How to wear Y2K fashion in 2022 according to this designer

Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie in The Simple Life. (PHOTO: Getty Images; Net-A-Porter)

If you don’t know by now, the one trend that keeps popping up lately is that Y2K style. New to my mind, the trend can be traced back to the early 2000s, when socialists and party people Paris Hilton AND Nicole Richie showed off their hot pink dresses, spaghetti tops, Juicy Couture velor jumpsuits and rhinestone accessories on their reality show, The simple life.

Another adopter of the trend was the pop princess Britney Spearswho, at the height of aughts fashion, epitomized the ‘tacky-chic’ style by wearing t-shirts, low-cut jeans and outfits with lots of ‘hugging’.

Fast forward to the present day, the trend gained momentum last year when Gen Zs documented their OOTDs (outfits of the day) on TikTok, wearing cut-off jeans and silk scarves. Soon after, we started seeing brands like Miu Miu and Blumarine embracing the Y2K trend on the runways.

Pop superstar Britney Spears performs during the halftime show at Super Bowl XXXV in Tampa January 28, 2001. JM/RCS

So how do you wear the Y2K trend without overdoing it? We talk to Andrea Wonga designer and fashion consultant with over 15 years of experience in fashion and styling related to this trend.

Wong, who worked on Crazy Rich Asian, is quite excited about the resurgence of a certain trend, “My favorite trend to re-emerge with the Y2K fashion revival is transparent clothing. There are so many ways to incorporate this trend into your wardrobe to add a bit of that sexy, edgy aesthetic. You can wear a sheer mesh or lace baby top with a cute bralette underneath (in a pastel shade for that true Y2K feel), or for a less revealing option, you can layer a silk dress or slip dress over a long transparent chiffon- top of sleeves.”

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When it comes to versatile denim, Wong advises us on how to style them correctly: “Denim on denim was a huge Y2K trend (who could forget Britney and Justin’s double denim moment at the AMAs), but it can be quite a polarizing trend. When styled right, it can look super chic and current. Try pairing an oversized denim jacket with low-rise jeans finished off with stiletto boots. Remember to keep the color of your clothes durable, so that it functions smoothly as a complete garment.”

Last but not least, we can’t forget some arm candy: Your favorite It bags from the turn of the millennium are back in a big way, from the iconic Fendi Baguette bag (which turns 25 this year) to Prada’s nylon mini. hobo bag. As long as it’s cute, compact and fits well under the arm, it’s having its moment in the sun again.”

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