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- Gen Z is reviving 2000s fashion, showcasing it on TikTok and Instagram.
- Young fashion enthusiasts are embracing trends like cargo pants, oversized sunglasses, mini skirts, small handbags, and more.
- Beyond clothes, 2000s tech-themed accessories like flip phone cases and wire earphones are gaining popularity among the youth.
- For more lifestyle news, go to the News24 Life front page.
Fuelled by popular social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, styles reminiscent of the 2000s are back by popular demand, thanks to Gen Zers.
From cargo flare pants, denim miniskirts, and low-rise jeans to big sunglasses, Gen Zers are nostalgic for fashion from the 2000s, and even their tech gadgets are influenced by aesthetics from that era.
The so-called Y2K trend resurfaced heavily in different parts of the world when people regained the freedom to gather at social events after months of being cooped up at home during the Covid-19 lockdown.
On TikTok alone, hashtags centred around Y2K are reaching millions of views. This includes #Y2Kstyle with 1.7 billion views, #Y2Koutfits with 1.1 billion views, and #Y2Kaesthetic with 5.4 billion views, among many others.
Even retailers had no choice but to get with the programme. Global fashion brands, including H&M and Zara, report a surge in popularity for items like biker jackets, denim pieces, and crop tops.
Chinese fast-fashion retailer Shein, on the other hand, which particularly targets women shoppers, saw a threefold increase in sales of baby tees in 2023, establishing them as the most sought-after t-shirt style for 2023.
Here are some Y2K looks we can't get over.
Low-rise pants:
Right now, the hottest style is all about rocking those flared denim low-rise jeans, just like Britney Spears did back in the early 2000s. And it's not just that – low-rise cargo pants and baggy jeans, reminiscent of the 2000s hip-hop aesthetic, are also a big hit among the young and vibrant crowd.
Big sunglasses:
The resurgence of oversized sunglasses from the 2000s has also become a trend embraced by the Gen Z youth, gaining momentum as a TikTok sensation. These sunglasses come in various shapes, intricate designs, and vibrant colours, with trendsetters like Kim Kardashian fuelling the trend.
Mini skirts
Mini skirts are all the rage, giving off the 'It Girl' vibe no matter the pairing. There are a variety of styles to choose from, like the classic pleated mini skirt, mini cargo skirt, mini denim skirt, and more. It's an easy and stylish look for the youngsters.
Flip phones
Various retailers, including Casetify and Shein, that sell accessories such as cellphone cases are increasingly selling out on cases reminiscent of 2000s technology. This includes phone covers that look like flip phones, Blackberries, iPods, and more. Gen Zers in the USA are said to opt more for wire earphones than the wireless alternative.
Small handbags
Handbags are evolving into smaller and more compact designs, proving that nothing from the world of fashion is considered too outdated for Gen Zers. The trend of choosing smaller handbags from the 2000s is gaining momentum among young fashion enthusiasts, driven by a desire for practicality and a nod to the iconic styles of the past.
