Fashion 26 Questionable '00s Trends That Have, Unfortunately, Returned From belly chains to trucker hats, it's Y2K round two. By Samantha Sutton Samantha Sutton Instagram Samantha has been working in media for over a decade and joined InStyle's team as the Senior Fashion Editor in 2019. She previously held roles at Coveteur, POPSUGAR, Refinery29, and Men's Fitness, covering both fashion and celebrity/entertainment. In her spare time, she enjoys performing sketch comedy with her friends, watching Love Island, and endlessly scrolling through social media. She is originally from Staten Island, but currently resides in Brooklyn (and sometimes, Schenectady!) with her fiancé J.T., their dog Poppy, and way too many clothes. Samantha graduated with a B.A. in journalism from Rider University. InStyle's editorial guidelines Updated on August 23, 2021 Pin Share Tweet Email Photo: 20th Century Fox Time travel may not be a thing yet, but when it comes to fashion, it kind of feels like we're stuck somewhere around 2002. For months years at this point, old '00s trends have slowly been resurfacing, ranging from the cute (the good ol' baguette bag!) to the questionable (err, we'll probably pass on thong pants). Perhaps the reason we've gotten so deep into this whole Y2K part two thing is because not everyone was old enough to enjoy — and later, heavily regret — some of the more confusing, unflattering, or just plain strange styles. Or maybe many of us are just nostalgic for simpler times, when our main source of outfit inspiration were shows like Lizzie McGuire or Laguna Beach. Whatever the case, there are a whole lot of layering tricks and random accessories that have weaseled their way back into our lives, and although we may cringe at first, it might be time to give them a chance. Here's a refresher on which '00s styles to add to — or dig out of — your closet. Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck's '00s Couple Outfits Are Surprisingly On-Trend For 2021 Graphic T-Shirts Getty Images The sweet, the snarky, the simple statement — slogan shirts are slowly on the rise again, along with the slightly controversial alternative, Ed Hardy tees. Pleated Skirts Getty Images Admittedly, we're all for this one. If you're looking to go full early '00s, I.AM.GIA likely sells the micro minis of your dreams. However, it's perfectly fine to stick with a simple tennis option, just like Eiza González, and maybe spice things up with outdoor slippers. The Unironic Return of Millennial Teen Style Vests as Shirts Getty Images Sure, models may be into the structured shest at the moment, but back in 2004, there were metallic options were made for the stage, which came complete with coordinated bottoms. Holes and Cutouts Getty Images/Instagram/@dualipa We predicted that holes would become the new polka dots, but we didn't expect this throwback design to become so darn popular with today's fashion icons. Both Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa can't seem to quit the cutout, and revealing Poster Girl dresses are suddenly everywhere. Corsets Getty Images Some may blame the corset's popularity on Netflix's Bridgerton, or even the rise of cottagecore. However, the stars of the early '00s also enjoyed this body-hugging design, too, inspiring us to work this lingerie staple into our sexiest outfits. Bring On Butterfly Tails, the Laziest Sexy Trend of the Year Platform Boots Getty Images We know Olivia Rodrigo loves some break-your-ankle heels, but it doesn't stop there. The singer has also been spotted in plenty of platform boots, which immediately takes us back to 2002, when it was cool to pair them with a denim skirt and a duster jacket. Logo Bags Getty Images Seeing celebrities like Kacey Musgraves rock their logo'd shoulder bags in public has inspired us to fish out our original designer purchases from storage. Coach and Dooney & Bourke, here we come! The Kerchief Getty Images We're always up for finding fun ways to wear a scarf, and while tying a bandana like a kerchief may make us feel like an early '00s popstar, it's a brilliant trick for a bad hair day. 5 Ways to Style That Scarf You Found at the Bottom of Your Closet Twisted Halter Tops Getty Images We've said it before but we'll say it again: Christina Aguilera wore 2021's top trends first — especially the twisted halter top, which has been a summer favorite for models and influencers. Trucker Hats Getty Images If seeing this hat style brings you back to the days of TRL and boy bands, you're not alone — and, unfortunately, it's not the only old school look Addison Rae wants to see make a comeback. She's also into wearing multiple belts with jeans. Belly Chains Getty Images/Instagram/@bellahadid This accessory will never not be sexy, and if you're willing to follow the advice of Khloe Kardashian, you might actually want to wear two at a time. Bubble Skirts Getty Images We're still unsure who, exactly, this extra puffy, pillow-like skirt flatters, but one thing's for sure: it'll turn heads the moment you walk into a room. Capri Pants Getty Images These bottoms are the natural progression after biker shorts and perfect for in-between temperatures. However, that won't stop the flashbacks to our awkward years, when our hair was full of butterfly clips and we wore bold-colored capris with shiny, sequined shirts. Random Ties Getty Images Once upon a time, Avril Lavigne inspired thousands of people to style ties with tank tops and T-shirts, rather than knotting them around their collars. These days, they're being worn more like a scarf, and Celine Dion is clearly on board. Tube Tops Getty Images This top is definitely sexy in a simple way, but slipping into one has us wondering: should we break out a boho skirt or — oof — low-rise jeans to complete the look? Strapless Satin Dresses Getty Images While we may pass on going full Cady Heron at her house party in Mean Girls, we don't mind the shiny, neon Versace version Selena Gomez wore at the 2019 American Music Awards. And, we're willing to bet plenty of similar '00s prom dresses are available on Etsy or Poshmark. How Stylists and Fashion Editors Find Special Designer Pieces No One Else Has Dresses Over Jeans Getty Images It's a (kinda confusing) fashion trick that allows you to achieve the best of both worlds, and even if it makes you cringe at first, we regret to inform you that this layering technique is on its way back. Fishnet Material Getty Images When worn as a naked dress, this trend can be sexy. But the second someone decides to layer one under a polo or graphic tee before stacking on some bangle bracelets? We're outta here. Halter Tops Getty Images Halter tops were one of the aughts' top shirt styles, and even today, they're sexy and elegant at the same time. We'll keep this one! Julia Roberts' Footwear in That Iconic Notting Hill Scene Ruins The Whole Thing Cargo Pants Getty Images So. Many. Pockets. And while that detail makes these bottoms a bit bulky, a fitted shirt or bralette will work. to balance them out. Lace-Up Details Getty Images It's not just lace-up tops that are having a(nother) moment. We've seen these strings on the sides of dresses and included in pants, too. Now, we just have to figure out what to do with that excess string (ex: Vanessa Hudgens's reached all the way down to her thigh). North Face Puffers Getty Images We fully support warm winter puffers, although we're not exactly sure if they're red carpet worthy today. Still, Tara Reid did wear her's in a way many of today's models would approve of, adding black pants with chunky black shoes, and completing the look with a logo bag. Oh Great, 'Work Pants' Are Back — But Thankfully, It's Not What You Think Mid-Section Belts Getty Images Everyone from Michelle Obama to Beyoncé is a fan of this waist-cinching trick, but before things get too extreme, let's promise to skip the whole belting T-shirts, tank tops, and polos thing. Crochet Clothing Getty Images Crochet was big in the '70s, but the '70s were big in the 2000s. Now that both eras are having a moment, it's the perfect time embrace knit sets, bikini tops, sweaters, and more. Ponchos Getty Images It was the original Snuggie, only it was completely acceptable to wear it in public. On second thought, if the over-the-head poncho is ready to make a comeback, our comfy-cozy selves are 100 percent down to try it. Flip-Flops Getty Images Platform options, ones with heels — we've seen it all over the past few years, and admittedly, this shoe has grown on us. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit