Millennials and Gen Z Finally Agree on Something—These 14 '00s Trends Are Making a Comeback
If you grew up in the 2000s, you'll probably be surprised to hear that the decade's fashion trends are once again popular. I was born in 1994, and if you ask me, the decade still feels like it happened just yesterday. There is perhaps nothing more humbling than seeing my teenage nieces referencing styles I wore what feels like a mere couple of years ago as "cool vintage styles." But, here we are.
In looking to the early Noughties, we're looking to a broad spectrum of fashion icons. Paris Hilton, Britney Spears and all the members of Destiny's Child, to name a few, were pioneering the early-2000s glam look of teeny-tiny baguette bags, sparkly hair clips and corset tops. But here in the UK, there was a completely different vibe—Sienna Miller, Kate Moss and Alexa Chung sold us all on the fashion kudos of ballet flats, low-slung, baggy jeans and strappy heels. All of which have firmly come back into style over the past year.
If you're as ready as we are to embrace the best of Noughties fashion once again, scroll on to see all the 2000s fashion trends that are still going strong.
1. Hair Clips
Style Notes: Hair accessories are back in a big way, but now we're swapping the Claire's for styles that are altogether more glam. The good news is that you still don't have to spend a fortune to nail this Noughties trend.
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A contemporary take on the playful trend.
2. Corsets
Style Notes: The bottoms may have been baggy in the early Noughties, but the tops were very fitted. And on every red carpet at the time, you'd see a number of starlets rocking a corset top. This season, our favourite brands have put a sleek, contemporary spin on the seductive style.
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3. Cargo Pants
Style Notes: Yes, the "ugly-chic" pants are officially a trend of the present day, and we're not even sorry to say that we're excited to start wearing the practical style.
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& Other Stories always comes through with great style at great prices.
4. Tiny-Strap Sandals
Style Notes: Strappy sandals are still having a major moment, and icons like Kate Moss prove the undeniable glamour of this evening style. Bring yours into daywear by opting for a kitten heel and pairing it with jeans and a tee.
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5. Baguette Bags
Style Notes: Whether logo-filled, baguette-shaped, or the iconic Fendi original, consider this the 2000s It bag trend to own.
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The Noughties OG, in a fresh colourway for 2024.
6. Baggy Jeans
Style Notes: Skinny jeans have been out for a while, and now trendsetters are fully embracing the baggy look of looser-fitting pairs.
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7. Capri Pants
Style Notes: If the baggy look isn't for you, this is the Noughties-approved alternative. This slim-fitting, cropped pant looks particuarly cool when styled with strappy sandals and a fitted t-shirt.
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8. Baby Tanks and Tees
Style Notes: Cropped T-shirts and tank tops immediately feel like the fresh basic you need. You'll find us diving deep into the 2000s trend by wearing them with our cargo pants and tiny bags.
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9. Wedge Mules
Style Notes: Ready or not, this shoe trend is bubbling back up again—except that 2024's versions are much sleeker.
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10. Ethereal Evening wear
Style Notes: Looking for dress inspiration for a summer wedding or formal party? Look to style icon Sienna Miller's incredible early 2000s looks, which feel so timeless and romantic. Floaty, subtly bohemian dresses always look so gorgeous.
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11. Tube Top
Style Notes: The strapless top is well and truly back in fashion. Go bare-shouldered and pair with linen shorts or jeans, or layer a shirt or cardigan over the top.
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Leopard print is also en vogue this season, so you tick off trends in one with this.
13. Shell Necklaces
Style Notes: The pukka shell necklace may have been the A-lister favourite in the Noughties, but this year shell necklaces have been given a chic upgrade that still retains their nostalgic charm. Take on holiday or wear at home with breezy linen sets.
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14. Ballet Flats
Style Notes: Thanks mainly to Alexa Chung, I spent my youth clamouring for ballet flats. This practical yet elegant flat has reclaimed its place as a footwear staple over the past year, and I couldn't be happier about it.
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As someone who wears a lot of black, I tend to rely on my shoes to inject a little colour in my outfits. These would definitely do the trick.
This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
Jess Kelham-Hohler is a freelance writer, editor and content strategist. She has been a contributor for Who What Wear UK since 2023. Currently based in London following six years in Washington D.C. and New York, she was previously the Digital Editor for Soho House & Co, an international group of private members’ clubs for creatives. She has interviewed a range of artists, creators and more, including Alighieri founder Rosh Mahtani, photographer Misan Harriman and fashion editor Lindsay Peoples Wagner. Today, she writes primarily about fashion, travel and culture for various publications, and has worked as a copywriter and content strategist for brands such as Belstaff, Olivela and Equinox.
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