The Minimalist's Guide to Y2K Style for Summer

When you think of Y2K style—aka the trend that's taken over the fashion world as of late—it's easy to immediately go to a place of butterflies, glitter, body chains, and pink. After all, those are the most in-your-face (and thus memorable) parts of the era. That makes up a lot of what we're seeing represented in its comeback, but surely, that's not all there is to it.

Luckily for those of us on the simpler side of the dressing spectrum, there were tons of pieces and micro-trends within Y2K that also spoke to a more minimalist approach to fashion, making it easy to hop on board without feeling like you have to overdo it or stray too far from your own personal sense of style. Below, I'm outlining six items that can help you do just that, with the outfit inspiration and shopping picks to go along with each. Curious about what made the cut? To get started, simply keep scrolling for the perfect minimalist Y2K shopping list to help those of us with more classic style still get the look. 

1. Baby Tees Tanks

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(Image credit: @slipintostyle)

Pair the slightly shrunken basics with everything and anything this season.

2. Low-Rise Pants

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(Image credit: @camillecharriere)

Whether you're team jeans, trousers, or both, consider taking the rise down a few inches for a look that's more of-the-moment.

3. Baguette Bags

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(Image credit: @deborabrosa)

Odds are you probably already own one baguette bag or several, but if you don't, I've included some of my favorites that are currently on the market below.

4. Miniskirts

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(Image credit: @_sierramayhew)

Pair yours with anything from a classic button-down to one of the aforementioned baby tees or tanks.

5. Strapless Dresses

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(Image credit: @inchargeofoutfits)

Whether long or short, there's something about the simple strapless dress that's always elegant while feeling distinctly Y2K.

6. Strappy Sandals

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(Image credit: @sasha.mei)

It wouldn't be summer without a strong selection of heeled sandals, but before you buy, consider a strappier pair to make your look feel more on-trend all season long.

Next, Six Summer Trends You Don't Need More Than $50 For

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Editor-at-Large

Since starting as an intern back in 2013, Nicole Akhtarzad Eshaghpour has held several roles here atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , and she is currently Editor-at-Large. It was a less expected route, seeing as she was graduating from business school at USC when this all began, but it has turned out to be the best one for her. Fast-forward to 2024, and she's moved to NYC from her hometown of Beverly Hills and spends her workdays a little differently from when she was an intern starting out. Currently, she focuses on a weekly mélange of shopping content. As far as her personal style goes, she's largely drawn to classic pieces and neutral basics but will always make an exception for something colorful, printed, or bejeweled as long as it's deemed worthy enough. After all, the only thing she loves more than a good party is dressing up for one. On weekdays, she can usually be found at home eating something delicious for dinner and trying to force her husband to watch Summer House.