It’s been almost four years since Y2K fashion inspiration made its inevitable resurgence to the forefront of trending outfits and closets – think low rise cargos, baguette bags, wedge-sandals, shield sunglasses, and velour tracksuits. This also means that it has officially been four years since the trend first began to wrap its diamante-encrusted fingers around the wardrobes of Gen Zers – and it doesn’t seem to be ready to let go just yet.
More affectionately referred to as “Y2K” by those born between the years of 1997 – 2012, early 2000s fashion saw a fusion of laid-back sportswear with bold futuristic colours and patterns, to emulate a rebellious era of new technology the time represented.
However, in recent years, Gen Z has taken hold of the Y2K trend and redefined it to make it their very own, proving to be a driving force behind the trend’s continual traction.
But for a generation that was a little bit too young during the peak of Y2K fashion, it’s worth questioning where they’re getting their outfit inspiration from – and how exactly this has impacted the true Y2K vision.
The Influence of Social Media
To better understand how the trend has evolved, I spoke to two Gen Zer’s from social media marketing agency The Wonder Co. to discuss their go-to sources of outfit inspiration, and how this has shifted over the course of the Y2K trend.
For marketing assistant Eva Greenland, Tiktok Influencers and the revival of iconic 2000s shows are some of the most frequent places she feels Gen Z is drawing inspiration from when curating their Y2K looks.
“You have the ability to find multiple people who do the theme well without a lot of effort,” said the 21 year old in reference to readily available Tiktok “Get Ready With Me” videos and influencer styling clips.
Emily Webber, Social Media Specialist from The Wonder Co. felt similarly, noting how Tiktok “is a huge driving force for Y2K fashion references”.
“I think young people increasingly want to seek inspiration from people they can relate to, and you can really find that on TikTok… it’s nice to see yourself in the people you’re pulling inspo from”.
Both Webber and Greenland aren’t the only ones who made this observation.
According to TikTok market insight data, 57% of Gen Z users use the platform for fashion research – with 3 in 5 users (of any generation) looking to TikTok for the latest fashion inspiration.
On the app, you’ll find creators re-creating early 2000s celebrity outfits from popular paparazzi photos, and curating Y2K inspired outfits for their viewers to replicate.
Brands have even begun to employ Y2K-inspired outfit styling videos into their marketing regimes, as seen through women’s activewear brand Aver Active their recently launched Y2K-esque “Sweet” collection.
The Evolution of Y2K Outfit Inspiration
Just like most trends, Gen Z’s interpretation of Y2K fashion hasn’t been stagnant for the entirety of its popularity.
What was first initiated by paparazzi pics of 2000s celebrities flaunting their iconic MTV looks, Y2K outfit inspiration has now “shifted toward influencers and everyday people making more subtle nods to the era,” said Webber.
“While the icons still have a place in our hearts, the way Gen Z approaches Y2K fashion is a lot more about personal expression and finding what works for them”.
Greenland agreed, pointing out how “Nowadays, social media influencers are leading by taking it upon themselves to create trends and redefine current styles with previous ones.”
Both girls also nodded towards Gen Z’s collective focus on sustainable shopping practices, when they explained how the rise of vintage shopping has meant Gen Zers are beginning to “seek out unique pieces for their wardrobe – often authentic Y2K items”.
This also points to another popular trend that has recently emerged on TikTok, which sees Gen Z creators showcasing their “thrifting hauls” – frequently containing items popularised in the early 2000s.
“People are getting creative and adding Y2K flare to an otherwise very ‘now’ look,” said Webber. This has allowed the trend to “exist in a more modern and wearable way.”
Whilst it’s clear the current hold Y2K dressing has on Generation Z, it’s hard to tell how long the trend will retain its popularity for.
However Gen Zers have made one thing clear – they have a keen eye for redefining trends through the power of social media, tailoring them to their own fashion palette.
Read more of our Fashion & Style articles here.
Visit here for some Y2K thrift store recommendations.
