What goes around always comes back around, and that’s definitely the case with fashion. We’ve been seeing the resurgence of 2000s outfit ideas all over our social media feeds, proving that the Y2K trend is not going anywhere anytime soon and we tapped fashion experts to chat all about it.
“In recent years, there has been a shift towards a more individualistic approach to fashion, so the Y2K era has allowed for more self-expression and experimentation with layering and mixing different styles becoming the norm,” says Sammie M, celebrity stylist and founder of Carte Blanche. “People are no longer afraid to step outside the box and try new things, and fashion has become more about having fun and expressing oneself rather than following strict trends.”
The 2000s had its own unique flair: glitzy tracksuits, Bayonetta glasses, low-rise denim, and chunky necklaces atop layers of fabric. It was all about “dressing up but in a fun, casual, careless way,” says designer and stylist Catherine Bibeau. “Casual was at its highest level and seen as glamorous.” With the likes of Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan, and Britney Spears leading the charge, having fun with your personal style was key in the Y2K era. If you’re looking for some 2000s outfit ideas for everyday wear or your next themed party, we’ve gone back into the archives to find some iconic celebrity outfits of the decade and pulled pieces that you can use to recreate your favorite looks.
The Best 2000s Outfit Ideas:
Britney Spears – 2001
Nobody was as iconic as Britney Spears in the early 2000s. In this mega-Y2K look, the pop star who ruled the decade paired together some of our favorite elements of 2000s fashion: some sort of fur and boots (maybe we could repurpose it into a pair of boots with the fur… anyone?) This easy-to-replicate look will keep you warm all night. Make sure you pair it with a cold girl makeup look.
Britney Spears (Photo by KMazur/WireImage)KMazur
Hilary Duff – 2003
For anyone who wanted a cute but comfortable outfit for the night, graphic tees and mini skirts were a go-to. Hilary Duff nails it with this quintessential Y2K look, which pairs a denim miniskirt with an adorable graphic tank. You can even switch it out for a baby tee, which is totally back in style in 2024. Make sure you grab your daintiest necklace to pair with the ‘fit.
Amy Graves
Lindsay Lohan – 2004
From child actor of the 90s to romcom lead of the 2020s, Lindsay Lohan has seen many different eras of fashion. When frequenting movie premieres of the 2000s, Lindsay’s outfits ranged from formal to casual, and this denim look is one of our favorites. Her satin, embedded white top dressed up the look, so a tank top with lace embellishments brings a contemporary vibe to this vintage look. Low-rise jeans were everywhere during this era, and strappy heels along with a luxe shoulder bag bring the entire outfit up a notch.
Jon Kopaloff
Beyoncé – 2005
Corset tops never quite went out of style, and fashion it girls like Dua Lipa continue to wear them in trendy ways. In Beyonce’s 2000s take on the outfit, the singer paired a black lingerie-style top with black skinny jeans, giving ultimate sexy goth vibes. This look can be easily replicated with pieces from Amazon, so it’s also a budget-friendly way to recreate Beyonce’s on-stage ensemble.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Chad Michael Murray – 2006
As the star of one of the 2000s most popular soapy teen dramas, One Tree Hill, Chad Michael Murray was a fan favorite of the era. For men’s fashion in the decade, it was all about layers. In this appearance on MTV’s TRL, he wears a chunky graphic scarf (for style, not warmth), and layers a pink button down shirt over a plain white tee. With the addition of some chunky bracelets and a statement pendant necklace, you’ve got the perfect masculine look to wear to a 2000s party.
Michael Loccisano
Selena Gomez – 2007
It’s indisputable that a dress-over-pants outfit is one of the most recognizable signs of 2000s style. Many stars of the era rocked the ensemble, and this Selena Gomez look is one of the most classic examples. With just a simple strapless minidress as a top paired with skinny jeans, this is definitely one of the easiest and most comfortable outfits to wear. A pair of red Converse sneakers are the cherry on top of this outfit.
Chad Buchanan/Getty Images
Megan Fox – 2007
The newest accessory resurfacing from the 2000s is an unlikely favorite: bayonetta glasses. Megan Fox was the queen of the Bayonetta look back in the day and often rocked the style on red carpets to complement a casual look. Paired with chunky jewelry and a baby tee, a throwback look is easily achievable. Thanks to TikTok and trendsetters like Bella Hadid, these small, soft square frames are the perfect finishing touch to a Y2K look.
Michael Bezjian
Rihanna – 2007
Before Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty took over the market, Rihanna was the pop star churning out the top party soundtracks of the 2000s. Just like it is now, Rihanna’s style was always fresh and bold, and her look at the 2007 World Music Awards was no exception. Babydoll dresses were everywhere in this era, and the singer elevated the silhouette with plenty of tulle and black lace gloves. If you’re recreating this look for a 2000s-themed party, the bright red pumps are a must, too.
Toni Anne Barson Archive
Paris Hilton – 2008
Cozy meets chic with this one: a classic velvet Juicy Couture tracksuit. Like our experts said, Paris Hilton was the quintessential fashion it-girl of this era, and it’s obvious nobody in the 2000s pulled off this look better than Paris at the airport. It’s versatile as well; you can wear it to lunch or to the gym. As Paris herself would say, “That’s hot!”
Jun Sato
Joe Jonas – 2008
Joe Jonas was Disney’s it-boy of the late 2000s and his looks – on stage and off – were definitely some of the most daring for the pop boys of the era. He always would pair bright colors with more subdued blazers. Sometimes, he’d mix an accessory or two as well. The signature accessory for the Jonas Brothers was their wayfarer sunglasses – you’ll definitely spot fans in the crowd wearing these nostalgic specs.
.jpg)
Kevin Mazur
Demi Lovato – 2009
Grunge aesthetics started becoming popular in the 1980s, but rocker girls like Demi Lovato kept the look alive through the 2000s. This was the type of outfit Demi frequently wore on stage as she performed, and it’s everything we love about the Y2K vibes: casual, comfortable, but still expressive. Black boots are a must to achieve the look, and a layered leather blazer takes it to the next level. Don’t forget the graphic tee — Olivia Rodrigo is usually rocking one these days, too.
Matt Kent