosy option, this cardigan is a great piece to have in your wardrobe. It’s fun but feminine and if you’re not vibing the floral, it comes in a variety of colours and even a stunning butterfly print. We love the Y2K feel, mixed with the modern loungewear trend.
Pair with: Some casual jeans or a sweet tea dress.

Amazon
Teal Velour Wide Leg Joggers

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These give us 2004 Paris Hilton going to the airport vibes, but at the fraction of the price. The colour is gorgeous and you’ll be comfortable AF in them.
Pair with: Complete the look and get the matching top.

Skinnydip two in one layered slip dress with tie shoulders in celestial print

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If you want to tap into your inner girl next door, then this ’90s-inspired slip dress belongs in your collection. This is another piece that blends trends, as the celestial print is so in right now.
Pair with: Pop on some trainers, grab a backpack plus some hoops and head out. Simple as that.

Women's Boho Heart Print Harajuku Skirt

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We’re not saying this playful high waisted skirt will transform you into Bianca Stratford from 10 Things I Hate About You, but it’ll get you close enough. It’s soft and lightweight, so delivers on style and comfort. It also comes in a selection of prints, so there’s a version for whatever your look is.
Pair with: Go with sandals for a more formal look, or converse for casual. It would look great with a baby tee.

Amazon
Satin Square Neck Midi Slip Dress

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You can never have too many slip dresses. This satin number is so chic and the length will make you feel extra glamorous. We’re just obsessed with the square neckline.
Pair with: Heels and a little bag will complete this look.

ASOS DESIGN Curve leather look parka with borg lining

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If you want to keep warm but also look like a pop star who just happens to live in Stars Hollow, then we’d recommend this stunning jacket.
Pair with: Sunglasses for that ’00s “I really don’t care” vibe.

Off-White Pleated Tennis Skirt

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When sportswear mixes with a cute aesthetic, everyone wins. This skirt has a classic look that will look gorge on anyone.
Pair with: When it’s warm out, be bold and just wear trainers and a crop top. If it’s getting chilly, then tuck in an oversized jumper and look effortlessly cool.

Lemon Rib Tie Front Long Sleeve Crop Top

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Take the recent pastel trend and put a Y2K spin on it with this top. It makes being cute but casual easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
Pair with: That pleated skirt you just saw? Nailed it.

UO Tie-Dye Glitter Butterfly Baby T-shirt

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Nothing says throwback like tie-dye and butterflies. This baby tee is simple but a must-have for anyone adding more Y2K pieces into their wardrobe.
Pair with: It has to be jeans and a baguette bag – with matching butterfly clips, if you’re feeling extra.

Light blue baggy boyfriend jeans

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If you’re going to truly embrace the Y2K aesthetic, then you need a great pair of wide-leg baggy jeans. These have a fresh but classic look.
Pair with: You can’t beat a white t-shirt and chunky trainers.

Satin Printed Halter Top

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Dare to bare and feel like you’re on a ’00s red carpet with this flirty little halter top. We love the retro edge this top has.
Pair with: A denim skirt or baggy jeans.

ASOS DESIGN nylon curved 90s shoulder bag with chain strap in hot pink

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We can proudly announce that hot pink is back and this bag is here to help you celebrate. This adorable number has an edgy chain handle and will brighten up any outfit. Elle Woods would be proud.

MEJOSER 6pcs Heart Shaped Rimless Glasses

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Who didn’t want to rock a pair of these back in the day? They’re fun and ideal for a heatwave. This six-pack is amazing, giving you a pair to match every look.

Amazon
Mango moc snake 90s shoulder bag in lime

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Small bags that still fit everything you need for a night out is a girl’s dream. This faux snakeskin look bag is SO chic.

Multicoloured Butterfly Hair Clip Set

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We’re not saying that these are essential to the Y2K aesthetic but… they are. We don’t make the rules.

ASOS DESIGN crochet headscarf in mono daisy design

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Nail your spring-to-summer look with this sweet bandana. Plus, it keeps your hair out of your face.

Women's Butterfly Pendant Necklace

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This cute necklace will complete any Y2K inspired outfit. The best part is it comes in gold, silver, black and blush pink.

ASOS DESIGN hair clip claw in tortoiseshell flower design

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We are so glad that these are back in fashion because they make putting your hair up easy and stylish. The messy bun can finally be in your skillset with this gorgeous hair clip.

Black Stretch Tattoo Choker

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You can’t have a Y2K accessories collection without one of these, and you might even still have some in the depths of your jewellery box.

Juicy Couture Velour Shoulder Bag

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As if we’d forget about Juicy couture. If you’re not big into tracksuits, then this stunning bag might be just what you’re looking for. It comes in multiple colours, too.

H&M Bucket Hat

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Bucket hats have and will always be a British Summer fashion staple. If you’re carefree and loving life, this classic hat will be your vibe.

T-Bar Cleated Mary Janes

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The nostalgia you’ll feel when wearing these will be overwhelming, but you’ll love them for it. Mary Janes are a retro classic for a reason.

Puma Cilia Chunky Trainers in white and gold

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These trainers are comfy, cool and to die for. White, chunky trainers are a Y2K essential.

Black RI embossed block heel mules

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The best part about the ’90s and ’00s is that we were able to wear cute heels without torturing our feet. These mules will be lifesavers on a long night out and you’ll look stunning in them.

Feather Strap Low Block Heel

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Yes, these are extra, but a Y2K wardrobe needs these beauties. Can’t beat a block heel for ultimate comfort.

READ MORE:

Maddy from Euphoria’s most iconic outfits and where to buy them

17 statement summer dresses that are ‘June 21st’ worthy

We’ve found the very best straight leg jeans from the high street

If you want to take your Y2K look further, then why not try the Babyliss Professional Hair crimper? Crimping is BACK, babe.

Check out this compilation of Y2K fashion TikTok videos from YouTube user eyesthetic for more inspiration:

Y2K fashion outfits:

Girl’s night out: A slip dress with strappy heels and a baguette bag.

Working out: All we can say is, think Britney Spears rehearsing for a tour.

Date night: A pleated mini skirt and a tie-front cardigan is the ultimate cute but flirty combo.

Going shopping: Throw on a Juicy Couture tracksuit and keep it comfy but chic.

At the beach: Tinted glasses and a bandana are major summer vibes.

Casual work day: A 90’s tea dress and a pair of Mary Jane shoes are super smart casual.