How To Wear Y2K In 2022

A brief glance at the SS22 collections and you’d be forgiven for checking the date - have we stepped back in time to 2002? With micro-mini skirts at Miu Miu, slinky, diamanté looks at Fendi and Versace, and keyhole cutouts at LaQuan Smith, a familiar nostalgia for the early Noughties is rife, with the Y2K trend continuing its reign over the fashion world. What were once sartorial relics from a bygone era have returned (again) - luckily, we’re here to help you nail the building blocks of this perennial style mood.

1. Make Ours A Mini

Though this season’s biggest trend may be tiny, it is mighty. Once the style staple in every IT girl’s wardrobe, the micro-mini skirt dominated the SS22 runways, taking audiences back to a time when The Simple Life ruled our screens and Destiny’s Child were still together. Miuccia Prada led the way at Miu Miu, pairing super-short, low-rise box pleat skirts with belts (à la Paris Hilton’s heyday), whilst Donatella opted for logo-adorned iterations at Fendi and Versace’s “Fendace” show. In his debut season for the Italian label, Alberto Caliri took hemlines higher at Missoni, whilst away from the runway, low-slung waistlines and iridescent finishes took centre stage at POSTER GIRL. So, whether you opt for micro or mini, glistening or pared-back, pleated or straight cut, our edit will help you to incorporate this Y2K aesthetic into your closet in a way that works for you. Just don’t forget your Blackberry.

Shop Skirts

2. Throwback Denim

Cast your mind back to the turn of the century, a time when Christina Aguilera dominated in diamanté-adorned denim, and jeans and a going out top were the favoured red carpet attire. Hip-skimming waistlines were paired with the most cropped of tops, and where denim was concerned, roomy fits and super wide leg cuts were the silhouettes of choice. Fast forward to today, and we’ve come full circle. TikTok is awash with Gen Z stars rocking bootcut jeans with silk scarves as tops (à la Noughties Beyoncé), while Maison Margiela, Raf Simons and Marques'Almeida are all embracing the look with low-rise and uber-baggy styles. Pair yours with a logo-adorned silk scarf by day and opt for a crystal-embellished camisole for an after dark take.

Shop Denim

3. High Shine

If the resurgurgence of Y2K has taught us anything, it’s that fashion is cyclical. But that doesn't mean you have to step out in a chainmail mini dress pulled from the depths of Paris Hilton’s party days to embrace the trend. With the boom of the internet at the turn of the century (we miss you, MSN), shiny materials and diamanté decorations were everywhere. Now, with the rise in popularity of shows like Euphoria (remember that iconic sheer two piece Maddy wore in episode ten?), the bedazzled look is back. Metallic mesh may have been everywhere this season, from Burberry and Bottega Veneta to Alaïa, but there are also subtler ways to embrace the look. Try pairing a crystal-adorned T-shirt or denim jacket with the aforementioned wide leg jeans, or throw in a pair of embellished knee high-boots. Either way, keep it playful. After all, shouldn’t dressing always be this fun?

Shop Party

4. Cargo Trousers

Once lauded for their practicality, and beloved by bona-fide icons the world over from Fergie to Carrie Bradshaw, the cargo trouser is experiencing its own revival. From Tom Ford’s acid green iteration that hit the runway in New York, to Collina Strada’s oversized styles that appeared paired with slinky babydoll shirts, the pocket-plentiful pants are back - and they’re bigger, brighter and bolder than ever. Have fun with this comfort-driven style by opting for slouchy silhouettes in vivid hues, or take it back to basics by teaming a pared-back pair with a loosely tailored shirt. Whether you choose cropped or oversized, patterned or neutral, effortless or extravagant, all that additional pocket space means the only bag you’ll need is a Millenium-style mini bag.

Shop Trousers

5. Kitsch Accessories

Speaking of Y2K accessories… when Olivia Rodrigo dropped the music video for Brutal last year, Y2K enthusiasts rejoiced at what can only be described as a cinematic explosion of Noughties nostalgia. Bursting with butterfly clips, beaded necklaces and ombre-tinted rimless sunglasses, it reminded us that no outfit inspired by the era is complete without the subtle (or not so subtle) incorporation of a kitschy accessory or two. With Gucci's crystal-adorned hair clips, Chloé’s rimless butterfly-shaped sunglasses and Roxanne First’s beaded necklaces, we’re spoilt for choice. Pair yours with a Prada Re-Edition 2000 or 2005 shoulder bag for the full Y2K-inspired look.

Shop Accessories

Words by Katie Macpherson