y2k is back with a vengence
by ava ricigliano
The 2000s are known as a pivotal yet chaotic era for fashion, music, and media. With 2026 on the horizon, the trends we saw throughout all of Y2K are coming back fast. Y2K is an abbreviation for the year 2000, when the music was big and the fashion followed suit. With “futuristic optimism” and femininity blossoming, Y2K fashion was one of a kind, and history repeats itself, right?
Why is Y2K making such a monumental comeback? Several factors tie into the “why.” We see a piece of this trend flooding our lives, screens, and feeds. Y2K fashion is walking down the street, popping up on social media, and is visible in the newest TV shows and movies. One main factor has to do with fashion’s cyclical nature. A trend is forecasted to come back every 20 years, and in 2026, it’s the 2000s’ turn to shine once again. Over the past couple of years, from late 2022 to the present, we have seen a significant shift in what the majority of Gen Z is wearing. The waistbands are getting lower, jeans are getting skinnier, shirts are getting higher, and shoes are rising in height. But what trends are we leaving in the 2000s, what trends are making a guest appearance, what trends are here to stay, and how can we make these trends evolve with us?
Low-rise denim was an absolute staple in the early 2000s. Britney Spears, Amanda Bynes, and Alicia Keys, all of the pop stars and celebrities from this time, rocked them, and the mass media followed suit, pairing them with croptops, belly chains, fedora hats, and underwear sticking out of the waistband often known as “whaletails.” As time passed, the waistbands got higher and higher, and lowrise jeans were considered a “faux pas.” However, because of the fashion cycle, these trends are destined to come back around. We have already adopted modernized low-rise jeans back in our closets and in 2026, we can expect to see a comeback for even more Y2K essentials
Leaving the whaletails in the past, we have reintroduced low-waisted jeans into the 21st century under strict guidelines. Low-waisted, but loose pants give a nod to the 2000s, but they are often paired with longer and “flowier” tops. However, this fall, we are seeing the infamous skinny jeans make a comeback. Once loved and then loathed, could skinny jeans be making their grand comeback this fall into 2026? Baby tees have been back on the scene for quite some time now, paired with baggy cargo pants or jeans, and accessorized with chunky jewelry to pay homage to the early years and over-the-top belts.
2026 has forecasted platform shoes as the shoes of the year. Whether that be flip-flops, sneakers, Ugg boots, or combat boots, the shoes growing in size are growing in popularity, too. With new technology adding comfort and durability, this early 2000s staple is adapting to a modern fashion era while still giving us a nostalgic feeling. The return of Y2K fashion is so much more than a nod to the past. By intertwining and reinterpreting early 2000s trends into the 2020s, both runways and fashion enthusiasts are eager to celebrate this nostalgic time in a new and fresh way. Y2K fashion serves as a reminder of how our style evolves as we evolve, blending our past cultural influences with the creativity of the modern day. The fashion cycle is never-ending, and we are excited to see the evolution of Y2K style continue as we enter the new year.