Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Y2K Fashion Is Going Viral On Amazon

It’s safe to say that Y2K fashion is officially “A Thing.” The late ‘90s pop and cyber aesthetic that invaded our TikTok and Instagram feeds this year is now showing up in our closets. Need proof? Items like furry bucket hats, gold chain anklets, clawed hair clips, and literally anything covered in daisies are seriously trending on Amazon with no signs of backing down. In fact, the majority of the retailer’s most sought-after fashion products, as of August 2021, fall under the Y2K era vintage-inspired category. (As an elder millennial, I never thought I’d label the Y2K aesthetic as “vintage” but here we are.) 

Since Amazon can be an overwhelming place to be, we sourced 18 of the best Y2K fashion items for your add-to-cart experience. These clothing items and accessories have not only spiraled into viral territory, but they also come highly reviewed by customers like you. Every product ahead has a rating of four stars or higher, and we’ve got a whole gamut of goods. From classic gold hoop earrings that 27,052 folks have rated, to a flamin’-hot baggy sweater that Guy Fieri would approve of, to solidly normcore New Balance dad sneakers, it's enough to make your 2000s dreams come true. Click through for a trip back into time — we swear the Y2K picks of 2021 are far chicer than they used to be 20 years ago.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

Y2K Ribbed-Knit Racerback Tank Tops


KAMISSY Rib-Knit Crop Tank on Amazon


The racerback silhouette! The ribbed-knit texture! The cropped length! This versatile layering piece should have never gone away in the first place. Collect 'em all — this tank comes in every color you can imagine.

Rating: 4.4 out of 5 and 1,606 reviews

What reviewers are saying: "If I could wear this top every day, I would. The material is nice and thick and the fit is just so flattering and perfect! The colour is true to the photo and even though it is a simple tank top, I get compliments whenever I wear it. It doesn't fit too tightly which is the exact look I was going for. Love it!" —Esther, amazon.com reviewer


KAMISSY Women Basic Crew Neck Crop Tank Top, $, available at Amazon

Y2K Gold Hoop Earrings


PAVOI 14K Gold Colored Lightweight Hoops on Amazon


Gold hoops are always in style, and this affordable pair is just the right amount of everything: thickness, diameter, weight, and shine.

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 and 27,052 reviews

What reviewers are saying: "These are such a great size, the width of the hoop is really nice and substantial. Overall the quality is great, they honestly look like they are gold rather than gold plated, and have a nice weight to them (they don’t feel flimsy). They also are very elegant looking, and can definitely be worn for more dressy occasions as well as casually. It’s so pleasantly surprising each time to see the quality is so great given the price point is so affordable." —Leslie R, amazon.com reviewer


Pavoi 14K Gold Colored Lightweight Chunky Open Hoops, $, available at Amazon

Y2K Rectangle Sunglasses


Dollger Rectangle Retro Sunglasses on Amazon


When it comes to sunnies, the Y2K fashion folks have spoken: rectangular frames are in, all other lens shapes are out. These pink-on-pink shades get our vote but take a peek on the Dollger product page. There are far more frames/lens color combos to choose from.

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 and 5,007 reviews

What reviewers are saying: "I can't believe what an amazing deal these sunglasses were! It's hard to know what to expect when you order sunglasses without trying them on, first. When I first put them on, I couldn't believe how great the quality was! They have the feel and use of a much-higher priced pair of sunglasses! In addition, they are extremely stylish. Amazing style and value for the price!" —Leopard Brown, amazon.com reviewer



Dollger Rectangle Sunglasses, $, available at Amazon

Y2K Normcore Sneakers


New Balance Women's 574 V2 Evergreen Sneaker on Amazon


You can't have Y2K fashion without a pair of dad sneakers. Plus, these highly-rated New Balances have a charming touch of late-'90s dork that we love.

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 and 10,095 reviews

What reviewers are saying: "I love these shoes! I am a New Balance Fan and this model did not disappoint. They remind me of the very first pair of New Balance I ever bought. I ordered them in my exact size, 8 1/2, no sizing up. They fit perfectly. They keep my ankle, leg and knee aligned and I am having fewer problems with my knees. Plenty of room in the toe box. I think I’ll order another pair in black so I have a spare! Love the navy. My orthotics made the shoes too tight but I find I get enough support from so my orthotics are not necessary in these." —Gwen C, amazon.com reviewer


New Balance Women's 574 V2 Evergreen Sneaker, $, available at Amazon

Y2K Cropped Cardigan


Meladyan Women’s Flower Knit Loose Cardigan on Amazon


People who live for sweater weather know that the old-school cardigan is an MVP when it comes to in-between-seasons dressing. This adorable knit is swingy, cropped, bursting with flora, and available in an array of colors.

Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 53 reviews

What reviewers are saying: "I love this cardigan! Wore it out on my trip to LA, and got tons of compliments from my friends and strangers! It comes in one size, and the fit was a little oversized, which is what I wanted. I washed it once and it did shrink a little bit to fit me a lot better. The material does not feel cheap at all, I was actually surprised at how thick it was. The color was what I was expecting, and overall this sweater did not disappoint!" —khanghy, amazon.com reviewer

Meladyan Women’s Flower Knit Loose Cardigan, $, available at Amazon

Y2K Smiley Face Necklace


LecAit Pearl Pendant Necklace on Amazon


Add a classic smiley face pendant to an otherwise elegant pearl necklace and you've got a fresh take on the Y2K aesthetic.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 and 130 reviews

What reviewers are saying: "I really love this necklace. Found out about this through a tiktok and I’m so glad I got it. Everything looks so high quality and it comes with a cute note on the inside. I love how big the pearls are and the smiley face is so pretty. Highly recommend." —Taya A, amazon.com reviewer


LecAit Pearl Pendant Necklace, $, available at Amazon

Y2K Oversized Knit Sweater


Vamtac Women's Flame Oversized Sweater on Amazon


Nothing screams late-'90s nostalgia like an oversized sweater with campy flames knitted into it.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 and 114 reviews

What reviewers are saying: "Great, oversized comfy sweater!" —Danny, amazon.com reviewer


Vamtac Women's Long Sleeve Flame Oversized Sweater, $, available at Amazon

Y2K Mesh Bustier Top


Modegal Women's Open Back Mesh Bustier Corset on Amazon


Reminiscent of the fashion pieces the Y2K-era pop stars used to wear, this princess-style corset straps tightly onto your body with zip closure. The outer material is mesh, but reviewers assure that this top isn't see-through.

Rating: 4.3 out of 5 and 539 reviews

What reviewers are saying: "This is really gorgeous, love how it looks and feels. It's a zipper and it's meant to be tight so there's really no adjustment, make sure to get the right size, but it looks so amazing on." —Anna A, amazon.com reviewer

Modegal Women's Vintage Strapless Mesh Bustier, $, available at Amazon

Y2K Hair Claw Clips


SHALAC 4-pc Large Hair Claw Clips on Amazon


This pack of four clawed hair clips is a runaway hit on Amazon, and they're strong and large enough to tame even the thickest of manes.

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 and 3,919 reviews

What reviewers are saying: "I have always had super thick hair and have snapped/broken several of the 'regular' ones you can buy in Walmart etc. These are by far the best hair clips I have ever owned, they are sturdy, easy to work the clip and best of all hold all of my hair in place." —Tracey, amazon.com reviewer

SHALAC Large Hair Claw Clips, $, available at Amazon

Y2K Floral Mini Skirt


LYANER Women's Casual Floral Print Skirt on Amazon


Fluttery and flirty, this silky mini with allover ditsy flowers is a go-to style that reminds us of the grunge comeback of the late '90s.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars and 550 reviews

What reviewers are saying: "Excellent fit, excellent quality! Just as I expected. Love that the silk skirt has a lining/slip." —Debi C, amazon.com reviewer

LYANER Women's Casual Floral Mini Skirt, $, available at Amazon

Y2K Anklet


Barzel 18K Gold Plated Anklet on Amazon


Bring on the anklet! Just be sure to display it properly with a pair of sandals, sans socks of course.

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 10,493 reviews

What reviewers are saying: "This is the best anklet I've ever owned in terms of value for cost. I've had mine for a few months and it hasn't broken or even turned color at all, still just as gold and beautiful as the day I received it. Usually when I spend $12 on a piece of jewelry it's for a specific event and I go into it KNOWING (or at least thinking!) that it won't last too much longer after said event. This thing has last me all summer so far. A+++++++++++++" —Annie, amazon.com reviewer

Barzel Gold Anklet, $, available at Amazon

Y2K Rectangular Shoulder Handbag


Tuankay Furry Plush Handbag on Amazon


The rectangular shoulder bag is in full force and this time it's squishy, plushy, and (faux) furry.

Rating: 4.6 out of 5 and 252 reviews

What reviewers are saying: "Super cute and good material! I even washed it and it’s still really soft and big ;)" —Ava M, amazon.com reviewer


Tuankay Fluffy Shoulder Hand Bag, $, available at Amazon

Y2K Jelly Shoes


Chinese Laundry Women's Yippy Heeled Sandal on Amazon


Jelly shoes have made a strong comeback. But, if you're not into the all-over jelly sandal, these heeled mules with just the transparent straps are a great compromise.

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 287 reviews

What reviewers are saying: I purchased this shoe to wear to an afternoon wedding. It was shipped and arrived very quickly. It is comfortable, fits well and appears to be made well. I purchased the lilac color and it was a perfect match to my dress. It is true to size, no need to order up or down." —Trinity, amazon.com reviewer



Chinese Laundry Women's Yippy Heeled Sandal, $, available at Amazon

Y2K Sweater Vest


SAFRISIOR Oversized Houndstooth Knitted Sweater Vest on Amazon


Layered this over a collared shirt or wear it like a mini dress for a fresher approach (although, you may need bike shorts underneath).

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 585 reviews

What reviewers are saying: "I’ve been looking for this kind of sweater vest forever and I finally found the one. I’m very happy with the purchase. The quality is great, the fabric is very thick and heavy. It might sit a little large on me so I would probably exchange for a smaller size. Great for fall/ winter. I would recommend pairing it with a white button-down for a chic look." —Jane T, amazon.com reviewer

SAFRISIOR Oversized Houndstooth Knitted Sweater Vest, $, available at Amazon

Y2K Chunky Rings


Sobly Resin Acrylic Rings


Stack a few of these chunky statement rings on your fingers for an instant pop of color and bling.

Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars and 152 reviews

What reviewers are saying: "Absolutely love them! Great quality for the price I believe I’m usually a size 7 or 8 depending on which finger/hand but they fit great and the colors and gems are cute. They look as if they were more expensive. I have worn them all week at the office and washed my hands and rummaged through files and they have held up great! I definitely recommend!" —CoffeeAddict007, amazon.com reviewer

Sobly Resin Acrylic Rings, $, available at Amazon

Y2K Bucket Hat


Umeepar Faux Fur Bucket Hat on Amazon


Clueless much?

Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars and 571 reviews

What reviewers are saying: "So cute!! looks exactly like the picture!! And fits perfect I have a big head lol" —Cristina, amazon.com reviewer

Umeepar Faux Fur Bucket Hat, $, available at Amazon

Y2K Velvet Shirt Dress


Nihsatin Ruched Bodycon Shirt Dress on Amazon


Obviously, shirt dresses have always been around. But, what makes this particular style such a throwback is the velvet handfeel and side ruching. A solid dress for transitional weather.

Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars and 99 reviews

What reviewers are saying: "Love it! I was looking for this dress everywhere and I’m so happy I found it here on Amazon at a much more affordable price! So soft and comfy! Fit like a glove and you can definitely dress it up or down!" —Kristin, amazon.com reviewer

Nihsatin Ruched Velvet Shirt Dress, $, available at Amazon

Y2K Lugsole Boots


Dr. Martens Women's 2976 Quad Chelsea Boots on Amazon


Doc Martens are a classic wardrobe staple — no matter the decade. These chunky Chelseas have that bygone aesthetic but are constructed to fit the modern-day foot.

Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 905 reviews

What reviewers are saying: "These boots are EXACTLY what I wanted. They are a tad clunky and are a pain to break in, but they look great and are made very well." —amazon.com reviewer

Dr. Martens Women's 2976 Quad Chelsea Boots, $, available at Amazon

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