Y2K Fashion Guide
Stephanie Patterson
Table of Contents
Does anything ever really go out of style? You may have to put trendier pieces away for periods of time but you will always be able to dig them up and wear them again, or at least that’s what we tell ourselves to justify our spending habits.
Y2K fashion is no different. Its origins trace back to the year 2000, which is known for being kitsch and well, extra.
That’s probably why Gen Zs are loving Y2K bedazzled cropped tops, mini skirts, low-rise jeans, baguette bags, and fun hats.
Thanks to TikTok and Instagram, these styles were given new life and many of the brands that were popular in the Y2K era have now resurfaced.
However, you can also shop from new Y2K-inspired etailers that are taking social media by storm, and we’ll give you the rundown on the best brands to shop for Y2K fashion in this review.
How to Shop for Y2K Fashion
While Y2K clothing and accessories are considered to be ‘excessive’ and a far cry from the minimalistic trends we’ve observed over the past few years, the pop culture and hip hop influence is something we can get behind. From Sean John to True Religion, Y2K fashion brands were responsible for dressing some of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Before shopping for Y2K fashion, we recommend you take a look through the must-have pieces below. Hint: you’ve seen them on the likes of Gwen Stefani, Jay-Z, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, and more.
Playful Craft Accessories
Craft accessories are everywhere this year. From bauble rings to beaded friendship necklaces and bracelets, they remind us of our time at summer camp. The more colors the better, and of course, the more accessories the better. Playful craft accessories are all about embracing your inner child, and we like to look to Lizzie McGuire (a.k.a Hilary Duff) for inspiration.
Velour Tracksuits
In the early 2000s, every celebrity was wearing a velour tracksuit but the most iconic and notable version was designed by Juicy Couture. Made popular by Paris Hilton and the Kardashians, velour tracksuits were always worn with the matching pieces paired together. In 2021, we’re seeing these cozy, monochromatic looks come back in style.
Mini Skirts
Although Clueless came out in 1995, its iconic fashions were so groundbreaking that they remained in style and inspired the Y2K mini skirt trend. 2000s mini skirts were low-waisted and made of terry cloth, denim, or they were sewn with pleats.
And the shorter, the better! Celebrities such as Britney Spears made mini skirts popular and even though the styling could have been better, we still love mini skirts today.
Low-Rise Jeans
Mariah Carey claims to have started the low-rise jean trend in the early 2000s, though Mariah lays claim to a lot of things. The trend was popular among young celebrities such as the ladies behind Destiny’s Child, Avril Lavigne, and Lindsey Lohan.
Low-rise jeans were also worn with tops that were extremely cropped. Essentially, the more stomach you showed, the better. Today the trend can be seen on the likes of supermodel Bella Hadid.
Mini Graphic Tees & Tanks
‘Princess’, ‘babe’, and ‘don’t be jealous’ are just some of the slogans we’ve seen on graphic tees and tanks of the 2000s, including Britney Spears’ iconic ‘dump him’ shirt. There were some more scandalous options as well, but the cute ones have our hearts.
If slogans weren’t your cup of tea back ten, there were always the exotic graphic designs of Ed Hardy. Everyone from Tara Reid to T.I. to Jessica Alba to Fergie was decked out in the brand’s leisurewear.
- Juicy Couture
- Baby Phat
- Pretty Little Thing
- Fashion Nova
- Lisa Says Gah
- Lacoste
- Von Dutch
- Ed Hardy
- ASOS
- Urban Outfitters
- Sean John
- True Religion
- Rocawear
- Tommy Hilfiger
- Kangol
- SHEIN
- Fila
- Adidas
18 of the Best Brands to Shop for Y2K Fashion
You may be wondering where to shop for these nostalgic items now that Y2K fashion is ‘in’. Whether you want to fully commit to the trend or mix a few pieces into your wardrobe, the 18 best brands to shop for Y2K fashion have got you covered. there’s something for everyone.
#1 – Juicy Couture
Founded in 2001 at the height of Y2K style, Juicy Couture was once a go-to resource for clothing and accessories, even for children. That said, Juicy was best known for creating some of the best tracksuits, especially when it came to matching velour sets.
Paris Hilton’s name became synonymous with Juicy’s velour tracksuits. Today, the brand continues to produce increasingly modern, up-to-date versions such as tie-dye and tucked jogger sets.
Some Juicy joggers are currently on sale from $59 to $29.50, with the brand’s most expensive sweaters ringing in at $80.50. If you’re OK with buying something used or vintage, try finding true 2000s Juicy items on resale apps like Poshmark.
#2 – Baby Phat
Kimora Lee and Russel Simmons were a power couple of the early 2000s and together they founded Baby Phat. With model and fashionista Kimora as the creative director, she was able to create collections that appealed to high and low-end buyers.
Everyone from Tyra Banks to Lil Kim to Missy Elliot was wearing the brand that teens were lusting after. Baby Phat was all about excess and its hip hop and streetwear influences gave it a feminine edge that no other brand had.
We can’t forget Baby Phat’s bedazzled cat emblem logo. You can now shop Baby Phat clothing for as low as $23, only if you can get your hands on the often sold-out items.
#3 – Pretty Little Thing
Pretty Little Thing is not a brand that was founded in the 2000s but it has embraced Y2K trends and sells everything you need to look like a walking throwback. PLT is best known for selling affordable clothing for younger women who want to be on top of trends, from playful craft accessories to graphic tops.
The e-commerce giant’s baguette bags and low-rise jeans are quite popular, and with items priced as low as $10, you can go on a shopping spree without feeling guilty.
#4 – Fashion Nova
Fashion Nova is one of the most popular e-commerce sites for trendy and affordable clothing. Between womenswear, kids, and menswear, there are endless Y2K-inspired options to choose from Fashion Nova’s collections.
What we love most about this etailer is their inclusive sizing for curvy girls and plus-sizes. You can spot Fashion Nova clothing on celebrities such as Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Kylie Jenner, and YouTubers such as Trisha Paytas. And even though these media personalities have unlimited funds, they still love Fashion Nova’s $5 pieces.
#5 – Lisa Says Gah
San Francisco-based women’s brand Lisa Says Gah has gained immense popularity in the last few years thanks to its perfectly curated website. If it is your first time shopping for Y2K fashion items, Lisa Says Gah is a great place to start.
The site carries their own collection as well as brands they love. You can browse everything from wide leg pants to platform sandals, bandanas, fun necklaces, and cardigans.
Unlike many of the brands on this list though, clothing from Lisa Says Gah will cost you a bit more. Most items come in around the $100 mark, but prices go up to $300.
#6 – Lacoste
Lacoste is known for its preppy tennis player aesthetic, which never really goes out of style. The brand’s polo shirts had a star moment in the early 2000s, offering a major juxtaposition to some of the more scandalous items being worn by celebs.
However, Lacoste polos were often styled with the smallest of mini skirts which formed the ‘good girl’ style that was donned by reality TV sweethearts like Lauren Conrad.
Most Lacoste items still ring in around the $100 mark, and with tennis skirts being all the rage this year, Lacoste is the place to look for a polo shirt to match.
#7 – Von Dutch
Remember trucker hats? Von Dutch offered some of the best. There is something about a Von Dutch trucker hat that is cool, yet cringe-worthy, making it a must-have for completing all of your Y2K looks.
Ashton Kutcher and Justin Timberlake were just a couple of celebrities that helped the brand skyrocket to fame. Today, Kylie Jenner and Madison Beer are bringing Von Dutch back into the spotlight.
You can get a Von Dutch hat in just about any color you like, from sparkly pink to black. Even in 2021, one will cost you $89.
#8 – Ed Hardy
Ed Hardy is a brand that really encapsulates over-the-top Y2K style. If you were wearing a crystal-encrusted hat and top in the 2000s, it had to be Ed Hardy. Inspired by the designs of the tattoo artist himself, celebs including Fergie and Pauly D wore Ed Hardy almost everywhere they went.
Today the brand still makes women’s and men’s items including hats, jackets, bottoms, and tops with the same gaudy look that made them so popular. With face masks as low as $20 and leather jackets up to $3,000, there are items at all price points.
#9 – ASOS
British retailer ASOS was actually founded in 2000. The etailer has its own product range but it also carries hundreds of other brands that target young adults. Adidas and Fila are just two of the many brands that are sold on the site.
ASOS is currently selling some very Y2K collections such as the Space Jam collection. They also have a Revolution x Bratz collection that is everyone’s 2000s makeup inspiration (because who didn’t want to look like a Bratz doll?!).
You can shop everything that you need for a Y2K look on ASOS, from bucket hats priced as low as $9 to wide-leg jeans as high as $199.
#10 – Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters has become one of the trendiest stores to shop from that somehow doesn’t feel trendy. UO carries vintage clothing, new clothing from brands like Fila, and their in-house brand, as well as records, makeup, and of course, the best unisex graphic tees.
The website even has a ‘2000s Nostalgia’ section that’s been curated to include everything from mini dresses to sandals. UO’s graphic tanks and t-shirts are made from high-quality materials, which is why they often sell out.
On the other hand, UO is known to get pricey with items up to $400, but their products do vary greatly in price depending on the brand and item.
#11 – Sean John
If you hadn’t noticed, rapper-founded brands were very popular during the early 2000s and Sean John was no different. Founded by Sean Diddy Combs, Sean John created caps, tracksuits, and everything else that was essential to Y2K style.
Puff Daddy’s superstar status had every celebrity wanting to wear something by the brand and J.Lo even wore it to the MTV awards, which was one of her most replicated looks. P Diddy has also won numerous awards including a CFDA menswear designer of the year accord.
Today, Sean John focuses on menswear and accessories, and with prices as low as $35, the brand offers an affordable way to try out Y2K trends. In 2020, Sean Jean collaborated with fast fashion brand Missguided on a collection that was inspired by both J.Lo and Rihanna.
#12 – True Religion
Brand-name jeans were the most desired designer fashion item of the early 2000s. If you wanted people to envy you, all you had to do was pull on a pair of True Religion jeans.
Of course, the jeans were low-rise and loose, with the Joey flares being the most stylish pair you could get. Oh, and don’t forget the brand’s horseshoe emblem and back pocket embellishments that screamed Y2K.
Jessica Alba and Jessica Simpson were huge fans of True Religion, while the Black Eyed Peas even referenced them in their songs. Bella Hadid has been the face of True Religion since 2018 and if that can’t revive a brand, nothing will.
#13 – Rocawear
Jay-Z created NY-based streetwear company Rocawear with Damon Dash. The hip-hop inspired brand was worn by everyone in the music industry, from Beyonce to even the poshest singers like Victoria Beckham.
Though Rocawear sold all kinds of clothing and accessories, their signature bomber jacket in a juxtaposing satin print was a standout item.
Just like many of the popular Y2K brands Rocawear made a comeback and you can now shop their products for as little as $6.
#14 – Tommy Hilfiger
Tommy Hilfiger is known for its classic Americana style and for producing some of the best mainstream jeans. The brand’s preppy aesthetic has stood the test of time but their 2000s pieces were what started a lot of Y2K fashion trends.
With Destiny’s Child wearing Tommy’s cropped bandeau tops and overalls, just about every girl wanted a piece from the brand. Ever since, TH has been intertwined with the hip-hop world and it recently came out with a Space Jam collaboration too.
If you’re looking to shop for some unisex Y2K pieces, try a pair of Tommy’s unisex overalls ($149).
#15 – Kangol
Hats were one of the key accessories of the early 2000s. With rap culture being so popular at the time and so many people looking to their favorite musicians for fashion inspiration, Kangol became a staple.
Celebs like LL Cool J, Missy Elliott, and actor Samuel L. Jackson rocked Kangol hats. The brand has it all, from their iconic 504 and 507 styles to bucket and even army hats. With streetwear and bucket hats being back in style, Kangol is even more relevant today.
On the low-end, you can find a Kangol hat for $23, while on the high-end, you can pay up to $165.
#16 – SHEIN
If you are a TikTok user, you probably see about 50 Shein hauls on your FYP per day. That’s because the affordable Asian fast fashion brand creates trendy pieces that are accessible to all.
There’s even a Y2K section on Shein’s website that makes shopping trend-specific items easy. With adorable kitsch jewelry for as low as $1 and jeans at $39, you can wear your favorite Y2K fashion trends for a shockingly low price.
#17 – Fila
Italian sportswear brand Fila is recognized by its iconic navy, red and white logo. The brand designed some of the most popular men’s and women’s items of the period, including shoes and apparel. Fila even has a section on its website dedicated to ‘heritage apparel’ which includes polo shirts and joggers.
Today celebrities such as Emily Ratjkowski, Sophia Richie, and Gigi Hadid are showing their love for the brand on a weekly basis. You can shop their popular chunky sneakers for as low as $52 and their tracksuits for $60 (per piece). They even have a section of their website dedicated to heritage apparel which includes polo shirts, joggers, and everything in between that you would need to get the Y2K look.
#18 – Adidas
Adidas is a sportswear brand that may be more famous now than ever, but it had its moments in the early 2000s. With the rise of hip-hop culture, the Adidas Superstars became popular. Although they weren’t designed during the 2000s, they were still very relevant and celebrities such as Missy Elliot loved wearing the shoes.
The Superstars came back into style in recent years with modern updates, including a design collaboration with Pharell Williams. If you love the tracksuit trend, Adidas is a great place to shop. Gwen Stephani sported an iconic bright green tracksuit with baggy bottoms from the brand that would still look great today.
You can purchase the Adidas Superstars for $85 or a tracksuit for $75 (per piece).
Which Y2K fashion brands are the most affordable?
One of the best parts about wearing Y2K fashion trends is that you don’t have to break the bank to be in style. Many of the brands featured on this list are fast fashion brands that are very affordable, such as Fashion Nova, Pretty Little Thing, and Shein.
Luckily, BabyPhat, Sean Jean, Rocawear, and Kangol have all come back at much more affordable price points than they originally were sold at. To make the most out of a Y2K outfit, try shopping for some fast fashion pieces and some from ‘original’ brands.
How can I style Y2K fashion?
When it comes to styling Y2K fashions, it depends on how committed you are to the overall look. You can always throw on a mini graphic tee with some wide-leg, high-rise jeans for a more relaxed look, but if you want to go full Paris Hilton in the Simple Life, you can do that too.
If you’re taking it to the extreme, try out a velour tracksuit from Juicy Couture with platform sandals and a Von Dutch hat. For a modern take, look at celebrities such as Bella Hadid who don mini graphic tees with low-rise jeans on the regular.
If you need added tips on how to style Y2K fashion trends, refer to your TikTok feed. Just like any other fad, the tackiest of Y2K fashions will come and go, but overall, we’re happy to see that many of them have made a comeback.
