Celebrity Not to Upset You, But Ashley Tisdale's Cringey '00s Outfits Are Cool Again It's time to apologize to 2021's most unexpected style icon. By Samantha Sutton Samantha Sutton Instagram Samantha is InStyle's senior fashion editor. She joined the brand in 2019 and oversees the site's fashion coverage, including trend reporting, fashion exclusives, celebrity style interviews, and Fashion Week coverage. InStyle's editorial guidelines Published on March 25, 2021 @ 03:49PM Pin Share Tweet Email Photo: Getty Images If you're still of the mindset that fashion has rules that can't and should not be broken, it's time to have a talk. Leggings can pass as pants. Everyone can wear stripes. And, all those '00s trends that were once declared cringey and terrible just a few short years ago? Well, they've definitely made a comeback — so, grab your mid-section belt, ballet flats, and boot-cut jeans, and fully rethink what's "in" and "out." I Agree With Gen Z: Skinny Jeans Are Over Also, while we're at it, all of us should probably apologize to Ashley Tisdale. For over a decade, the actress and new mom has been the poster child for illogical, Disney-inspired outfits that we promised would never return. But, guess what? Against all odds, similar looks are popping up in 2021, and it goes well beyond Harry Style's Grammys boas. If you're unwilling to accept it, that's fine. But, you might want to sit down before you scroll, because the proof is pretty shocking. The case for embracing throwback Tisdale style is strong, and it's probably only a matter of time before top models and influencers begin using these outfits as inspiration. Denim Skirts, Long Socks, and UGG-like Boots Mike FANOUS/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images Perhaps we wouldn't wear it all together, but then again, never say never. We fully accepted the 'ugly,' comfy shoe comeback months ago (along with Birkenstocks and Crocs), and still enjoy the preppy feel of a longer-length sock. Even denim skirts are suddenly being sold everywhere, just in time to take their rightful place as the ultimate summer staple. I Promise You, Ugg Boots Actually Look Cute as Hell with Skirts and Dresses Vests and Pleated Skirts Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage First of all, this Suite Life shot is iconic, and Tisdale's outfit — especially the plaid skirt — falls right in line with the viral schoolcore trend. Just swap out the long-sleeved tee for a sweatshirt and she's practically a Gen-Z, Instagram or TikTok influencer. Dresses Over Pants and Ballet Flats Mirek Towski/FilmMagic We're sorry, but this combination is a thing again; we've spotted dresses over pants all over the spring and fall runways, and after a full year at home, simple, sweet flats have become the happy medium between comfortable and elevated footwear. Mid-Section Belts and Monogrammed Bags Kevin Winter/Getty Images Sure, belting a T-shirt still seems a little random, but styling this accessory with a flowy dress is actually super flattering. Aside from cinching our waist with something statement-making, those monogrammed logo bags we loved back in the day have also resurfaced — and yes, that means itty bitty baguette versions, too. Bold Leggings and Kitten Heels John Sciulli/WireImage Nothing against classic black leggings, but every time we see celebrities like Jennifer Lopez or Kaia Gerber wearing stretchy, colorful bottoms, we feel inspired to switch it up — just like Tisdale did with her white pair in 2006. Also worth pointing out? Her kitten heels, which have seemingly become summer 2021's new "It" shoe. The Controversial Shoe Trend Everyone Dreads Is Actually Perfect For Summer Cold-Shoulder Shirts and Butt Fashion Michael Bezjian/WireImage Before they were vaccine shirts, they were known as cold-shoulder 'going-out' tops, and yes, they paired perfectly with bedazzled butt jeans, which is another old trend that's on-the-rise.