Close your eyes and picture a time of butterfly clips, micro mini skirts, and velour tracksuits.
Were you instantly transported back to the early 2000s?
I’m here to tell you that Y2K fashion is back, baby! Do you feel those warm fuzzies of nostalgia bubbling up yet?
It was only a matter of time before the cyclical nature of fashion brought back the loud, futuristic, tech-inspired style that marked the turn of the millennium.
After years of focussing on the minimalist look, we are finally ready for gaudy, statement, dopamine dressing.
Who can we thank for the revival? None other than Gen Z. Since most Gen-Zers were too young to partake in the popular fashions of the former decades, they’re now bringing them back with a vengeance.
So what can we expect to see again, and how is it getting a modern twist?
Below I will break down the Y2K revivals we can expect to see this summer.
1. Lucky Charms
Photo Credit: For Love & Lemons
The days of crafting beaded bracelets with your BFF are long gone, but that doesn’t mean charm jewelry is dead. This season, we see lingerie and swimwear adorned with brightly beaded jewelry wrapped around the waist. So it might be time to dig those yin & yang beads out of your craft closet.
2. Butterfly, Sugar Baby
Photo Credit: Dua Lipa Instagram
Remember when Crazy Town sang, “You're my butterfly, sugar baby”? Thanks to Dua Lipa, butterfly motifs will be everywhere this summer. She donned a Blumarine butterfly top on her IG, and social media went aflutter.
3. Bedazzled 2.0
Photo Credit: Frankies Bikinis
Today’s youth will never know the extreme sport of adding rhinestones to all
your clothes with a Bedazzler. This summer, expect to find crop tops and bikinis bejeweled with rhinestones (no work necessary). If you’re seeking sparkle without all the jewels, glitter spandex and tricot are all the rage. Think of the cult favorite Fairy Dress from Mirror Palais or the Shine Celine One Piece from Beach Riot.
4. Velour & More
Photo Credit: Skims
It’s all about texture! The infamous Juicy Couture velour tracksuits sported by Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie are forever seared into our brains. Skims launched a velour loungewear collection modeled by none other than Paris to tap into this nostalgia. But the texture doesn’t stop there. Brands like Araminta James and Blackbough Swim have introduced terrycloth to their loungewear and swim.
5. All Tied Up
Photo Credit: Princess Polly
It’s all about the ties. Gen Z is practically an army in their open tie front cardigans. I swear I see at least 10 girls wearing this top when I go out. But the ties don’t stop there. This summer, we will see our fair share of slinky Kate Moss-esque dresses with criss-cross tie backs like this one from Subsurface.
6. Cut It Out