26 Questionable '00s Trends That Have, Unfortunately, Returned
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.
Graphic T-Shirts
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
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.
Vests as Shirts
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
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
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.
Platform Boots
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
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
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.
Twisted Halter Tops
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Dresses Over Jeans
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
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
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!
Cargo Pants
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
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
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.
Mid-Section Belts
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
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
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
Platform options, ones with heels — we've seen it all over the past few years, and admittedly, this shoe has grown on us.