The fashion world might be obsessed with all things related to the wild and excessive '80s, but dressing like your favourite 2000 star [1] is about to be more than just a fun idea you've pinned to your Halloween 2019 Pinterest board [2]. The iconic aesthetic from the early aughts started creeping back into our lives on the Spring '19 runways [3], with midriff-baring crop tops, hip-cleavage-revealing jeans [4], and metallic hardware having gone through a transformation. With your teenagehood fashion favourites now looking like grown-up, contemporary, fresh, and modern pieces that we're itching to get our hands on, we thought now would be the perfect time to take a trip down memory lane for some inspiration.
Sure, our finest sartorial choices might not have happened in the early naughts, but that doesn't mean we'll make the same mistakes again. And, as it turns out, celebrities like Kate Hudson [5], Jennifer Lopez [6], Tracee Ellis Ross, and even Kate Middleton wore outfits that we'd double tap in an instant if we saw them on our grid. So, read on to see all the looks circa 2000 that we'd wear today in a heartbeat, and get ready to feel nostalgic for this pretty epic era.
Paris Hilton's Flirty Summer Dress
Busy prints and bold colours were a big part of the early naughts, and we wouldn't be against getting our hands on the dress that Paris Hilton [7] wore back in 2002. Its nautical vibe and flirty fit-and-flare style would make for a perfect Summer holiday staple.
Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's Flare Jeans
Sure, you might still be in denial, but the fact is, flare jeans are in again. We all became obsessed with them while watching Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen [8] in Holiday in the Sun, and many stars like Victoria Beckham [9] and Gigi Hadid have already fully embraced this resurgence — so now might be a good time to get yourself a new pair [10].
Britney Spears's Party Top
Dressing like your favourite pop star from the 2000s is a fun idea that took over some of the Spring 2019 catwalks. For the 42nd Grammy Awards, Britney Spears [11] dazzled in a shiny sequin crop top that we're already imagining wearing to our next party. A little hip cleavage and midriff baring is the new sexy, and it would be criminal not to give it a go.
Jennifer Lopez's Thong Sandals
In early 2000, Jenifer Lopez stepped on the red carpet wearing a pair of strappy thong sandals with a pink slip dress and a matching shawl — and almost 20 years later, the polarizing shoe trend is back with a bang. Paired with tailored pantsuits on the runway and midi dresses on the streets, thong sandals are one of those trends you'll either love or hate. Either way, J Lo might just be the one to convince you to finally give it a try.
Beyoncé's Crochet Dress
Forget about what you might have found in your grandmother's closet: crochet is once again having a moment [12], and it's been given a cool new look. Back in the early naughts, Beyoncé wore a sky-blue crochet dress to promote Austin Powers in Goldmember, but the 2019 versions of the trend include provocative weaves and knitted pullovers with a slight bohemian effect.
Kate Middleton's Wrap Dress
Wrap dresses are a fail-proof sartorial choice, and Kate Middleton knows it. She wore a red polka-dot version to watch Prince William play polo years before they became the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and while this type of dress may have been put to the side in favour of other styles, its versatility and incredibly flattering fit has put it back on everyone's fashion radar.
Rihanna's Tye-Die Crop Top
Since the '60s, tie-dye has come back in waves, each time in a new form. While the last time we wore it probably was in crop-top form, just like Rihanna [13] did in 2005, the psychedelic print is back [14] and stronger than ever, having been splashed onto practically every single Spring runway. From hoodies to dresses, skirts, t-shirts, and denim, the only rule to wear tie-dye in 2019 is to have fun.
Nicole Kidman's Prairie Dress
When Nicole Kidman [15] stepped out for the premiere of Bewitched, she wore a delicate, floaty white midi dress that we wouldn't be surprised to still find in her closet. Prairie dresses have recently been given a high-fashion update thanks to brands like LoveShackFancy, Reformation, and The Vampire's Wife, becoming one of the must haves of the Summer. And the good news is that the loose-fit, demure style looks as good with sandals as it does with cowboy boots and knitwear.
Nicole Richie's Cape
Cape coats are back, and they're better than ever. Nicole Richie [16] wore a heavy woolen style with a single button back in 2005, and the 2019 versions come in tweed, leopard print, and classic shades of camel, as well as cape-trench hybrids.
Kate Hudson's Lingerie-Inspired Slip Dress
The versatile slip dress was as popular in the late '90s and early 2000s as it is now. Nineteen years ago, Kate Hudson [17] wore a lingerie-inspired version with barely there, delicate gold sandals, a look we'd quickly double tap on Instagram. Paired with sneakers and a denim jacket for your day-to-day activities or a pair of kitten heels and a baguette bag for evening events, slip dresses are the perfect all rounder, whatever the decade.
Tracee Ellis Ross's Blossoming Florals
Florals aren't anything groundbreaking, but they always manage to turn the simplest garment into something whimsical, feminine, and a little bit more special. Back in 2002, Tracee Ellis Ross rocked a bold version of the print, which has been everywhere this year since designers sent their bloom-filled SS19 collections down the runway.
Meghan Markle's Sheer Sleeves
Before becoming Duchess of Sussex, in 2007, Meghan Markle [18] rocked a black minidress with billowy sheer sleeves on the red carpet, which she accessorised with a pair of two-toned kitten heels. Sheer, ruffled fabrics were in abundance on the Fall 2019 runways [19], giving a whimsical yet contemporary twist to blouses, shirts, and dresses.
Rachel McAdams's Modest Dress
Back in 2005, Rachel McAdams [20] wore a demure chiffon midi dress, which she accessorised with a thick black belt and patent Mary Janes. This year, modest fashion has been one of the biggest trends, with higher necklines, longer hemlines, and bigger sleeves slowly but surely taking over our closets.
