One of the best things about fashion is that it’s not static. Everything always comes back. The joke goes that if you hang onto something for long enough, you’ll be able to wear it again — or honestly, just eventually find it again at your go-to store, like H&M. Sometimes, that takes a while. Others …well, not so much. And that’s how we’re now finding ourselves with fashion trends from just over twenty years ago.
But every time a trend makes a comeback, there’s the question of how to make it work now. Do the same things that applied twenty-two years ago work now? How can you modernize the look and make it fit your style? Those are the questions that can easily come to mind for the latest: the Y2K trend, a nod to the early 2000s. From low-rise denim to track pants, and butterfly everything, Y2K fashion is still going strong as of last year. And since it seems it’s not going anywhere (for now), we’ve asked some fashion experts for their tips and tricks on how to nail these looks without overdoing it or looking outdated — and we’re breaking them down for you, below.
1
Balance is Key
Influencer and model Victoria Barbara stressed the importance of balance when it comes to nailing the look. Though the trend seems to call for going all out, Barbara’s suggestion is to go more understated. Instead of pairing a baby tee with low slung jeans, wear a bootcut or some twill utility pants. These ones from H&M are just the thing to make sure you look fresh and current, but not overdone.
2
Go For Basics
Barbara also told us that the trend works better when we simplify the rest of our look – something that seems to contradict our first impression of the Y2K look. But, as she explained, this goes to the heart of the idea of bringing back a trend and modernizing it. For example, if you want to bring back a trucker hat, it might be best if you pair it with a basic plain white t-shirt and faded worn denim. And if you want to do a tie-detail mesh skirt, pair it with something simple.
3
Dare to Experiment
While balance and basics are important, it’s also the time to experiment with the pieces you do pick to wear. Fashion stylist Carolina Tarte shared with us that one of the best ways to nail the look is just to experiment with different pieces while still being yourself. If you like a specific Y2K trend, try it. Different colors, textures, low rise, lace, prints, cut-outs, whatever it is you like the most about the Y2K trend, this is the moment to try it out. We can’t get enough of the pieces H&M has that could help you do this, from this very dramatic cut-out-top that will make you the center of attention, to this oversized printed t-shirt that will have you comfortable and in style, to this mesh shirt or open backed mesh dress, which are both good options if you want to be a little more daring.
4
Chill Out — & Disfrutalo
Both Tarte and Barbara agreed, one of the most important tips to nail the trend is to just have fun with it. You can’t take it too seriously. Y2K was, after all, about being over the top. You can’t – and shouldn’t – be taking yourself too seriously when you’re wearing a metallic puffer jacket, or cut-out detail pants, for example. Try what you like, combine things, and if it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work. Let no one say you didn’t try.
5
Bring The Vibes in Nails
Yes, nails are a big part of the Y2K trend, too. If fashion pieces are a reach for you, then have your nails match your outfit. Coordinate the design to your crop top, and voilà… you’re testing the trend out. Go big and go bold with your design. This is the moment to accessorize with things you never thought you could pull off, so why not let your nails get in on the party.
The Y2K trend can be for everyone, and it’s easier to pull off than one might think. With everything in fashion, the most important thing is to have the confidence to try things out and find the pieces you need over at H&M with their festival collection, which starts at $12.99 and will be available online and in select stores. So, with these tips in mind, will you be attempting the Y2K trend — or have you already?