By Emma Di Salvo
What do you get when you combine cargo pants, a chunky oversized belt, a crop top, matrix-style glasses and a side parting? Y2K fashion, of course. While many may be happy to see the back of this era, 2023 was not quite ready to let it go. That's right, millennial fashion is back!
Although the style has received some backlash, with people claiming the look is more cringe than classic, it appears, for the most part, people are happy to see the return of denim on denim and plastic chokers.
Read on to learn more about Y2K fashion and how to release the millennial goddess within.
The Past
A Millennial is a term used to describe a person born between 1981 and 1996. In the fashion industry, it usually refers to fashion from the 90s and early 2000s. An era fondly remembered for many reasons: MTV, That's So Raven, TLC, Britney Spears, and, of course, some pretty memorable style choices!
When I think of Millennial Fashion, aka Y2K fashion, I think of The Spice Girls. Their first single, "Wannabe," was released in July 1996 (feel old yet!?) and was an instant hit. The song was unique and fun, and the video's fashion was sexy, daring and unapologetic. It had confidence, making it instantly appealing, and people couldn't get enough.
The humble crop top was, and still is, one of the biggest staples of Millennial fashion. Think back to early-day Britney, Rachel from Friends, and The Spice Girls; the crop top certainly appeared a lot! The 90s was all about showing off your midriff, wearing cute mini skirts, and donning plastic butterfly clips in your hair. We've been there and done it. So why bring it back?
The Present
Because that is the very nature of fashion. Styles from the past are constantly being recycled and updated. People are nostalgic and love nothing more than being reminded of "the good old days." We've seen it with fashion from the '60s, with our love of geometric patterns and lavish floral designs, and style from the '80s, with the return of the high-waisted jeans and sneakers. Even fashion from the 19th century has been revamped (think corsets and skin-tight trousers). So, it shouldn't be surprising that the Millennial era trend is also taking another crack at it.
In 2023, Y2K fashion was all over the catwalk. Unsurprisingly, Marc Jacobs was one of the first designers to return to the Y2K aesthetic. Jacobs is easily regarded as one of the industry's most influential designers, so if he says something's cool, it's cool.
Stella McCarthy also revisited the era with carefully selected items from her 2000 Spring/Summer Collection, recreating some of her favourite looks. Shrunken vest tops, low-riding trousers and rhinestones were all on display, with super-sized blazers and net stockings. She said she was inspired by her 15-year-old daughter, who loves rifling through her closet and picking out the most '90s outfits she can find.
At the heart of it, Millennial fashion is fun, experimental and exciting, which is probably why it appeals to so many of us, young and old.
Celebrities have also been seen hopping back on the Millennial train this year, with the likes of Hailey Bieber and Gigi Hadid trading in their leather blazers for the more "vintage" style bomber jacket, Anne Hathaway showing off her newsboy cap, and Margot Robbie embracing bubblegum pink for her role as the iconic Barbie. Even the moon boots have made a comeback! I'll let you decide whether that's a good thing or not.
The Future
Regarding the future of Millennial fashion, we must look to Gen Z as perhaps the most conscious generation yet. Their focus on the environment and sustainable clothing has them creating the 90's look but responsibly. They want to trade in plastic sunnies for a more eco-friendly alternative and to wear vegan leather.
Buying sustainable rather than synthetic clothing is a great place to start if you want to do your bit for the planet.
Stella McCarthy prides herself on making her brand as eco-friendly as possible. A brand that "looks to the future." If you visit her website, it's evident that this is a fundamental topic for them as a brand. They use 100% organic cotton and plant-based materials and are, of course, plastic-free. If more designers and companies do this, we can look fabulous and save the world!
Millennial fashion is arguably one of the most recognisable styles in fashion history. It is also effortless to recreate. All you need is a low-rise denim skirt, chunky belt with rhinestones, crop top and big hair clips, and you're good to go! Y2K fashion isn't going anywhere, with more fashion brands jumping on the millennial bandwagon, so why not have fun taking a trip down memory lane? But remember to shop responsibly.
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