You might feel as if you’ve been transported to the 2000s recently as more and more people sport low rise jeans, wired headphones, and cargo pants. This phenomenon of the resurgence of decades-old fashion trends is also known as the 20 year cycle, according to Thread.com. In this cycle, styles and trends from two decades ago are revitalized and incorporated into current fashion. Nowadays, many teenagers prefer to draw from various subcultures such as Y2K, skater, and even the Japanese “gyaru” which is Japan’s spin on the classic Y2K look.
Y2K originates from the name of a widespread fear that computers might fail to record dates properly during the months approaching the year 2000, according to “Y2K bug” from National Geographic. It is arguably the face of the 2000s style resurgence and has been used to describe a style of clothing that consists of velvet tracksuits, shades of pink, Juicy Couture, and, of course, low rise jeans. The assimilation of this style can be seen in everything from high to fast fashion with pieces like Miu Miu’s SS22 low rise mini skirt set gaining popularity all over social media to the popular online store SHEIN carrying bejeweled flared jeans and velvet tracksuits. It isn’t a stranger to MHS either, with more and more students around campus donning this iconic style.
“I mix a lot of modern trends like streetwear with low rise jeans, … bedazzled tops and a lot of velvet material,” senior Yadhira Gomez said about her style. 2000s style is unique, fun, and something she feels comfortable in, she said.
Another popular style that’s seeing a revival is skate fashion and street style, which are recognized by their effortlessly cool, comfortable, and oversized fit. These styles first came about in the ‘80s as practical clothing for skaters that allowed them to perform tricks without the restrictions of tight clothing, but beginning in the ‘90s, skate style was slowly adopted by non-skaters and the fashion industry as a whole. The modernization of classic items can be seen through platform Converse shoes, graphic band t-shirts, and cargo pants around MHS.
Senior Isaac Farria described his style as a combination of 2000s skater style, inspiration from social media like Pinterest, and his own added flare. “I would say I lean more towards the skater vibe even though I don’t skate anymore because I enjoy the baggy clothing,” Faria said.
For those wanting to integrate the 2000s into their daily wardrobe, thrift stores are the place to go. Whether you’re looking to incorporate Y2K, skater, or any other style into your closet, stores such as Goodwill, Salvation Army, and Moon Zoom,which specializes in vintage clothing, are good sources for finding original pieces from that era.
Although 2000s fashion is currently trending, it may not stick around for long due to the rise of microtrends on social media. Platforms such as TikTok and Instagram have begun to wear out trends quickly since people get bored of seeing the same thing for too long. As a result, 2000s style may only have a year or two left in fashion before it gets replaced by the 2010s. In fact, 2010s trends have already begun to resurface with peplum tops getting their own modern twist, and characters like Elena Gilbert from “The Vampire Diaries” and Bella Swan from the “Twilight” saga becoming style inspirations.
Regardless of which trends come and go, cultivating a personal style is a good way to draw from various styles, avoid falling prey to microtrends, and staying confident.
Junior Kimmie Deroze incorporates 2000s fashion into her personal style which she said has allowed her to express herself. “I wear a lot of jewelry and colorful stuff and it makes me feel confident. If you want to try a different style, just go for it. Just express yourself,” Deroze said.
