As the bold, chaotic fashion trends of the 2010s phase out of popularity, an all too familiar fashion style is returning to fill the gap. Multiple distinct styles from the 2000s have been resurfacing due to the influence of various celebrities.
Bella Hadid, an American supermodel, has influenced the return of 2000s fashion by incorporating classic Y2K styles in her recent outfits. At the Tatras Fashion Show, Hadid wore a grey cargo pant and jacket set with a black puffer vest, highlighting two established Y2K styles. These pieces featured multiple functional pockets, zippers and attachments, giving the ensemble a structured vibe. She was also photographed wearing various chunky platform shoes, such as platform sneakers and loafers, featuring exaggerated, bulky soles. In February, Hadid was photographed wearing rimless, ombré-tinted sunglasses. These rectangular, dark-tinted sunglasses gave an edge to her outfit. Her combination of cargo pants, chunky platform shoes and tinted sunglasses serve as an ode to the modern structured vibe of the 2000s.
“Bella Hadid is one fashion icon who has repeatedly sported outfits that look reminiscent of the early 2000s,” Business Insider Reporter Celia Fernandez said.
Singer, songwriter and actress Olivia Rodrigo encouraged the return of popular 2000s hairstyles by styling her hair in Y2K-inspired styles. According to Nylon, Rodrigo took some pre-party Instagram photos wearing braided pigtails that looked straight out of a ‘00s music video. This hairstyle represented the youthful vibe of the 2000s. Rodrigo has also styled her hair in spiky space buns, a popular Y2K hairstyle. This hairstyle included a diagonal middle part and two slicked-back buns with spikes of hair sticking out on both sides, reminiscent of the space buns worn by Y2K icons Gwen Stefani and Britney Spears. Rodrigo also reintroduced butterfly clips. She wore two different whimsical purple sets to the 2021 VMAs and the 2022 Met Gala. These clips were very popular in the early 2000s, but their popularity died out over the years. With Rodrigo’s help, they resurfaced. Rodrigo’s playful braided pigtails, spiky space buns and whimsical butterfly clips represent the youthful vibe of 2000s fashion.
Another popular singer, songwriter and actress, Sabrina Carpenter, has revived 2000s makeup by modernizing the “Bratz Doll” aesthetic. Carpenter’s makeup style includes heavy blush applied high on the cheekbones, pouty two-toned lips and sparkly eyeshadow. This style bears a strong resemblance to Bratz dolls, which were popular in the 2000s. These Bratz dolls featured the unique, extravagant vibe of the Y2K aesthetic. However, Carpenter doesn’t fully copy this makeup style. Instead, she fused it with modern trends. She combined her Y2K-inspired lip, blush and eye makeup with modern, dewy skin. It created a vibe that had the extravagance of Y2K and the softness of the modern soft glam aesthetic.
“[Their look] is very 2000s in a way, but in a more modern way,” Carpenter’s go-to makeup artist Carolina Gonzalez said in an interview with Byrdie. “It’s very popstar. But it’s also [real] skin—it’s not a full-on contour, cut crease kind of a thing. I think that resonates; it’s cooler, and it’s fresher.”
Bella Hadid, Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter are all major influencers in the world of fashion, hair and makeup. Their influence encouraged the return of early 2000s aesthetics by incorporating pieces into their outfits, modeling classic styles and creating new ones.
