Fashion trends and aesthetics from the 2000s are back and gaining popularity amongst millennials and gen-z babies. Think low-rise jeans, truckers, monochrome outfits, baby tees, halter tops, futuristic/techy looks, and over-the-top everything. This return of 2000’s fashion, also known as Y2K fashion, is being popularized by TikTok creators and has been embraced by several designers. Besides clothes and accessories, Y2K has influenced things like digital art and photo editing.
Around here, in Nigeria, there has also been a gradual influx of Y2K fashion and even those who have no name for it can be found sporting these trends. It’s most popular in the creative and artistic scene in Nigeria. There are those who will conflate alté fashion with Y2K fashion, though the former gets inspiration from the latter.
Y2K was popularized in the aught years by teenage celebrities like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Destiny’s Child. It was marked by technological advancements, hence its futuristic elements, and the rise of fast fashion. Y2K also included a lot of hip-hop fashion. Really, it’s a combination of different fashion periods and subcultures. The influence spread worldwide and we can reminisce it via our very own Nollywood.
Nollywood stars were style icons, then and now. Omotola, Genevieve, and Jim Iyke were amongst the fashion-forward stars. We have to give it to the costume designers of those movies. Platforms like Yung Nollywood pay tribute to the ingenuity of that era. If you don’t have access to old Nollywood movies, you can check out Yung Nollywood memes to get a feel of it.
Meanwhile, one of the notable features of Y2K is excessive shopping habits. People bought more clothes than ever before in the 2000s. These days, we’re probably shopping as much or even more. However, there’s a change in the tide and many people are gravitating towards sustainable fashion. Therefore recycling, upcycling, and thrifting are in. And the great thing about thrifting is the opportunity to get unique pieces or even classics. If you are into Y2K or want to get into it, then thrifting is your best bet.
So, what are some of the Y2K trends that have made it into the future?
Low-rise Jeans
These jeans gave and is giving many women nightmares because of how “risky” they are. The rise (no pun intended) of high-waist jeans was an answer to the prayers of many women. No longer did they have to worry about dropping anything for fear of bending over. However, somehow, these nightmare jeans are back on the scene.
Pleated Miniskirts
Super short skirts? Yes. Super short skirts with pleats? Yes, please! This sexy take on a school uniform skirt is back with a vengeance. Now, every day is leg day.
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Big-buckled Belts
Belts aren’t only for holding up oversized trousers, they are for making a statement. The chunkier the better, the shinier the better.
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Truckers
Truckers were a staple back then and now they’re back. Toss out your baseball hat and get yourself a trucker hat.
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Baguette Bags
Yummy and portable, just big enough to carry the most important things. Every bag person should own at least one.
Flared Jeans
Flared jeans and boot-cuts are, here again, even wide-leg jeans. Make it low-rise flare jeans and you’ve won.
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Baby Tees and Tube Tops
These teeny-weeny tops are back on their grind. Making girls look good since forever. You can dress it up or dress it down, it’s fabulous either way.
Leather Jackets
By now, you should have noticed the leather jackets (as a matter of fact, all things leather) re-entry onto the list of hot fashion pieces to have now. What are you waiting for then?
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Wraparound/Futuristic Glasses
Eyewear is a big part of Y2K and that techy, futuristic glam only makes it cooler. There’s a lot of good options out there.
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Chunky Footwear
Wedges are back and the soles of shoes are getting chunkier and chunkier. This look is definitely arresting and hey, the extra height never hurts.
Monochrome Looks
Wearing one color head to toe is awesome when done well. With Y2K, there’s often a lot of all black or grey looks and for the bold, hot pink or purple.
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These are just a few items off a vast list of trendy Y2K clothing and accessories. The one thing about Y2K fashion is the sex appeal. So aim to look as sexy as possible when you’re putting that outfit together. Good luck!