What does the acronym mean and what are its characteristics?

It may seem confusing and make your head spin when pronouncing it, but it’s actually simpler than it seems. Y2K is nothing more than the year 2000, Y = (year/year) 2 (two) and K = (one thousand). In fashion, the Y2K style marks the return of trends from the 2000s. That’s right, that characteristic and controversial fashion that was loved by some and hated by others.

This fashion was very striking for many people who were children/teenagers at that time.. Celebrities like Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Paris Hilton and members of the Spice Girls group were the precursors of this style, and everything they wore became a rage among teenagers.

In fact, this trend had been trying to make a comeback for a while now, but it didn’t have much impact. But, in 2022, the reality is different, and it seems that we are back to the late 1990s and early 2000s. At least on social media.

This trend brought back push sweatshirt sets, an all-denim look, small tops, miniskirts, lots of colors and prints and the most feared of all: the low waist. Between the chaos, fun and controversy, the Y2K style returned to the joy of some and the sadness of others.

What is Y2K style?

In recent months, many clothes and accessories that marked fashion in the early 2000s have returned to prominence among fashionistas on duty. This was mainly seen on social networks such as TikTok, where several fashion influencers appeared wearing these pieces with the Y2K hashtag, which quickly became popular.

Therefore, the new trend called Y2K style is nothing more than the comeback of 2000s fashion. In a short time, it has become an obsession, attracting more and more followers.

Despite being controversial and quite controversial, the style of the 2000s brings a lot of personality to productions, which are increasingly busy, leaving minimalism behind. It is marked by the mix of prints, materials and styles all in one production.

So, get ready to decide whether or not to embrace miniskirts, short cardigans or tops, platform heels, colored glasses and the most controversial trend in this style: low-waisted pants. The fact is that the Y2K style is already making a lot of waves in the fashion market and it seems to be a trend that will last for a while.

Y2K Style Key Pieces

If in the 2000s this fashion was already controversial, in 2022 it does not leave controversial points behind. However, nowadays it returns as a much more “wearable” style and adapted to the current reality. Check out the pieces you can’t miss in this trend:

1. Low-waisted pants or skirt

To the sadness of many people, she returned. Low-rise jeans are the main Y2K style trend. So, don’t be afraid to opt for very low-waisted pieces, which go well with tops and cropped tops to show your belly. Therefore, it is possible to choose between several models, from the tightest to the loosest, as long as the waistband is as low as possible.

2. Tops e croppeds

Another must have to join the trend, after all, showing your belly is part of the concept of this style. So, invest in tops, crop tops and even short cardigans to put together your looks.

3. Baby look

After oversized fashion with larger, baggier pieces, the Y2K style brings back a hit from the 2000s: the baby look t-shirt. Go for tight-fitting t-shirts with various prints and colorful designs, all in keeping with the times.

4. Pleated skirt

The “preppy” style that was so popular at the beginning of the century inevitably included pleated skirts that were a rage at the time, and are now all the rage. Don’t be afraid to be bold, invest in colorful and printed skirts, with different heights. In fact, this type of skirt goes well with a baby look top and t-shirt, and works with boots and sneakers.

5. Bandana

The headscarf has also made a strong comeback in this trend, and is ideal for enhancing your look. Therefore, you can wear it in several ways, the most popular being as a bandana, wrapping around the top of the head with a knot at the back.

6. White sneakers

White sneakers have never gone out of fashion and are one of the most versatile items in any wardrobe. But in the Y2K style, it is essential for creating very delicate and cute looks, as well as comfort. From basic to platform, white sneakers can be used in several looks in this trend.

7. Colorful lenses

Remember how everyone had sunglasses with colored lenses when they were kids? So, they came back in several models, with small lenses and in different formats. The accessory comes to add a bold and cheerful touch to the Y2K look.

8. Sweatshirt set

Tell the truth, the plush sweatshirt set is just adorable. With synthetic fabric with fur and shine, almost like velvet, it’s a trend that was very successful in the past and now makes its comeback in style.

Controversies Regarding Y2K Style

Despite the boom that has been the return of the Y2K style, we need to pay attention to what we consume, and how it impacts people’s lives. And in the case of this style, it comes at a time when there is more talk about conscious fashion and how the standards imposed by fashion can be harmful to people’s physical and mental health.

The return of the low waist is very controversial, precisely because it is an exclusionary trend and the fact that several women have already reported that wearing this type of clothing has changed their body. The problem is that this trend is returning and brings with it a warning about eating disorders and low self-esteem, which were also very present in the 2000s.

The fact is, Y2K style doesn’t include everyone. Fat, plus size and curvy bodies do not fit into this trend, and this is seen as a problem for many people.

“Seeing digital influencers encouraging the return of this piece (low-waisted pants) is watching all the work we have fought for years for more inclusive, label-free and democratic fashion going down the drain. There was a lot of work to make people see more of themselves in the pieces and trends they wear. Embracing the aesthetics of the low waist that only makes room for the thin body, of what is and is not beautiful, is taking several steps backwards.”explained Janaína Souza, who is an image and style consultant for Claudia’s website.

So, the question remains, how good and healthy is this trend for everyone?

Y2K outfit inspiration

Finally, we couldn’t miss the inspirations for Y2K style looks so you can see whether or not this trend is for you.

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Sources: Claudia Jornal Cruzeiro Steal The Look Correio Braziliense