Like It or Not, Gaudy Y2K Style Is Roaring Back

This was a simpler, sillier era! While Y2K fashion has a poor image in general, and it was certainly garish at times—remember when we wore enormous belts with practically everything?—it was also more sincere and less manufactured than the usual celebrity ‘fit seen today. More importantly, it was enjoyable, which is precisely what dressing should be about right now. However, avoid being too emotional over vintage fashion—because in 2021, whether you like it or not, the early-2000s style will return with a fury.

Gen Z sparked the early aughts craze last year when they began wearing bootcut jeans and silk scarves as shirts on TikTok. Soon after, the style made its runway debut, with brands like Blumarine debuting ruffled minidresses, blingy belts, and low-rise jeans (“My Blumarine is more filthy, bitchy, and sexier,” creative director Nicola Brognano explained). And now, the fad is spreading to the streets. Rihanna, Dua Lipa, Bella Hadid, and others have been dusting off their greatest Y2K ensembles and giving them a fresh, modern twist this summer. Let’s have a look at their different clothing options.

One of the most prominent tacky-chic accessories of the era that has made a comeback is the trucker hat. It was all the rage in the early 2000s, with its mesh back and graphic front. Justin Timberlake is generally credited with initiating the trend with his 2003 Grammy afterparty appearance in a Von Dutch hat. Ashton Kutcher, Gwen Stefani, and Lindsay Lohan all wore them, particularly if they were by Von Dutch, the era’s It label. Eighteen years later, in April 2021, Rihanna debuted a fresh interpretation of the outfit, pairing an Esso trucker hat with a tracksuit and Prada bowler bag. Hailey Bieber also wore a lime green trucker hat to Vegas earlier this month, pairing it with a white tank and classic denim.

The general opinion appears to be that you should let the hat take center stage and keep the rest of your outfit basic. Whereas Y2K celebrities paired their Von Dutch trucker hats with over-the-top maximalist ensembles—think torn jeans, camouflage shirts, and bejeweled sunglasses—now it’s all about balancing out the gaudiness of a trucker. If you’re in the market for one, stylish indie brands like Beepy Bella offer their take on truckers, including one made of denim and embellished with beautiful Swarovski crystals. “I’ve always enjoyed incorporating elements of nostalgia and retro-ness into my work,” Beepy Bella designer Isabella Lalonde explains. “What I like about [our] truckers is that they are a walking, talking tale. Secret messages are buried throughout the hat, particularly when it is turned upside down. When they wear them, they feel the love.”

Ed Hardy tees—a trend that lasted until the early 2000s—are also seeing a renaissance. The colorful shirts, which are printed with skulls and tigers and adorned with rhinestones, were recently spotted on Bella Hadid and Addison Rae (she wore her pink Hardy tee as a dress, with platform flip-flops for the full Y2K effect). Vintage designs are now selling for upwards of $200 on Depop, while Ed Hardy has expanded its reach by launching an offshoot streetwear label called By Appointment Only. The idea of these shirts, which have historically been linked with “divorced parents” and former Jersey Shore cast members, regaining popularity seemed unimaginable until lately. Yet, as many fads do, it appears as though we’ve returned, and rising brands are again channeling the Ed Hardy aesthetic, although in a more creative, sophisticated manner. Juliet Johnstone, who hand-paints baby shirts and trousers, captures the graphic mood of those famed tees well in her work.

Even the most perplexing Y2K trends (Gaudy Y2K) are making a comeback, such as low-rise jeans and midriff-baring scarf tops (remember when Christina Aguilera wore a barely-there one to the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards?). These two divisive trends have been on the rise for some seasons now, with the first signs appearing on the runway as early as 2017—but with celebrities now on board, their presence is unmistakable. This weekend, Dua Lipa shared an Instagram-fit photo of herself wearing a pink scarf top and loose pants; the look is extremely 2000s but also has a faint ‘70s vibe for those who are more into that era. Bella Hadid has also been spotted wearing low-rise denim on several occasions, while companies like Knwls are calling this summer the summer of flesh with their ultra-low-rise jeans and exposed thongs. While the low-rise jean is a difficult garment to master, TikTok performers like Shy Smith manage to pull it off by totally embracing the aesthetic (she pairs her low-rise skirts with tight tees and Juicy Couture zip-up hoodies).

Now, we recognize that this is a lot of information to take in. However, when used strategically, a Y2K item may inject your appearance with an amazing flare. The trend is most certainly not for minimalists, so keep in mind that it should not be taken too seriously. Allow your inner 2000s adolescent to run wild! It’s especially appropriate for a night out when you can even include some Gaudy Y2K beauty into the look—space buns, vibrant makeup, and all. To complete the appearance, all you’d need is a Motorola Razr or T-Mobile Sidekick.