13 Fashion Trends Of The 2000s That Needs To Be Deleted From Our Memories

When you think about past fashion decades, it’s easy to be distracted by the elegant silhouettes of the early 50s (think Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn). Or even the peace necklaces and colorful hippie wardrobes of the late 70s. However, not every fashion trend is made the same. When you think of the early 2000s, you probably wish that fashion decade never happened. Whether it’s the double denim Britney Spears moment or lacey bottom tops, some Y2K trends are best left in the past. Stuff like tube tops and tie-dye are making a roaring comeback, but some of the fashion trends on our list are so cringe-worthy that we had to try really hard to keep a straight face. From velour tracksuits to super low rise jeans and newsboy hats, here’s a look back at some 2000s fashion trends that we’re glad didn’t spill over into this decade:

1. Velour Tracksuits

Sure, we have to admit that they were super comfortable and kept with the matching-matching theme that was so popular back in the day, but c’mon, they don’t belong anywhere outside your house. These two-piece tracksuits can definitely find a place in our current landscape of work from home loungewear, but we doubt they’d look good anywhere outside the house (unless you’re on a grocery run).

2. Low Rise Jeans

Sure, Mariah Carey looked amazing in these jeans, and we have to give her props for rocking them, but they don’t work for everyone. There’s a reason why high-waist and mid-waist jeans are more popular because they’re both comfortable and hide unnecessary bulges in your waistline. Of course, if you’re the bold dresser and enjoy trying out unique styles, you should definitely check them out, but low-rise jeans are not for everyone. It also makes you look stunted and unflattering.

3. Denim Newsboy Hats

You might occasionally spot people still rocking the denim newsboy look, but they don’t really serve much of a purpose in a practical sense. After all, hats are meant to protect you from the sun, and the only part of your head these hats will protect is your scalp. These days baseball caps and sun hats are more in trend and are all the rage in fashion circuits.

4. Micro Mini Skirts With Flares

You might think mini skirts are cute, but these are the ones that are a weird mix between schoolgirls and beach models. The flared part looks like a peplum, but the tiny nature makes it look like a handkerchief. There is also the risk of exposing your underwear, which will spoil your overall look. Keep up with the trends and go for denim miniskirts instead, or bodycon slit and short skirts. Flaunt the hot bod, but let these minis stay where they were for the sake of the fashion world.

5. Statement Buckle Belts

Name belts are a trend that we are glad to see go. Sure, back in the day, we were all spotted wearing our names on necklaces and other jewelry items, but we’re pleased that this belt look, in particular, is no longer popular. We blame Gwen Stefani for making this a thing back during her No Doubt days. As they say, minimal is classy. Blingy buckle belts with names or text engravings are the worst fashion blunder you can make. It not only ruins your overall outfit but keeps the attention locked to your midriff, and not in a good way.

6. Ponchos

Ponchos are basically like an elevated blanket but are less bulky and more like a shirt. They were, without a doubt, one of the trendiest looks in the early 2000s. While they are perfect for a winter vacation by the campfire, we don’t see them as much on the fashion circuit these days. We’re secretly hoping an updated version of the look comes back.

7. Shell Jewelry

Shell necklaces and bracelets were all the rage back in the 2000s. Everyone from Quentin Tarantino to Justin Timberlake rocked this look, and they were all over popular novelty store shelves back then. However, we feel like this is a tropical look that would be perfect for summers by the beach, not for regular wear. If you want to rock a shell bracelet layer it with silver or gold chainlinks to balance it out and not look outdated.

8. Kitten Heels

Before the incredible Lizzo rocked her tiny purse on the red carpet, we had celebrities in the early 2000s rocking kitten heels and little purses. We haven’t seen kitten heels on red carpets in recent times, and there’s probably a reason for that. Now combat boots, stiletto heels, and platform heels are super popular. However, enclosed formal heels with kitten-detailing can work for the office.

9. Locket Necklaces

Back in the early 2000s, a locket necklace was the equivalent of having a secret diary. Many teeny boppers used their lockets to store their secret crushes, pictures of their childhood pet, or even their parents. Nowadays, the only people you see rocking necklaces are rappers, famous celebrities, and Indian aunties (JK).

10. Fringe Dresses

Fringe seemed to be a style staple back in the 2000s, and while we get the appeal, we’re delighted that this trend is now only spotted on a few handbags and jackets. Kylie Minogue might have looked incredible in a fringe dress, but that doesn’t mean the rest of us would.

11. Denim Vests

Let’s be honest, what exactly is the purpose of wearing a denim vest? It’s clearly worn simply for appearance purposes and not for other reasons like keeping yourself warm. One good thing about the denim vest trend is that you can rock this look in summer as well, but it only really goes well when you layer it right.

12. Scarf Headbands

Do you remember the era of headbands? While headbands are still popular even now, they’re usually spotted on kids and men with long hair who like to keep their hair off their faces. The scarf headband was super popular with many 2000s celebrities and was spotted during plenty of events. One thing’s for sure, though; they were way more comfortable than wearing metal or plastic headbands. If you have a retro-themed party, you can give it a try.

13. Dress Over Jeans

If you are arguing that this works like a kurta with jeans, please see the door. A dress is designed to accentuate your silhouette, but regular jeans would completely ruin the look and seem like you tried to cover your unwaxed legs. Teen stars back in the day would wear oversized jeans that swept the floor and slip into a spaghetti dress to make it look like a top. The end result is, however, quite sloppy. You either pair your jeans with a tee, a simple top, or a crop top, but dresses should just bask in their solo glory.

It can be argued that fashion is highly subjective and lies in the eye of the beholder (just like beauty). But it’s all about the right fitting, colors, and trendy items that make a difference. You can give a millennial and Gen Z spin to vintage items like big polka dots and tube tops which are all set to rule the streets. If you still like some of the trends on our list, go ahead and rock them. We’re sure you’ll figure out how to style the trend in a way that makes it look super cool. Do let us know which of these 2000s style trends deserve a second shot and which ones need to be forgotten from the face of fashion history!

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Niharika NayakBA (Media & Communication)

 

Niharika has a passion for all things art, music, and travel and has over 4 years of experience in writing for social media. During her spare time, she likes experimenting in the kitchen, playing video games, and hanging out with stray animals.

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