The year is 2000, you’re flipping through your favourite glossy mags and watching The Simple Life by Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. Your guy crush is Ryan Phillippe and you’re obsessed with boy bands and your newly acquired Tamagotchi: What. An. Era.
Although many of our birthdays are set in the ‘90s, we can’t argue that the best time of our lives took place in the ‘00s – and our best fashion moments, too. The ‘00s was a time for freedom of expression; anything and everything was acceptable to wear and no one seemed to object or judge your (in hindsight, dubious) fashion choices.
It was a wild time for fashion trends, indeed. With the likes of Christina Aguilera rocking cornrows and Justin Timberlake with his 2-minute noodle blonde curls, we were all victims of the ‘00s curse. Conversely, the ‘00s did give us SJP-style glamour in Sex and the City as well as normcore steez, compliments of our favourite sitcoms.
Though many of us would like to banish the era into a time capsule never to be seen again, it seems to have reared its ugly head once more in 2018. Before you go calling the fashion police on us, note that some of these picks can be turned into certified looks even today – if done right.
1. Super Low Rise Jeans
Like ripping off a Band-Aid, we’ll start off with the worst one and soften the rest of the blows (we promise). Super low rise jeans are back with a bang and we don’t know how we feel about it – all we know is that Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner make it look more fabulous than ever! The only difference is that this time around we are giving it a touch of class sans the G-string accessory.
2. Babydoll Dresses
If Rihanna’s wearing it, we want it! These flirty dresses have been making a comeback this summer and we love how versatile and easy they are to style. Wear them with statement heels and accessories for the full-glam effect, or opt for sneakers and a peak cap for casual appeal. View more babydoll dresses here.
3. Tiny Tops and Tees
The crop top has enjoyed a long reign on the fashion circuit for a while now; however, this time around we are daring to show a little more skin. Top favourites include the glitzy disco variety in chain mail, shirred tops that display some shoulder action and lace-up midriff tops for sassy looks on days you feel like showing off.
4. Tracksuits
Juicy Couture was first launched in the late ‘90s, but it wasn’t until the ‘00s when it started gaining popularity. Its most iconic pieces include soft velour tracksuits decorated with rhinestones and glitter ribbing. As seen on the likes of Kim Kardashian and JLo, these tracksuits were all the rage and anyone who wore them were automatically deemed ghettofabulous. For years now, it was rumoured to be revived and we think that 2018 is the year it’ll finally take.
Another tracksuit trend that’s been taking off is the athletic basketball and leisure variation. Most notably, brands like Nike and adidas have been churning out iconic retro-inspired designs which were notarised in the early ‘00s, followed by FILA and Kappa with their own unique take.
5. Logo, Slogan & Brand Tees
You know the saying: “Been there. Done that. Got the T-shirt”? Well, if you didn’t get the T-shirt to say it, then how would they know you’ve been there or done that? The ‘00s brought forth so many slogan tees and it isn’t any wonder, with so many catch phrases hailing from that era. Brand paraphernalia was also all the rage during this time and thus, the birth of hypebeast culture we celebrate today.
6. Denim on Denim
This post simply would not have any substance lest we mention that iconic denim red carpet look from Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. While the execution was a huge miss in the ‘00s, we definitely stand behind the denim-on-denim movement and give the Canadian Tuxedo the big thumbs up this season.
7. Platform Shoes
We have the Spice Girls to thank for making platform shoes a thing. Elevating style and short people since the ‘00s is what these shoes for women do best, so it is only fitting that they’ve made a comeback to level the playing field for shorties all over the world once more.
8. Camo
When Destiny’s Child released ‘Survivor’ in 2001, the iconic feminist hymn not only gave women the confidence to speak up and do it for themselves, it also produced the BEST camo looks that this century has ever seen. So much so, that Kylie Jenner hopped onto the camo bandwagon and released a so-called bespoke camo fashion line of her own recently. Style tip: Complementing these looks with mesh (also a huge trend of the ‘00s) is mandatory.
9. Peasant Tops
10. Tiny, Tiny Bags
Paris Hilton has decreed tiny bags as the ‘it’ accessory of the century. Available in different styles like the leather moon bag or the mini tote, these statement carry-ons have the power to make or break your outfit. Store only the essentials and stunt.
Hate it or love it, the ‘00s happened and we survived it. What were your favourite picks and which ones made you cringe? Let us know!
