If there’s one thing that always holds true in the fashion world, it’s that what goes around comes around. Nothing confirms this more than the resurgence of Y2K (Year 2000) fashion. Fashion trends from 20 years ago, like low-rise jeans, baggy pants, bandanas, and chunky jewelry, are now making an unexpected comeback.
The revived Y2K fashion fad crept in a few months after the pandemic and has since taken over the Gen Z and millennial wardrobes. With Gen Z leading the movement, Y2K is being reinvented into bolder and more versatile statement pieces that allow for playful experimentation. Come along as we explore 9 of the hottest Y2K fashion trends you may want to try.
1. Pink
Pink was one of the most popular colors back in the Y2K era. At the time, the color pink was splashed across everything from clothing to accessories to even bubble gum. Its resurgence was fueled by the 2023 Barbie movie, celebrities like Britney Spears, and the film Mean Girls.
Now, in 2025, we’re getting nostalgia as pink dominates runways and street style. While maintaining the vintage essence, Gen Zs and Millennials have brought a fresh twist to the aesthetic. We’ve seen baby tees in candy hues, low-rise jeans with a pop of pink in the details, and mini skirts in fuchsia or even metallic fabric.
2. Low-Rise Bottoms
Pexels – James Espinoza(right)
Low-rise jeans were a fashion trend to die for in the late 1990s through the early 2000s. These skinny jeans were characterized by their very low waistband that sat below the natural waistline, typically around the hips. Also known as “low-cut” jeans or “hip huggers,” this style gained immense popularity as influenced by pop culture and celebrities like Paris Hilton and Christina Aguilera.
In the twilight of the early 2000s, however, the popularity of low-rise bottoms started to wane in favor of high-waist jeans. But as Y2K fashion experiences a resurgence, guess who’s back? Low-rise jeans! It’s not exactly as it used to be; we’re seeing updated features like looser fittings, straight-leg styles, and new fabrics like linen blends and twills.
3. Fit and Flare Denim Pants
Pexels – Alvin Caal(left)
The fit-and-flare denim pants were a convenient alternative to the straight-leg and wide-leg styles of the 1990s to early 2000s. The pants are fitted through the thighs and then widen from the knee down to the ankle in an A-shape. These jeans were loved for their ability to give the illusion of longer legs and more defined hips and thighs.
In the Y2K era, fit-and-flare jeans were often paired with crop tops, baby tees, and platform shoes for a casual-cool look. With their revival, brands like Fiorucci and Diesel have reinvented the style, offering a fresh and more unique perspective. Moving away from the low-rise feature of Y2K, modern fit-and-flare denim is usually mid- or high-rise, thereby catering to a wider range of body types.
4. Cropped Tops
Cropped tops have a long history, dating as far back as the 1940s and cutting across different cultures from India to Greece. It gained traction in Western fashion around World War II when designers had to make more economical styles due to fabric rationing. It reappeared in mainstream media again around the Y2K era, becoming more revealing and often paired with visible thong straps.
These tops have continued to be a staple in the fashion industry for years but have made a louder comeback now. Contemporary designers like Jacquemus and Christopher Esber have reimagined cropped tops, giving them a modern feel while retaining their nostalgic effect. They’re now styled with high-waisted jeans and skirts, offering a more balanced look.
5. Mini Skirts
Mini skirts have been a symbol of youthful rebellion and sexual liberation since the 1960s. However, the early 1990s and 2000s saw another great comeback for mini skirts with higher hemlines, low-rise waistbands, and pleated designs inspired by schoolgirl uniforms.
Unsurprisingly, mini skirts are among the big players in the Y2K renaissance. We’re spotting some interesting updates too! They are now paired with cute chunky sweaters, knee-high boots, tailored blazers, etc. Newer mini-skirt designs are also more inclusive, encouraging body positivity.
6. Baby Tees
You know baby tees—those cute, fitted t-shirts that sat above the navel, hugging the torso and arms. They were practically everywhere in the Y2K era and were a go-to for pop stars and teen idols. These tees often came in bright colors like pink, green, or red and were adorned with all sorts of playful logos and catchphrases.
Baby tees are back with a bang and are now reinvented for a modern context. They retain their cropped length and playful graphics, but there are a few changes. For instance, modern versions often have a looser and boxier fit for comfort and can now be layered with sheer tops and open shirts.
7. Tube Tops
Tube tops are those strapless, form-fitting garments that rely on elastic to stay put. They’ve been around since the 1970s and were often worn as part of a bohemian aesthetic. However, their place in the fashion hall of fame was cemented during the Y2K era.
In the early 2000s, tube tops ended high on the torso, revealing the waistline. These days, however, we’re seeing longer tube tops that can be tucked into high-waisted trousers or skirts for a defined look. They’re also being styled in more diverse ways; they can be formal with tailored trousers and a blazer or casual with denim shorts and sneakers.
8. Velour Tracksuits
Reddit – Rude_Lifeguard(left)
Just hearing the name of this Y2K fashion style brings back sweet nostalgia. A staple outfit for celebrities like Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian, and Paris Hilton back in the day, velour tracksuits were the go-to for comfort and class. This two-piece set typically features a zip-up hoodie with drawstring pants made from soft, velvety fabric.
These tracksuits are making a recent comeback. Although the velour fabric remains, new additions like cropped hoodies, wide-leg pants, and jumpsuit variants are now available. They can now also be styled with heels and delicate jewelry for a more high-end look.
9. Baguette Bags and Little Bags
Baguette bags and their cousin, little bags, were popularized by Fendi in the late 1990s. Designed in a compact rectangular shape, these bags were designed to be tucked neatly under the arm like a baguette (the French bread). They’re often made from classic leather or denim and are designed with sequins, beads, and logos.
Little bags were as little as it gets. Functionality often took a backseat to fashion, as these bags could only carry keys, phones, and lip gloss. These Y2K bags are back again. They’re now being incorporated into a wider range of outfits, from casual to formal wear, perfectly capturing the charm of the Y2K era.
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