Words by Particia
Y2K is making its extensive comeback to fashion… once again! With its versatile options such as low-rise jeans, capris, baby tees, halter necks, mini denim skirts, coquette-inspired dresses and tops, chunky sneakers, animal prints, leotards — and the list just goes on and on.
Many Gen Z’ers have taken over when it comes to this trend. Although they didn’t grow up in this era, they seem to have embodied the blueprint of it. They know what’s hot and what’s not. Y2K is meant to be bold, chic, playful, vivid, nostalgic, and sexy! There is no better way to capture this style. Y2K is here to stay!
There is such high demand for bringing back nostalgia — mix that with social media and Gen Z, and you’ve created the perfect formula for reviving this trend. Let’s be honest, there are so many iconic Y2K pieces, what’s not to love about it?
Even celebs are on the hunt for the most iconic vintage pieces they can get their hands on, and it appears brands are delivering to their full potential.
Take capris — they have made a major comeback last year and this year. People can’t get enough of them; they are literally everywhere! Now that it’s summer, you’re bound to walk past someone wearing a pair of capris. A standout pair can be found on Mytheresa.
A Y2K fashion icon that delivers all her looks well is Bella Hadid — she always seems to embody the true essence of Y2K mixed with vintage pieces. When it comes to her off-duty looks, she’s always rocking a fabulous pair of vintage low-rise jeans. Her wardrobe style is always on point — she is an exceptional person to draw inspo looks from.
Another celebrity who’s also hot at the minute is Dua Lipa. She’s recently been hitting the jackpot serving us some Y2K looks. In her recent video she shared on her Instagram, you can see her wearing some nice vintage jeans topped with a long open-back layered dress. She’s also pulling off a baby white tee with pink jewelled writing paired with some basic grey joggers — which captures that essence of Y2K streetwear. This is what it’s all about.
Vintage clothing is much better for the environment because it reduces fashion waste. In the UK alone, 350,000 tonnes of waste end up in landfills. There is a huge demand for fast fashion, and it has changed how consumers shop and see clothing — which is all down to social media and content creators promoting a different way of shopping. As everyone wants to fit in and wear the hottest trend — but does this come at a cost?
In today’s world, researchers and scientists have mentioned how as a society we need to slow down and be more mindful. Maybe the fact that some trends are coming back is probably a good thing because it means as consumers we can recycle and try to reduce waste.
Y2K has always been an influence on fashion — it’s simple but tasteful — it has always been an inspiration, even for big fashion houses such as Ralph Lauren, Diesel, Miu Miu, vintage Dior, Armani, and so much more.
Miu Miu is the most modern brand that provides Y2K-vibe clothing pieces — other than that, there aren’t many. Only references when it comes to accessories. Their fashion shows are always somewhat referencing something that is Y2K — this is the whole essence of the brand. The most popular items would be their uber miniskirts and the Wander small matelassé tote bag. They know how to mix modern fashion with Y2K — you can see it’s playful, they add layers, and it’s a good way for people to start buying into the trend itself.
Pieces like the Wander Bag and Denim Skirt capture that playfulness with subtle nods to the past.
Diesel embraces the Y2K — it’s their brand image. They know how to sell the whole package and keep consumers on their toes and wanting more. From head to toe, they pretty much have everything covered for you — which in most cases is quite rare. They have options like miniskirts, tube tops, denim heels, and their small tote bags. They never miss when it comes to the Y2K trend.
They have had quite the track record when it comes to fashion. From innovative denim, extreme logos, their runway shows are unruly and experimental, they have edgy advertising, and they just bring the whole essence of Y2K. Since the early ’90s, they’ve been here to stay.
What has been predicted for this summer/spring, you may be wondering… On TikTok’s latest trends, it seems like there is going to be a lot of incorporation of sequins. That’s right — SEQUINS! They’re going to be added onto miniskirts, dresses, and long sleeve tops.
This gives it a warm summery element, especially if you’re going away to the beach. Surprisingly, Bermuda shorts are coming back into style for women especially — this will be a nice take to see how people will style them, as they’re very Y2K!
One TikTok video that captures this perfectly can be found here.
This is a prime example of being experimental — because a new product hasn’t been invented, it’s just been ventured with. Who would have thought that sequins would be the talking factor of Y2K summer this year? A chance for people to take the risk and get involved, as it seems.
