If you grew up wearing bumster-level low-rise jeans and bedazzled chainmail halter-necks, you'll probably be surprised to hear that 2000s fashion is once again popular.
I was born in 1994—amid the reign of Calvin Klein minimalism and Perry Ellis grunge synonymous with 90s fashion—and if you ask me, the decade still feels like it happened just yesterday.
There is perhaps nothing more humbling than seeing my teenage nieces referencing styles I wore what feels like a mere couple of years ago as "cool vintage styles." But, here we are.
In looking to the Y2K fashion of the early noughties, we're looking to a broad spectrum of fashion icons. Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and all the members of Destiny's Child, to name a few, were pioneering 2000s fashion looks we still revere today—metallic glam, lots of teeny-tiny baguette bags, sparkly hair clips and corset tops.
But here in the UK, there was a completely different vibe—Sienna Miller, Kate Moss and Alexa Chung sold us all on the fashion kudos of ballet flats, low-slung, baggy jeans and strappy heels, all of which have firmly come back into style over the past year.
From brands like Blumarine and Chloé ushering in the return of these looks on the runway to modern style savants like Bella Hadid and Addison Rae making a case for 2000s fashion in everyday dressing, there's no shortage of styles making a comeback. Curious to know which Y2K trends have outlived the trend cycle? Ahead, the best 2000s fashion moments to make their return.
The Best 2000s Fashion Moments That Have Made A Comeback
1. Hair Clips
Style Notes: Hair accessories are back in a big way, but now we're swapping the Claire's for styles that are altogether more glam. The good news is that you still don't have to spend a fortune to nail this noughties trend.
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A contemporary take on the playful trend.
So cute.
The rhinestones scream 2000s fashion, but the claw clip is very modern.
The girl with the pearl Simone Rocha hair clip.
2. Corsets
Style Notes: The bottoms may have been baggy in the early noughties, but the tops were very fitted. And on every red carpet at the time, you'd see a number of starlets rocking a corset top. This season, our favourite brands have put a sleek, contemporary spin on the seductive 2000s fashion style.
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This corset top features a contrasting silk balconette bra for a full Bridgette Bardot fantasy.
Take it from Olivia Dean—polka dots are all the rage this season.
This velvet iteration is moving fast.
This gilded tone screams 2000s fashion.
3. Cargo Pants
Style Notes: Yes, the "ugly-chic" pants are officially a trend of the present day, and we're not even sorry to say that we're excited to start wearing the practical style.
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Other Stories always comes through with great style at great prices.
Pair with sandals and a ribbed white t-shirt for the ultimate off-duty look.
You can never go wrong with white jeans.
Khaki is a major colour trend for the Spring/Summer 2025 season.
4. Tiny-Strap Sandals
Style Notes: Strappy sandals are still having a major moment, and icons like Kate Moss prove the undeniable glamour of this evening style. Bring yours into daywear by opting for a kitten heel and pairing it with jeans and a tee.
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Add a pop of red to your look with these eye-catching sandals from Reformation.
The bow accents and powder pink colour feel so on trend for 2025.
You can just imagine Marissa Cooper from The OC wandering around in these.
Take after Kate Moss and reach for this butter yellow pair.
5. Baguette Bags
Style Notes: Whether logo-filled, baguette-shaped, or the iconic Fendi original, consider this the 2000s It bag trend to own.
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Rachel Green would approve.
The noughties OG, in a fresh colourway for 2025.
Polène make some of the best bags around.
Who said you couldn't wear animal print on your shoulder?
6. Baggy Jeans
Style Notes: Skinny jeans have been out for a while, and now trendsetters are fully embracing the baggy look of looser-fitting pairs.
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These really elongate your silhouette.
Easy to dress up or down by pairing it with in-fashion trainers.
COS's Arch jeans are one of the most highly-recommended pairs of all time.
Barrel-leg jeans are a great way to get that baggy effect with some structure.
7. Capri Pants
Style Notes: If the baggy look isn't for you, this is the noughties-approved alternative. This slim-fitting, cropped capri pant looks particularly cool when styled with strappy sandals and a fitted t-shirt.
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The styling is perfection.
I love the contrasting lace trim on these pedal pushers.
I love how this split-hem style is paired with a matching vest.
These may look unassuming, but pair them with a grey sweater and a white button-down for the ultimate expensive-looking silhouette.
8. Baby Tanks and Tees
Style Notes: Cropped T-shirts and tank tops immediately feel like the fresh basic you need. You'll find us diving deep into the 2000s fashion trend by wearing them with our cargo pants and tiny bags.
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Reformation's Dusk Knit Top has that '90s scoop neck finish, but the 2000s fashion body-conscious cut that I adore.
This tank top comes in 10 different colours.
Margot Robbie, Taylor Swift and Jennifer Lawrence are counted as fans of this Leset t-shirt.
Size down for that true 2000s fashion fit.
9. Wedge Mules
Style Notes: Ready or not, the wedge shoe trend is bubbling back up again—except that 2025's versions are much sleeker. Just thank Chemena Kamali (Chloé's creative director) and Sienna Miller for their return.
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These platform wedges from Zara are totally 2000s.
For a designer version, look to Gucci's jacquard print logo style with the gilded horsebit finish.
These Rixo wedges have a rounded toe and '1920's-inspired strap that I find so elevated.
The inverse curve will have you friends demanding to know where you got these from.
10. Ethereal Evening wear
Style Notes: In search of inspiration for your wedding guest dress? Look to style icon Sienna Miller's incredible early 2000s fashion, which feel so timeless and romantic. Floaty, subtly bohemian dresses always look so gorgeous.
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This might look risqué, but the built-in slip takes this slip from 'naked dress' territory and into the 'boho chic' category.
If this was really the 2000s, you can bet this dress would be worn over jeans.
A far more classic take. You'll cherish this tiered piece for seasons to come.
Biker boots, faux fur gilet, layers of ruffles...can it get more boho than this?
11. Tube Top
Style Notes: The strapless top is well and truly back in fashion. Go bare-shouldered and pair with linen shorts or jeans, or layer a shirt or waisted cardigan over the top.
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The longer fit lends itself to styling with linen and wide-leg trousers.
The microfibre fabric is buttery soft.
Combine two 2000s fashion trends with this red corset bandeau.
The ruching on this makes this style look far more expensive than it is.
12. Shell Necklaces
Style Notes: The pukka shell necklace may have been the A-lister favourite in the noughties, but this year shell necklaces have been given a chic upgrade that still retains their nostalgic charm. Take on holiday or wear at home with breezy linen sets.
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I need this ASAP.
This might not be exactly shell, but the statement and circular designs feels like the modern equivalent.
This feels pulled right from the ocean floor.
I love the contrasting textures.
13. Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Thanks mainly to Alexa Chung, I spent my youth clamouring for ballet flats. This practical yet elegant flat has reclaimed its place as a footwear staple over the past year, and I couldn't be happier about it. (Chung also helped bring ballet flats back with her own Gucci Horesbit styles.)
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So versatile.
As someone who wears a lot of black, I tend to rely on my shoes to inject a little colour in my outfits. These would definitely do the trick.
Suede ballet flats are my new obsession. I love the western twang these have, too.
Ballet pumps with an ankle strap? Sign us up.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
14. Leopard Print
Style Notes: Leopard prints may not be the first motif that comes to mind when you think of 2000s fashion. (That's probably velour or chintzy chainmail.) But thanks to Christina Aguliera and the cast of Jersey Shore, the pattern is been entrenched in the annals of Y2K style. (Bonus points if it's paired with a contrasting hot pink trim!)
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This design is straight out of a time capsule.
Made from recycled mesh, this handkerchief dress reminds me of the tiger-print Roberto Cavalli dress Aaliyah wore to the 2000 MTV awards.
Mary Janes are the perfect alternative to ballet flats.
For a subtle touch.
15. Mini Skirts
Style Notes: This photo of Beyoncé wearing Uggs to a formal event may be engrained in our collective consciousness, but we tend to overlook just how prevalent another key item in this look was. Indeed, mini skirts we're everywhere from the red carpet to the streets of Rodeo Drive. Looking for tips on how to find the perfect 2000s fashion style? Take cues from Paris Hilton, who once famously quipped "skirts should be the size of a belt."
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This pinstripe looks far more expensive than it is.
This gorgous gingham style comes from a size UK 4 to UK 26.
A denim mini skirt is an early 2000s staple.
I love this utility style.
16. Tracksuits
Style Notes: You'd be remiss to find any 2000s fashion round-ups that exclude velour tracksuits. From Lindsay Lohan to Brittany Spears and Kim Kardashian, this was Hollywood's off-duty style for a good decade. While looks have gotten far more premium in recent years, I still have a soft spot for this matching look.
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This look makes me want to listen to Heidi Montag's "I'll Do It".
The elasticised waist and slouch fit of these track pants makes these the most comfortable pair I own.
Wide-leg joggers are the ideal hybrid between loungewear and outerwear.
This plum colour is so in at the moment.
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Kate Moss Just Wore the Flat Shoes That Go Perfectly With Skinny TrousersA foolproof pairing.
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I Finally Tried Cargo Trousers—5 Outfits That Prove I've Been Missing OutY2K, the grown up way.
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I Thought These Trends Disappeared in the 2010s—Now They're Back and I'm Not MadFlashback!
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Sorry T-Shirts, This Is the Pretty Y2K Top Fashion People Are PrioritisingAnd you might already own it.
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How to Wear Y2K as a 30-Year-Old Without Looking Like Your Teenage SelfIt is possible. We promise.
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Decoding Y2K Fashion: Here's What Actually Looks Good 25 Years LaterWe've gone into the archives.
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12 Surprisingly Current Shots of Celebs Wearing Coats in the '80s, '90s and '00sBet you'd forgotten about them.
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Sienna Miller's 2000s Style in 20 Unforgettable OutfitsThese looks don't date.
