You guys, I cannot describe to you how excited I was when they sent me an assignment titled, “37 Y2K Fashion Items You Can Get on Amazon.” I mean, c’mon! I was born in 1978, hit 10 years old in 1988 and entered the 1990s a raging teenager headed toward the exciting brand new century. And, then I started looking around at Y2K fashion and got equal parts nostalgic and offended. Why are they calling looks from Y2K “vintage?” I swear Y2K was just yesterday.
Except it wasn’t. More than 20 years have passed since the calendar flipped over from 19– to 20– and boy, we’ve learned a lot along the way. This isn’t the place for that conversation but it is a good place to talk about some of my favorite fashion trends from that time, everything from crop tops to butterfly clips to smiley face everything. My mom always used to tell me, “Everything old will be new again,” and it seems she was right. (Don’t tell her I said that.) Explore this list and decide for yourself!
Dress to Impress
Halter tops were all the rage around the year 2000, when people tried to show as much skin as humanly possible. This two-piece halter outfit comes in both shorts and skirt options and a wide array of patterns — most of them extra “loud.” One reviewer said it gave her “groovy Barbie vibes,” which sounds just about right for that period in history.
Throwing Shade
These vintage retro cat eye sunglasses are from a brand called, “Own The Trend,” and you’ll definitely be on a Y2K trend with these. Complete with plastic frames and non-polarized lenses, these come in five colors including the pink pictured above. I’m partial to the black or tortoise print options, which will give you a totally très chic vibe.
Let Me Get a Two-Piece
Y2K was equal parts “show all the skin” and “I just want to be comfortable,” and nothing says the latter better than this two-piece oversized shorts set. Soft, breathable, lightweight, skin-friendly, stretchy and comfy to wear, this set in light green is so versatile and could be dressed up or down depending on where you’re rocking it. There are sets with pants as well, but it’s too hot to even think about that right now.
Cream of the Crop
If someone asked me about the one thing that might define Y2K, here it is. I present to you the crop top. This one is a ringspun cotton blend that makes it incredibly lightweight and durable with a variety of graphics and sayings like, “Heaven Sent,” “Later,” and “Angel.” This shirt screamed “Avril Lavigne concert” so loud I can hear “Complicated” playing.
It’s in the Bag
I can’t say for sure when the big bag trend started but it wasn’t Y2K, when girls were carrying the world’s tiniest handbag like this one croc-embossed vegan leather style. I mean, we didn’t have much to put in there. Cell phones weren’t quite that big of a deal yet and all of the conveniences we have now hadn’t yet been invented so it was just Tic-Tacs, Britney Spears’ new fragrance and our Tamagotchis.
A Short Story
Jean shorts (or “jorts,” if you will) have always been in style — and probably always will be. This high-waisted pair is stretchy with cuffed hems and is perfect for pairing with one of those crop tops a few products above. Choose from more than two dozen washes and colors to fit every outfit and every mood for right around $20.
Built like a Tank
Reviewers love this stretchy crop tank for being “so cute and comfy” and “easy to style.” That’s probably because they come in a ton of solid colors perfect for wearing solo or layering under another piece. This top is sleeveless with rib-knit detail and a crew neck, ideal for any season or occasion … except maybe a funeral. Don’t make that weird.
Jump Through Hoops
Despite living through Y2K, I had to scour the internet to find Y2K-style fashion because, more than two decades later, I’ve completely forgotten. Or, maybe I repressed those memories. Either way, these chunky gold hoops are a fashion trend I can get behind whether it’s today or circa 2000. These come in a couple of sizes and even different finishes.
Fresh as a Daisy
I know what you’re thinking: “Daisies were for the flower children of the 1960s.” Ah, but not so fast, my friend. One of the things we were best at in the late 90s and early 2000s was stealing parts of other generations’ fashions and making them our own. This flower-emblazoned loose cardigan will take you right back to the preppy style Y2K was famous for.
Keep Smiling
What goes better with pearls than a bedazzled smiley face? … That’s right, nothing. This ironic necklace features freshwater pearls with a zircon-filled smile pendant used as a toggle to close the necklace. Wear it with something dressy for an unexpected accessory no one will see coming or pair it with something casual to add your own unique spin on a Y2K trend.
Skirt Around
“Tiny shirts and tiny skirts” could’ve been the theme of the early 2000s (and boy, am I glad those trends are behind me). This floral satin mini-skirt has some good things going for it, though, including being lightweight for the warmer months and lined to help maintain your modesty. Pair it with a cami top for a retro-chic look.
The Claws Are Out
Coming off of a very dark period of “big hair,” we went slightly less large with our hairstyles and even bigger with our hair accessories. (Or, maybe, because our hair was smaller, you could actually see the hair accessory.) These claw clips were everything in the 90s and early 2000s and it’s one trend I would not be at all sad to see return.
Jelly Role
Jelly sandals. That’s it; that’s all I’ve got to say because, honestly, I’m so choked up over the return of these coveted shoes that I just need a minute. This fisherman T-strap-style pair has a bit of a heel and a waterproof design, making it the perfect summer shoe for dodging puddles and navigating the beach. These come in several colors and even flats for those of you who hate platforms.
Has a Nice Ring to It
Why have one chunky ring when you can have a ton? This 20-piece set of acrylic rings includes both transparent and crystal versions that definitely have a throwback vintage vibe. Made of non-toxic and durable resin, these are lightweight, smooth and comfortable as well as easy to put on and take off. I particularly love the fruit-themed ones — if only they were scratch and sniff.
What’s Up, Doc?
I feel like Dr. Martens were made for the Y2K crowd and yes, I know they were originally created in the 1960s, but I’m still claiming them. This Bonny Chukka boot features the Dr. Martens air-cushioned sole and classic and durable stitch construction (components that probably contribute to the brand’s popularity more than 60 years later. These come in brown as well.
Vested Interest
If I had one argyle sweater vest in the late 90s and early 2000s, I had a hundred. (I sometimes wonder where those ended up…) Anyway, these are available in more than 30 color combinations and can be worn alone like the pictured or layered over a T-shirt or blouse for a dressier look. Reviewers call these well-made and well-priced.
Flare Up
If you Google “Y2K clothing,” I’m almost positive this photo (or something pretty similar) would come up. Wide leg? Check. Low-waisted? Check. Flare hem? Checkity-check. This streetwear style pair of flare trousers has a vintage feel and a slim fit with straight legs to show off your long gams. (Yeah, we called legs “gams” for a while — deal with it.)
Mad about Plaid
If this mini plaid skirt doesn’t conjure up images of Britney Spear’ iconic “Baby One More Time” outfit, you need to stop what you’re doing and go watch the video. (And, shame on you!) This skirt comes in a half-dozen color variations and while it doesn’t offer any stretch, it’s still plenty comfortable. Pair it with your favorite pair of kicks for a laidback vibe.
A Lean Patch
Not every fashion decision we made in the early 2000s was a solid choice. Some of the patchwork pieces back then were — how should I put this? — just awful. These patchwork jeans give you just enough of the trend without going full Y2K and come in six different color options. Reviewers say these run small so size up for your best fit.
Fur Real
The 90s kid in me loves all things leopard including this plush faux fur tote bag that costs less than $10. The cute, fluffy design is all the way vintage and can make a statement regardless of what you’re wearing. Don’t love leopard? You can also snag these in zebra print, hearts, flowers and even cow print — just because.
Belt It Out
The Bedazzler came out in the 70s, which meant blinged out clothing and accessories couldn’t be far behind. And, they weren’t. By the 90s and 2000s, we were wearing blingy belts with literally everything from a dress to church to jeans worn to school. One reviewer said, “I wanted to dress up an outfit and this is just what I wanted. It’s very sparkly unlike some very dull rhinestones on belts I found in local stores.”
Bucket List
Not every decision we made around the Y2K time period was a good one and I’d put bucket hats firmly in that category. (Don’t come for me, OK? We all have our own tastes and my head is big.) This two-pack of bucket hats is kind of cute, though, adorned with a small smiley face that lets everyone know what kind of mood you’re in: Happy.
Float like a Butterfly
Listen, if you didn’t have butterfly clips in the 90s and 2000s, you just weren’t doing life right. People wore them with everything from school clothes to homecoming dresses (I’m not even kidding). This 50-piece set has butterflies in all colors so you can accessorize appropriately regardless of what you’re wearing. The non-slip jaw clip holds hair firmly in place.
Cue up a Cami Dress
Yes, that looks like a slip or cami and yes, we used to wear them outside, to the grocery store, even to grandma’s house. Looking back, these camisole dresses were a bit risque but we didn’t even know; we just knew we liked them. Soft, stretchy and breathable, this dress has rib-knitting, lace detail and spaghetti straps for the ultimate Y2K styling.
Sweat It Out
It’s hard to believe that thick sweatpants were a thing in the 90s and 2000s, especially considering all of the form-fitting, revealing options we’ve already discussed. So if extra sexy isn’t your style, you can tone it down and still have a Y2K flavor with these. Baggy by design, these jogger pants have pockets and an adjustable drawstring waist.
See-Through Show
After a brief sweatpants commercial, we’re back to clothing my mother would’ve thought was inappropriate including this see-through top. This Y2K vintage blouse shirt is easily matched with boho pants, baggy jeans, gothic skirts, high heels, denim shorts and leggings. Don’t ask me where — or why — the see-through trend started. If this is coming back, just embrace it and keep it moving.
You’ve Got Good Jeans
Apparently, we were really into streetwear back in the day, which is the category that these Y2K-inspired jeans fall into. These are designed for comfort with slightly stretchy fabric that pulls on easily. Don’t take it from me; take it from this reviewer: “I LOVEEE these jeans. They fit the perfect Y2K era. I originally got them to piece together a birthday outfit but I will definitely wear them again afterwards!
Lace Up
I had a hundred lace tanks like this one and sometimes, I secretly wish I had them back. (I also not-so-secretly wish I was the same size I was in the early 2000s, but I digress.) These are perfect to throw on when it’s hot out or can be used as a base layer under a denim jacket or sweater.
A Layered Look
Those of us between the age of 35 and 45 take full responsibility for the layered necklace look that’s really never gone away. This layered set has a choker with a cross, a second layer that has an angel and a long necklace with a butterfly (the unofficial mascot of the 90s and 2000s). Reviewers call these cute and I call them reasonably priced at less than $10.
Get a Bead on These
I spent hours — and I mean HOURS — stringing beads onto fishing line to create my own bracelets just like these in the 90s. Now you can buy them in a set, already made, right from Amazon with free two-day delivery with Prime. This set of seven strand bracelets consist of colorful polymer clay fruit and flowers, smiley beads, vinyl disc beads and imitation shaped pearls for a unique look.
Bust a Cap
Just like other generations, many fashion trends came and went in the early 2000s. If the name “Ed Hardy” rings any bells, you already know what I’m talking about. This rhinestone mesh trucker hat has that Ed Hardy styling without the absurd price tag. Choose from a dozen colors and designs for a throwback look that everyone will love (and remember).
Peace in the Middle East
We actually said that: “Peace in the Middle East” (and for obvious reasons). We also wore all the peace signs … on necklaces, rings, earrings and more. This peace necklace has another Y2K favorite feature — a color-changing outer circle that was supposed to show your mood. This one also glows in the dark for the ultimate “peace in the Middle East” fashion statement.
Go Goth
The Goth subculture arrived in the United States in the 1980s, which was just in time for those of us who experienced childhood in the next two decades. This butterfly printed T-shirt is equal parts “goth throwback” and “delicate flower fashion” with a crew neckline. Size up if you prefer an oversized fit which is, after all, a total Y2k “do.”
Sit Tight(s)
I can’t tell you the entire story of the day that my Mom picked me up from a sleepover wearing tights that were two different colors (seriously, one leg was white, one leg was black) but it sufficiently traumatized me. So, you can imagine my surprise when I stumbled across these patterned fishnet tights. This pair is all stars and diamonds but there are tamer options including butterflies and flowers.
It’s the Berries
This strawberry-themed dress is what I imagine strawberry Lip Smackers would look like in clothing form. Fitted with a ruched bust and spaghetti straps, this screams “summer” to me. This reviewer summed it up: “This was perfect for our 90s party! I felt super cute and comfortable in it.” Choose from sizes ranging from extra-small to extra-large and three other color options.
Overalls, Over All
If you haven’t caught on to the overalls trend by now, you probably aren’t going to. But, if you’re a late adapter, maybe now is your chance. This pair has a casual, loose fit with rips and fringe for a vintage feel. These come in six different options (peep that awesome gray!) and a range of sizing up to 4X.
Crop It Out
We’ll end it on the epitome of Y2K fashion with a top that’s cropped and lacy with a decidedly camisole vibe to it. This lightweight stretchy top is the soft-feeling material of your dreams. And, I’m not sure how I feel about this review but I identify with it: “I don’t know what else to say besides that it’s quite comfy and cute. When I get old and gain 30lbs I’ll be back to buy a larger size.” Uh, yeah you will.