Growing up in the 2000s, most of my fashion icons [1] were Disney Channel stars who rocked the styles of the decade 24/7, no matter how cringey or questionable they seemed — airbrushed jeans and studded belts included. Disney Channel fashion [2] itself has always been unique with the bright colours, mismatched patterns, and near impossible amount of layering involved, but there were some characters that knew how to do it right from the very beginning. Have you seen Hannah Montana [3]'s closet?! Keep scrolling to see which Disney stars from the aughts [4] made it on the list and whose 2000s style still reigns supreme.
Alex Russo From Wizards of Waverly Place
Alex Russo, played by Selena Gomez [6], had a signature "too cool for school" attitude that translated into her outfits on screen. Yep, I'm talking about the extra long shirts and leggings combos paired with faux fur boots in the middle of Summer — she could truly make anything work. Also, she never skimped on the jewellery and hair accessories, which somehow tied even some of her most questionable outfits together perfectly.
Signature Style Tip: Always accessorise with flowy scarves and long, layered necklaces covered in gemstones to subtly hint that you may or may not have magical powers.
Sonny From Sonny With a Chance
Sonny Munroe's closet must have included 10 skirts of every colour and the cardigans to match. Like Alex Russo, the So Random! star, played by Demi Lovato [7], also wasn't afraid to take some fashion risks, often layering vests over plaid shirts, hopping onstage in bold patterns, and always rocking at least one accessory that was extra glittery.
Signature Style Tip: There's no outfit that the right leather jacket can't improve.
Kim From Kim Possible
Kim Possible's look was so the drama when I was nine, and ever since Disney+ launched, I'm obsessed with her outfits all over again. Of course, Kim could often be seen in her signature green cargo pants and her black turtleneck long-sleeved crop top, but she also had her fair share of non-work outfits (she did work at Club Banana, after all).
Signature Style Tip: Dresses with pockets are key for keeping your Kimmunicator (or phone) close at hand. Also, always carry a clutch if you don't have pockets, because where else would you store your grappling hook and laser lipstick?
London Tipton From The Suite Life of Zack and Cody
Unquestionably fabulous, London Tipton — played by Brenda Song — always rolled up to the Tipton hotel in clothes that, no matter how expensive (very), always captured red carpet style of the time. Sequinned tops, furry coats, and shiny headbands made London look like a true heiress, and Ivana the pomeranian would totally agree.
Signature Style Tip: More is more, and you can never go wrong with the right hat. Some of London's personal favourites include a fuzzy white beret, a leopard print chauffeur hat, and, of course, a sparkling tiara covered in diamonds.
Honourable Mention: Given that she often wore her high school uniform, Maddie Fitzpatrick — played by Ashley Tisdale [8] — didn't have much variation in her wardrobe, but the outfits she did wear were the epitome of what it meant to dress cool in the 2000s, ruffled babydoll tops and cowboy boots included.
Lizzie From Lizzie McGuire
Even before she went to Italy, Lizzie McGuire — aka Hilary Duff [9] — had me taking all the notes in my Lisa Frank notebook. Her mini hair buns, beaded bracelets, and butterfly crop tops paired with jeans were the look in the 2000s, and I can't wait to see Hilary Duff bring it all back in the reboot [10].
Signature Style Tip: Flared jeans are for anytime, anywhere, and no outfit is complete without a one-of-a-kind choker.
Miley's Hannah Outfits From Hannah Montana
Life's what you make it, and Hannah Montana — aka Miley Cyrus [11] — made it a major fashion show. The look on Lilly's face when Miley showed her Hannah's closet for the first time is pretty much how I felt every time she showed up in a new stage outfit. Hannah's looks were often a combo of shimmery pants with matching jackets and brightly coloured tops with bold patterns that only a teen country pop superstar could truly get away with — and she did every time!
Signature Style Tip: Never leave the house without a shimmery belt and at least two items of clothing absolutely covered in sequins.
Raven Baxter From That's So Raven
Yep, Raven Baxter — played by Raven Symone — is taking her rightful place at the top of the Best Dressed 2000s Characters fashion list. Aside from the fact that she made her own outfits, Raven, more than any other Disney Channel star, expressed herself fully through her fashion sense, making sure every last accessory was a representation of her creativity and imagination. Many of her looks were over the top (the faux fur-lined denim suit) and bordered on excessively colourful, but she made them all work and rocked them like every day was her own personal fashion show, making her a true style icon of our generation.
Signature Style Tip: Don't be afraid to fully commit to a colour or pattern. The bolder the better — and it never hurts to coordinate your hair with your look.