This Controversial Y2K Trend Is Back–5 Outfit Ideas I'll Copy and Paste
This "ugly” trend may bring back a few core memories if you’re a ’90s kid. Think Hannah Montana and Lizzie McGuire, and, of course, Katie Holmes’ controversial 2022 ensemble. With the categorical resurgence of Y2K trends, this styling choice has reentered the scene.
This trend was all over the streets of fashion month amongst industry insiders. Pleated skirts, minidresses, and tube dresses were seen styled over trousers and/or jeans.
The dress or skirt over pants trend lends itself to transitional dressing as seasons change and I’ve tapped a few favorite looks to copy now. Below, you’ll find five outfits I’m using for inspiration and the pieces to match for easy shopping.
Tank Top + Pleated Skirt + Trousers
Tying a crisp, pleated wrap skirt around your waist is a chic styling play to update your white tank top and black trousers. A pair of luxe leather flip-flops finish the look.
Tube Dress + Jeans + Pumps
The tissue-hem tube dress is a Y2K staple, and what other way to wear it than over denim? Appropriate accessories include a grungey buckle bag and super-pointy pumps.
Sweater + Pleated Skirt + Trousers
A neutral color palette makes this statement styling more digestible. Opt for a white top, black trousers and boots, and a grey skirt to keep it classic.
Sporty Jacket + Jacket + Khaki Pants
Sporty letter jackets are everywhere right now and pairing them with a tonal look over a dress is peak cool. Of course, every fashion person’s current favorite Adidas pair well on bottom.
Minidress + Button-Down + Trousers
Make an embellished minidress more daytime appropriate with a button-down and trousers. Trendy hiking sneakers make the perfect addition.
Next: These 20 Sneaker Outfits Require Minimal Effort—Copy and Paste Them Now
Copelyn is a freelance fashion and accessory editor who formerly worked for Who What Wear as an associate shopping editor. Before her time at Who What Wear, Copelyn was at Bustle Digital Group, working on the accessory market for cover shoots and fashion features across Nylon, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Romper, and Elite Daily. Copelyn also previously worked at InStyle and Cosmopolitan in the fashion departments. Copelyn has a journalism degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In her spare time, she freelances in graphic and web design in the fashion space and loves to upcycle clothing, home décor, and sneakers.
-
This Simple Fashion-Person Approved Layering Technique Changed the Way I Wear My Basics
Effortlessly cool.
-
Goodbye, Bubble Shorts—Everyone Everywhere Is Wearing This "Dated" Pant Trend Instead
Here's how It girls in New York, London, Copenhagen, and more are styling them in 2025.
-
Dua Lipa and Miley Cyrus Traded In Their Dark-Wash Denim for This '90s Throwback
Halle Berry and Cindy Crawford also approve.
-
Cooler Than Jeans and a T-Shirt—Everyone With Good Taste Will Wear These 15 Denim Outfits This Fall
Next time fall styling inspiration runs dry, just reference these looks.
-
Goodbye, Ballet Flats: It Girls in London, NYC, and Paris Are Prioritizing This Fall Flat Shoe Trend Instead
And they're styling it like *this.*
-
Everyone Is Suddenly Wearing This Expensive-Looking Item With White Pants
So chic.
-
Every Fall Outfit I Want to Wear This Year (So Far)
These looks are the definition of effortless.
-
No One Wears a White T-Shirt Quite Like a Fashion Person—6 Incredibly Cool Looks to Re-Create Now
Nothing but chic, effortless vibes.