Early 2000's Trends are Back; These are the Best Ones
This post may feel a little late to some since the 90s and 2000s seem to have been back for a little while now, but I was waiting for some things to play out before I made my final list. These are all the late 90s and early 2000s trends that have recently come back and stayed to really make an impact. Some have come around and then lift as quickly as they flew in; these are the ones that are standing the test of time and hanging around! For worse or for better.
Clips- There is really all manner of hair trends that have come back recently but this one seems to be being embraced by everyone. This could be the massive claw clips to put all of your hair back, or the small little butterfly used to get the smaller pieces of hair out of your face. The list also includes statement clips, funky bobby pin configurations, and clips put into hair do’s that are doing nothing but being pretty. I honestly enjoy this trend coming back since my hair is so thick that wearing it up with a hair tye often gives me a headache. With a clip, my hair is out of my way but there is no pain. They also always look fun and whimsical which I love.
Crochet tops- These have been popular on and off since the 60s when they were peak fashion for the Woodstock set. Living in Eugene, Oregon (the hippy capital of the West Coast) I saw these things 24-7 so once they made it to the blogger and designers of the world, I was shocked, to say the least. But! They have the best potential for a cute summer top even outside of the festival scene. A cute pair of ripped jeans and sneakers with a colorful crochet top? I’m sold!
Matching sets- This can be loungewear, cropped tops that match with trousers, skirts with matching top combos, all of it! When sets were firsts coming out I was VERY hesitant. They all looked like clothes that little kids would wear and not something a person who called herself a fashion lover would wear. But as time has gone on, the sets have gotten so much better and so much classier!
Bleach dying- No, not as in bleaching your hair. I mean bleach dying clothes which is much cheaper and not as damaging! You’ve definitely seen this everywhere lately and likely have for a few years, but it feels like during quarantine this really ramped up. While everyone was tie-dying everything they owned to keep themselves busy, some started bleach dying as well and taking it up one more notch. While I have not actually tried to bleach dye something on my own, I do own a couple of pre-bleached items that I absolutely love. It’s a fun little nod to a more grungey and edgy time.
Low rise jeans- I am NOT pleased that these seem to have made a resurgence and that they have somehow managed to hang around this long. When I saw they were coming back I assumed it was a fluke, a weird little moment in time. But unfortunately, terrifyingly low-rise jeans are still in style and are not showing signs of going anywhere anytime soon. Slight low rise? Ok fine to each their own. So low rise that you could potentially flash someone? Too low!
Baggy jeans- These go above and beyond regular straight-leg or bootleg jeans. These are sweat pants level baggy jeans. I will say that some people can pull these off really well with some chunky sneakers and a tiny top, but I truly do not get how they have gotten this far and stayed around this long. While I respect the effort and the look of them on certain people, overall they are not a trend that should have stuck around this long.
Chunky shoes- This is one I have been embracing for a few years already and will probably never get rid of. Whether they are platform sneakers, Doc Martens, or chunky sandals, I absolutely love the look of them! They make a girly dress a little more edgy and comfortable. They add some fun to the casual biker shorts and hoodie combo. There is really nothing they cannot elevate and I will wear them forever. Plus, since I am a massive clutz, a chunky heel really helps with balance while still being able to be cute and elegant.
Chokers- This one is a little hit and miss. While I don’t love the plastic, stereotypical 90’s chokers. I love the dainty, chain, layering chokers that have become much more popular these days. Even with little charms or jewels, these chokers add a little girly flair to any outfit. Plus, as I mentioned before, they are perfect layering pieces. I am still working on the best way to actually layer jewelry, but still, the intention is there. As someone who also doesn’t really like flashy or gaudy jewelry, these kinds of necklaces are my perfect style.
Bright eyeshadow- This one is another favorite of mine that I am absolutely thrilled to have back! I have been wearing obnoxious eyeshadow since I learned how to do makeup, and I am stoked that more and more makeup palettes are coming out with bright and colorful shadows. While you still do need to do it well and not go full-on 80s Wet and Wild blue eyeshadow, it can be so fun and make any everyday look a little extra.
Lip gloss- Thi is another one that has come in and out of trends for a few years, but never truly went out of style. Having it be so popular again is perfect to finally get some more options. I am still a huge fan of a dark, matte lip, but gloss is more fun and flirty and definitely brings summer vibes to whatever you are wearing. Some looks also just look better with a gloss over a matte lip.
Oversized and tiny pairings- This one seems like an odd one to add to the list, but since it really has come back into style I felt like it needed to be added to the list. For such a long time everything was perfectly fitted and layered and tailored. While I am still partial to the skinny jean (yes I know), I do love the oversized/fitted pairings that have made it onto the scene lately! Whether it’s a tiny top and baggy jeans/sweats, or an oversized hoodie/tee shirt with fitted bottoms.
Butterflies- This one seems a little weird since how could a bug be in style, but this bug has managed to do just that. Butterflies are on everything right now; tops, pants, clips, artwork, blankets, and hell I even have a phone case with butterflies on it on my phone at this moment. While there are some more glittery and childish versions of this current idea, there are some that look more adult and elegant. While I clearly am at least a little partial to this idea, I do have boundaries and preferences for how its executed.
Thank you so much for reading! Did I miss any trends that you are stoked to have back? Do I love something you wish would go away? Let me know in the comments down below!
No new YouTube video again this week but I will have one up next Friday for sure! Have a safe holiday weekend everyone!
Madey
Cover photo by Avery Lynch