The resurgence of Y2K fashion in 2022
Low-rise jeans, metallics, platform boots, and eccentric jewellery These early 2000s styles, which were deemed extravagant only a few years ago, are returned in full force, welcomed by Generation Z.
By Angel Angus Burke, 14th August 12:30pm
Many trends take decades to reemerge, but the famous Year 2000 (Y2K) style has only been around for 20 years.
“It was a huge concept that was quite distinct from previous fashion trends like the ’90s, ’80s, and ‘70s,” Israel Garcia explained. “It’s really metallic and futuristic. “We’re in the 2000s, therefore we’re going to have to celebrate. We’re entering a new millennium.”
Y2K fashion is typically defined by its wild and daring flair. As the new decade begins with a global epidemic, many people yearn for a simpler era comparable to the early 2000s. As a result, Y2K fashion has experienced another dramatic increase.
“[Y2K style is influenced by] largely nostalgia, yet returning to a time with a future feel to it,” Alice Yuan explained. “As we entered a new decade, we were all affected by nostalgia for that era.”
Wide-leg jeans, crop tops, yoga trousers, printed fabrics, the colour bubble-gum pink, and layered jewellery are among the mainstays that have returned. While fashion is subjective, persons who layer and blend different fabrics have come under fire.
“Sometimes people go crazy with material mixing, and it’s just too much,” Riley Reeves explained. “It would be like a sensory issue for me if I wore anything like that.” When folks combine furs, fishnets, denims, and cotton, it’s too much for many.”
To most, quarantine meant months of boredom, and it accomplished what extended periods of seclusion usually do: it provided time for contemplation accompanied by an identity crisis. Being alone and free of societal criticism allows people to experiment with trends and fashions to discover what truly suits them as individuals.
“I absolutely believe that when people are socially isolated, they are less concerned about other people’s perceptions,” Yuan added. “I was definitely free to develop my style more since I didn’t fear peer judgement.”
Teenagers in a digital age are primed to consume the media they come across.
Classic 2000s films such as “Mean Girls” (2004), “Jennifer’s Body” (2009), and The Twilight Saga began trending on social media platforms throughout the last year, relating to the comeback of Y2K fashion.
“[Teens] had nothing better to do since quarantine, so we went on a spree of watching a bunch of 2000s TV episodes and movies,” Garcia explained. “There was a lot of Y2K fashion in a lot of Hollywood trends.” So when we saw this, we thought, ‘Huh. Let us resurrect this.”
Despite its widespread popularity, some people prefer to avoid the daringness of Y2K fashion. While many people admire the fashion style, many are unimpressed by its comeback in the 2020s.
“I feel like it’s kind of a joke in the 2020s,” Yuan remarked. “People buy kids’ t-shirts and sell them on Depop with the tag ‘Y2K.’” But I truly enjoy the aesthetic itself; it’s futuristic.”
It’s fascinating to see how patterns circle again, especially in this decade. The ’90s style was first to return, followed by Y2K in chronological order.
“The ’90s were insane: there were so many colours everywhere.” “Y2K fashion was more like, ‘Okay, let me tone it down a little bit, but I’m still going to be a baddie,’” Garcia explained.
On a scale from job interview to Friday night party, Y2K would be right up there with table dancing. The male gaze dominated the era, forcing fashion to become extremely sexualized. The fashion and beauty standards of the early 2000s produced an unpleasant and frequently hostile atmosphere for many teenagers and young girls.
“There were a lot of challenges back then; it was the era of the super skinny, tall white girl, and it was extremely unreachable to most people,” Olivia La Roche, owner of the vintage shop O. La Roche, explained. “It was the pinnacle of anorexia, with the spray tan, bleached hair, and blue contacts.” The convergence of technology, media editing, paparazzi, and celebrity types — it was perhaps the cruellest age for women and young women who were at their most vulnerable.”
The political climate around fashion has changed dramatically between then and today. With feminist movements like #MeToo and women speaking out against sexualisation, aspects of Y2K fashion come with a feeling of reclamation and reclaiming your sexuality.
Style in the 2020s is nonconforming, with a focus on self-expression. Previous generations of high school kids would almost certainly have worn similarly, but as society continues to defy conformist ideas, there is greater variation in the outfits we witness on a daily basis.
“Quarantine allowed us to get back into fashion trends and attempt new things,” Garcia explained. “Experiencing and experimenting with numerous styles, as well as picking and choosing the pieces you want to wear, makes everyone’s style so distinctive.”
