The 2000s were a confusing yet entertaining decade for Y2K fashion trends. Jeans with dresses, crop tops, and wide belts with every outfit! You know, pretty much everything Lizzie McGuire wore on the Disney Channel. But some 2000s trends are making a comeback. Puff skirts and cargo pants, for example. In fact, Pinterest predicts a 145% increase in 2000s-inspired outfits in 2024 compared to the previous year, and Google Trends also confirms the growing interest in the fashion of that era.
However, it’s undeniable that there’s a fine line between copying the style and simply dressing up. Who hasn’t dreamed of recreating Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake’s iconic denim two-piece for the ultimate couple’s outfit? There were some truly daring fashion moments on the red carpet during that era.
However, it’s undeniable that there’s a fine line between simply copying the style and simply dressing up. Looking back, it’s easy to laugh at some of our favorite stars from back then and forget that they embodied the hottest trends of their time. In fact, there are some important styling tips to help you rock those trends even two decades later. If you want to recreate these cool retro styles (and you absolutely should!), you need to get it right so you don’t look like a relic from the past. Ultimately, the perfect 2000s outfit should be a modern take on a classic, giving it a fresh twist.
So, scroll down for a list of trends that are already available at your favorite online store (or will be soon, judging by the latest runways). 2000s icons like Sarah Jessica Parker, JLo, Christina Aguilera, Paris Hilton, and Beyoncé are wearing them. We’ve also got some helpful tips on how to modernize their outfits. And go ahead, wear crop tops with care! Frank Micelotta Archive//Getty Images
Graphic T-Shirts
A long graphic tee and baggy pants were the casual weekend uniform of the 2000s. The celebrity version was a bit more polished—just think of the fringe Mandy wore casually draped over her shoulder.
How to wear the graphic tee trend in 2026
Think of graphic tees as the new band tees. Keep it simple with a boxy, short-sleeved silhouette and pair it with everything from jeans to slip skirts.
Shoulder Bags
SJP, the It Girl of the 2000s, and her fictional alter ego Carrie Bradshaw are largely responsible for the shoulder bag trend. Life was simpler in the 2000s; flip phones were small enough to fit inside this little accessory, along with lip gloss and keys.
How to Wear the Shoulder Bag Trend in 2026
Bad news for those who like to carry everything with them. From Coach to Marc Jacobs, the classic shoulder bag is back. You could even try to find a vintage model on eBay! This time, instead of matching your shoes, choose the bag as the focal point of your look.
Mini Skirts
The slightly flared hem of these mini skirts is reminiscent of peplum skirts… only without the skirt. Almost like a belt. Paris Hilton’s look is a true classic of the 2000s: She combines it with a flat cap, a shoulder bag (see above), a rhinestone mesh belt (we told you: belts are everywhere!), and wedge sandals.
How to Wear the Mini Skirt Trend in 2026
These days, the mini skirt trend is often combined with an oversized top.
You’ll also see slightly longer hemlines: Think more of a tennis skirt than a long mini skirt. Vests
Ciara gives us the perfect example of the vest-as-a-shirt look (whether over a top or T-shirt) at VH1’s 2006 “Save the Music” event, a look that was all the rage in the 2000s. And watch out for fingerless gloves!
Here’s how to wear the vest trend in 2026
The key to the perfect vest look is to keep it buttoned up and pair it with a minimalist bottom, either jeans or tailored trousers for a polished look. Definitely avoid embellishments unless you’re going to a festival.
Platform Shoes
Platforms weren’t invented in the 2000s, but practically every shoe had a huge, chunky heel, from ballet flats to the most summery wedges. This also applies to Jessica Alba’s sandals, albeit with an extremely high heel.
How to wear platform sandals in 2026
Give your ankles a break these days with flat platform sandals; alternatively, wooden clog-style platform sandals offer a more modern silhouette.
Rhinestones
Ah yes. Sparkling (and somewhat cheap-looking?) glitter was everywhere in the 2000s. Believe me, you probably still have a rhinestone or two lurking in your closet. JLo presents a slightly more elegant version with a subtle, voluminous look instead of a kitschy T-shirt with individual glittery stones.
How to wear the rhinestone trend in 2026
These days, you don’t have to look far for rhinestones.
Opt for subtle accents, like jeans with decorative stitching or jeweled buttons that add a touch of sparkle. Bucket hats
Great, Missy! This pea-green look shouldn’t really work, but I love stud embellishments everywhere (even on a cool bucket hat for a more casual look).
How to Wear the Bucket Hat Trend in 2026
Bucket hats have been around for a while, but you can add your own personal touch by sewing on patches or rhinestones. So 2000s!
Hip-hugging jeans
They were everywhere! Eva Longoria wore these jeans at the ABC premieres, and her thin pink belt accentuated her cleavage.
How to Wear the Hip-hugging jeans trend in 2026
They used to be designed to accentuate the midriff and were worn in fitted silhouettes like skinny and bootcut jeans. Today, hip-hugging jeans are a bit more comfortable and are paired with looser, wider-leg jeans.
Pointed boots that end below the knee
I love the monochromatic look, and the reason this one doesn’t look so strange on Mariah is that she uses different textures and shades. Although we’re already familiar with knee-high boots, this particular stiletto (pointed, just below the knee, and fitted at the calf) dates back to 2003.
Here’s how to wear the pointed-toe boot trend in 2026
Aside from the bomber jacket, which is practically falling apart, a simple slip dress paired with brown Matrix-style boots makes for a really cool party look.
Trucker Caps
In the early 2000s, many celebrities loosened up their red-carpet looks with trucker caps. Gwen Stefani gave us a fun idea, but please, let’s never go back to see-through white underwear.
Here’s how to wear the trucker cap trend in 2026
In my opinion, a baseball cap is a must-have in women’s fashion.
Whether you want to add a more feminine touch to your outfits or postpone washing your hair, opt for color-contrasting designs with an embroidered slogan on the front instead of a large, oversized print. Strappy sandals
The almost invisible sandal was the ultimate shoe of choice for prom attendees. I really have to give credit to Mandy Moore here: If you modernize the shoe a bit, shorten the heel, and style your curls a little less elaborately, I could definitely still wear them today.
How to wear the strappy sandal trend in 2026
Simple strappy sandals have been around forever, but with a simpler strap across the foot and a square toe, the look is perfect for this decade!
Flat cap
The rest of Britney’s outfit strikes me as… well… a bit of an acquired taste (back then we loved frilly tunics), but the cap looks fantastic on her! It’s the most feminine version of a trucker cap.
How to style the flat cap trend in 2026
These days, you probably wouldn’t go for baby pink (or the wild jeans-and-boots combo), but rather a flat cap in neutral tones or classic tweed for a touch of country chic—the perfect finishing touch for your outfit.
Crop Tops
The combination of a mini skirt and crop top was super popular. Fergie has a lot to offer here: blazers, belts, leg warmers, and high heels seem like unnecessary accessories, but the black graphic-print crop top is so 2002.
How to style the crop top trend in 2026
There’s now a huge selection of crop tops.
From baby T-shirts to long tank tops—combine them with a mid- or high-waisted top. If you’re wearing a white or black T-shirt, swap it for this one. Baby pink.
An outfit in this color is always a good idea, but such an intense pink would be a challenge for anyone—except perhaps for the master. In this case, we’re talking about Jennifer Lopez. JLo miraculously manages to make a feminine slip dress look effortlessly chic with a matching wrap scarf and sandals.
How to wear the baby pink trend in 2026
Pastel pink is indeed a key color trend for spring/summer 2025. In stores, you’ll find numerous ways to incorporate this shade into your wardrobe with a garment and silhouette that flatters your style.
Faux Fur Coats
In the 2000s, outerwear had to be just as eye-catching as the rest of the outfit. Just think of Britney Spears wearing a bright pink faux fur jacket when she received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. More is more!
How to wear the faux fur coat trend in 2026
Faux fur just keeps getting better, so there are no limits to this look. Keep it simple with a mid-length black coat, make a statement with a vibrant color, or try something bold with a leopard print.
The Statement Belt
Beyoncé nailed it when she appeared on MTV’s TRL. We’re talking low-slung, ankle-length cargo pants with an oversized belt. Bonus points for the chain wallet. In my opinion, there’s no outfit more inspired by the Chinese New Year.
Here’s how to wear the statement belt trend of 2026
Your belt should match the color of your jeans.
We love wider belts with high-waisted jeans to accentuate your figure. For low-rise jeans, or if you’re looking for a belt to sit on your hips over a slip dress, a chain belt is the best choice.
So much satin! While I don’t miss the creases it creates when you sit down, I still love Emma’s maxi dress. The cut might seem a bit dated, yes, but the sheen and length are elements we’ve brought into the 21st century with our sexy summer dresses.
Here’s how to wear the satin trend of 2026
Less is more: We’d go for a classic satin slip dress, perhaps with crisscrossed straps in the back for an interesting detail.
Three-quarter-length pants (also known as capri pants):
Did we really find this cut flattering?
Puff sleeves were everywhere, even on cropped pants, but this baggy cut isn’t the right choice.
Here’s how to style the cropped pants trend in 2026
It’s best to avoid wide-legged pants altogether and opt for capri pants or cropped pants instead. All our favorite brands have their own take on the trend, from black styles with slit hems to plaid patterns. The key is a fitted fit around the thighs. A slightly flared, straight leg below the knee is the loosest option.
Oversized sunglasses:
We’re talking about tracksuits in a moment, but sarcastic sunglasses were a must-have for celebrities in the 2000s, especially when the lenses stretched from the middle of the forehead well over the cheekbones. Honestly, JLo could wear them to the gym, a party, brunch, or all three.
How to Style the Oversized Sunglasses Trend in 2026
While thin sunglasses from the ’90s are still in style, large, chunky frames can make a real statement and are perfect for summer vacation. Experiment with oversized, square, and cat-eye styles. Dresses Over Pants
This trend—a mini dress over floor-length jeans—was a hit with young actresses, as it allowed them to wear shorter skirts and dresses without sacrificing their signature look. A win-win!
How to Wear the Dresses Over Pants Trend in 2026
These days, I wouldn’t necessarily say that jeans under dresses are the height of fashion (although I was probably wrong), but if you want to give this outfit a modern twist, try a long shirt, which you can wear open or unbuttoned in the front, from the thighs down. Long Scarves
This totally incongruous look—is it winter?
But somehow it also feels like summer, partly because of the flip-flops? – that always makes me laugh. We used to wear scarves more casually, wrapped around the neck so the ends hung down in front of the outfit.
Here’s how to wear the long scarf trend in 2026
The important thing is that your scarf becomes an integral part of your outfit and doesn’t look like an afterthought. Choose a slightly thinner model in silk or satin – almost like a more elegant tie – and you’ll feel chic and sexy, instead of “dressed up as if my neck is freezing while the rest of my body is warm.”
Asymmetrical Hems
Remember how chic and elegant they were? The playful style went perfectly with chandelier earrings and a half-up hairstyle back then; today, it might seem a bit like something you’d see on a fairytale princess at prom.
How to wear the asymmetrical hem trend in 2026
If you want an asymmetrical hem now, choose styles that look a bit more elegant. Think ruching and layering, yes. Sheer ruching, no. Juicy Couture Tracksuits
Britney Spears in her Juicy Couture tracksuit was more than just a trend: it defined the style of an entire decade. All that’s missing is a Starbucks Frappuccino.
How to style the velvet tracksuit trend in 2026
You can always go to Juicy and buy a classic tracksuit (yes, the brand still sells them!). Or, if you prefer a more elegant look, opt for a chic cashmere sweater and joggers set.
Cargo Pants
So many unnecessary pockets! But the truth is, cargo pants had a huge impact on 2000s fashion. Many were low-rise (obviously) and featured drawstrings, zippers, and practically every other imaginable embellishment.
How to Style the Cargo Pants Trend in 2026
There’s no denying that these pants are making a strong comeback—with a little less baggage, a higher waist, fewer embellishments, and a more streamlined look. Choose minimalist silhouettes for the rest of your outfit.
The Castaway Look
Rags tied together with other rags, but incredibly expensive. I love Britney Spears’ country look, and then the half-ripped sweater adds a touch of Robinson Crusoe to her outfit. It wouldn’t be the first time Britney’s stylist has gone a little overboard with the scissors.
Here’s how to wear the Robinson Crusoe trend in 2026
Honestly, follow your gut! But today’s artfully ripped sweaters look less like moth-eaten relics and more like, “I really wanted to dress like this!” And swap the layered look for a midi skirt.
Tops with a slit at the hem:
The only thing we understood about this trend was that it’s perfect for showing off your belly button piercing. Lindsay Lohan was the master of this look (I don’t make the rules!).
Here’s how to wear the tops with a slit at the hem trend in 2026
When in doubt, buy a short cardigan that ties at the top and is open at the bottom. RN also has many tops with ties at the front that you can knot from the neck to the hem if you want to emphasize the look without showing too much skin.
Shorts with High Heels
The must-have accessory for miniskirts used to be super-short shorts that were so short you could barely sit down. They were paired with sexy, expensive, and sky-high heels—for the perfect contrast! (I think it also looks really cool if you change the top.)
How to wear the shorts-with-high-heels trend in 2026
Forget micro-shorts; knee-length Bermuda shorts are all the rage now, and they’ll work with any heel height in 2025.
Multiple Necklaces Layered
Stars like Pink used to rummage through their jewelry boxes and wear everything at once. This only works because the belt matches the color scheme and the rest of the outfit is rather simple.
How to wear the layered necklace trend in 2026
These days, the best approach is to wear three necklaces and build your collection around a statement piece that you can skillfully combine with other necklaces of varying lengths. It’s not about creating a messy metal bird’s nest.
Lace Dresses
In the early 2000s, lace dresses were all the rage. It was the beginning of the trend of wearing underwear as outerwear. Even when the trend is more formal, like the dress JLo wore to the premiere of “Paycheck” in 2003, I simply see it as elegant lingerie.
How to wear the lace dress trend in 2026
Luckily, your current lace dress has a few more details that distinguish it from underwear, such as fresh colors and a slightly more structured cut. Even if it looks a bit like nightwear, it can still be fun. Babydoll Dresses
You know the style:
fitted at the neckline, with an A-line cut that reaches toe-high? The babydoll dress is back in style; stars like Olivia Rodrigo are big fans, but Lindsay Lohan was the first to wear it. Don’t forget!
How to wear the babydoll dress trend in 2026
You might need to experiment with the style and shape (I like dresses that flare out from the waist; otherwise, I look like a ten-year-old), but it can suit different body types. Sister Jane is the ideal choice for this silhouette!
Red Leather Pants
Of course, Christina Aguilera wore red leather flared pants with a matching top. Back then, red leather wasn’t considered too daring. And even if the look seems a bit over the top today, she was ahead of her time with the color-coordinated top and pants.
How to wear the leather trend in 2026
If you’re into eye-catching leather (or even better: vegan leather), choose a colorful piece or an animal-print garment and combine it with neutral tones to keep the look chic and not tacky.
DIY T-Shirts
Scissors, man! All you need for this pop star look is a sharp pair of scissors. It almost looks like Britney’s stylist started with two long T-shirts and ended up with a bunch of rips and only one sleeve left. Just saying.
If you’re into that sort of thing, you’ll love this look. How to Wear the DIY T-Shirt Trend in 2025:
Today, you can recreate this look with tops that feature less random cutouts and a more thoughtful design.
Ripping Flared Jeans
Only Shakira can pull off a faux fur stole, a chunky silver necklace, a two-button top, and casual flared jeans so perfectly. By emphasizing the lower half, ripped flares are actually one of the ways the ’90s modernized the ’70s look, giving it a grunge-sexy edge.
How to Wear the Ripped Flared Jeans Trend in 2026
Today, ripped flares are high-waisted (thankfully!) and don’t have a tie belt. Plus, the rips are subtle, not completely shredded.
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Sock Boots
Queen Beyoncé is always impeccably styled, but I have to say I don’t quite get her top. I love her gold sock boots, which look absolutely fantastic with straight-leg jeans and a black blazer.
How to Wear the Sock Boot Trend in 2026
Sock boots have been back for a while now and, in my opinion, are super comfortable! Look for styles that come up a little higher than the ankle—they look more modern. Embellished jeans and patchwork: Amazing! I could wear that! Little Hilary wears green details on the top of her (hip-hugging) jeans and on the collar and elbows of her jacket—a playful eye-catcher, even today.
How to Wear Embellished Denim in 2026
Embellished denim is a huge trend this year. From studs and sequins to embroidery and patches—be bold and go for statement denim!
Bandage Dresses
In the 2000s, almost every celebrity wore a bandage dress (probably by Hervé Léger) on the red carpet at least once, including Rihanna at a pre-Grammy party in 2007. And we hate to say it, but the style is making a strong comeback in 2025 (scary!), with searches for “bandage dresses” increasing by 300% in the first week of June.
How to Style the Bandage Dress Trend in 2026
We didn’t think this trend would make it this far, but Kaia Gerber looked absolutely stunning in her custom-made white bandage maxi dress at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival. Avoid mini dresses and opt for midi and maxi dresses instead. Also, choose dresses with thin straps in neutral colors. Silk Scarf Tops
Here, Sarah Michelle Gellar creates an off-the-shoulder top with a piece of fabric that she ties under her arm. Now that’s fashion, check it out!
How to wear the silk scarf trend in 2026:
Our favorite way to wear a silk scarf in 2025? As a belt, of course! Street style is seeing thin scarves wrapped around belt loops and folded in the middle, creating a sarong-like effect. Will the next step be the comeback of the one-shoulder top?
Corset Tops
The figure-hugging, tight-fitting top was a shocking interpretation of underwear as clothing for its time. Perhaps a little more balance would be appropriate with this trend… All that corset and lace-up pants Xtina is wearing here are purely coincidental.
How to Wear the Corset Trend in 2026
There are now countless cute corset tops that make you feel sexy and feminine without feeling exposed. Thank goodness!
Collarless Leather Jackets
Think of the collarless biker jacket as the punk version of the 90s schoolgirl blazer. Of course, you don’t need the dream figure that Carmen Electra is sporting here, or the low-rise jeans.
How to wear the leather jacket trend in 2026
In 2025, we’re focusing on leather jackets with collars. They’re looser, more relaxed, and a bit more casual than this style. White leather jackets are a bit harder to find these days, unless you opt for tweed or cotton if you want to perfectly emulate Mrs. Electra’s style.