Fashion and beauty trends from the early 2000s are making a strong comeback. Here’s how to ace them
Bella Hadid. Pic/Instagram
The dot com boom in the late 90s to the early 2000s brought with it a distinctive fashion aesthetic that combined a futuristic vibe with retro elements. Today, fashion lovers are circling back to that experimental era although, with a modern twist, explains media educator Sthitipragnya Dash. “Some of the biggest fashion influences were Carrie Bradshaw and Britney Spears, and movies like The Matrix and Mean Girls,” she recalls.
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Baby tees
Tiny t-shirts were worn extensively by girl bands in the late 90s, from their music videos to red carpets. They are now being spotted on the likes of model Bella Hadid. “These tees are cropped above the belly button and often come in quirky patterns. Pair them with loose jeans, pleated skirts, or denim cut-offs,” says Dash.
Baguette bags
First popularised by Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and The City, these little bags go with a variety of outfits, reveals research assistant Kareena Shah. She suggests choosing pastel shades for a truly vintage vibe. Alternately, metallic colours and shiny fabrics create a more dressed-up evening look.
Bandana tops
Bandana tops featuring cool prints were a staple of the era, says marketing consultant Thea Mehta. You can DIY your own using a large satin scarf. Pair with a mini-skirt (another Y2K favourite).
Velour tracksuits
A decade before athleisure gained popularity, velour tracksuits were flaunted by celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. For a 2021 twist, Dash suggests pairing them with bralettes or high-waist, wide-legged pants.
Double denim