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how to recreate 2000s fashion
how to recreate 2000s fashion
PHOTO BY VINNIE ZUFFANTE/GETTY IMAGES, PHOTO BY PATRICK RIVIERE/GETTY IMAGES
Style > Fashion

Here’s How To Recreate 2000s Fashion, According To 3 Y2K Style Icons

Beatrice Graubart

The turn of the millennium ushered in an era of fashion that was as diverse as it was distinctive, marked by the audacity to experiment and a penchant for personal expression. The 2000s fashion scene was an unforgettable era characterized by bold choices, experimental flair, and the undeniable influence of pop culture icons. It was a time when fashion took cues from music videos, red carpet events, and streetwear trends, blending them into a unique style that has since reemerged as a nostalgic fashion statement.   

Now, as we ride the wave of the Y2K resurgence, it’s the perfect moment to rewind and revamp the iconic looks that once ruled the streets and screens. To gain a full understanding of the fads and crazes of the 2000s, we will revisit some unforgettable fashion moments that were brought about by the era’s most influential style mavens – Avril Lavigne, Britney Spears, and Tyra Banks. From the rebellious cargo pants and edgy chokers to the playful baguette bags, the 2000s was a treasure trove of fashion gems. To help you find your place among the menagerie of Y2K trends, here’s your ultimate guide to recreating and modernizing the 2000s-era styles that were precipitated by these legendary fashion icons.

Avril Lavigne
avril lavigne
Photo by Kevin Winter/ImageDirect

Avril Lavigne burst onto the scene with her skate-punk persona, blending elements of punk rock with a casual skater vibe.

  1. Cargo Pants

Start with a pair of loose-fitting cargo pants, a staple in Lavigne’s wardrobe. My personal favorites are the Alo Yoga Megastar Cargo Pants ($138, alo). They were designed to reflect Y2K style, with the straight legs and baggy fit, but they are also versatile with an adjustable bungee waist, so you can sling them low or wear them high.

  1. Neck Tie

Lavigne famously transformed men’s neckties into statement accessories. To mimic her look, select a tie that hangs below your tank top, opting for bold patterns or colors, and wear it loosely around your neck for that unmistakable Lavigne touch.

  1. Low-Rise Pants

The low-rise pant trend is synonymous with the 2000s, and incorporating this style is crucial to authentically recreating Lavigne’s ensemble. My personal favorite are the AGOLDE Low Slung Baggy pants ($228, AGOLDE), but for a more affordable option, Zara makes Low-Rise Straight Cut Jeans ($50, Zara) that are fabulous. 

Tyra Banks
tyra banks 2000s
Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Getty Images

Tyra Banks has always been known for her sleek and edgy looks, but she was especially on the scene in the early 2000s after she starred in Life Size (basically, the prequel to Barbie). The same year the movie graced our screens, she stepped onto the red carpet in a triangle bikini top paired with a floor-length skirt. This look perfectly exemplifies the bold and playful spirit of early-2000s fashion.

  1. Choker

A defining accessory of the 2000s, chokers can add a touch of edge to your outfit. Look for sleek designs or statement pieces that embody Banks’ bold fashion sense. To mimic Banks’ look, check out this Rhinestone Choker from Amazon. If you’re going for a more contemporary look, I love the Elegance Choker from Revolve ($36). 

  1. Half-Up Pigtails

Banks’ chic double high ponies capture the essence of 2000s hairstyles — minus the side bangs. This semi-updo pays tribute to the era while remaining a stylish choice for contemporary looks.

  1. Triangle Tops

Embracing the bikini-top-as-a-shirt craze, Banks, along with other stars like Beyoncé and Halle Berry, showcased the versatility and appeal of triangle tops in casual and red carpet settings. This trend invites you to dive through your swimsuit drawer, or invest in a new one — like this triangle bralette from Amazon ($26).

Britney Spears
britney spears 2000s
Photo by Patrick Riviere/Getty Images

Britney Spears was the epitome of early 2000s pop glamour. Her looks combined sex appeal with a touch of girl-next-door charm.

  1. Ultra Mini Tank Top

Spears’ love for cropped and mini tank tops were such a moment. You can craft one yourself using an old tank, or check out these scoop neck tank tops from Urban Outfitters ($25).

  1. Baguette Bag

The Baguette Bag, made famous by Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City, became the quintessential early-2000s accessory. Amazon offers an adorable version for just $18.

  1. Mini Vest

Add a mini vest over your tank top for a layered look that adds depth and texture to your outfit — a nod to Spears’ playful-yet-chic style.This mini vest by Princess Polly ($60) is the perfect way to achieve this look.

Beatrice is a National Writer for the style section at Her Campus Media. She writes articles about all things fashion, beauty, and decor. Originally from Houston, Texas, Beatrice currently lives in Washington D.C., where she is studying Psychology and Journalism at Georgetown University. She joined the National Writers Program as a first step in her pursuit of a career in media and journalism. In her free time, Beatrice loves to host epic game nights, explore charming bookstores, and watch the most outlandish reality TV shows. The more drama, the better! She can often be found with scissors and a glue gun, transforming old clothes into unique, one-of-a-kind pieces. More than anything, Beatrice loves to travel and has taken trips all over the world, immersing herself in different cultures and styles to draw inspiration from. She just returned to the U.S. after living in Madrid for five months, and it is her dream to return to Europe and live in another new city. At an early age, Beatrice was introduced to the fashion world because her mom worked in the industry. She would often give her fabrics and trims to play with as a child, sparking her lifelong passion for fashion and beauty. She is always looking for new ways to showcase her creativity and express her love for fashion.