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
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
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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Though the crowds that once lined up outside of shows during Copenhagen Fashion Week are noticeably smaller than pre-pandemic times, their unmatched sense of style hasn’t faltered. If anything, attendees at this season’s three-day-long Scandi-style event have actually turned up their fashion game since February’s round of shows, appearing in Denmark’s capital city on Monday in a bevy of tailored looks worth saving to your back-to-work smorgasbord.
For the first few presentations of the spring ‘22 season, editors and influencers alike dressed for our impending return to the office (but with a twist!), pairing fitted waistcoats, slouchy trousers, and oversized blazers with transgressive NSFW additions. Think: cut-out crop tops, leather mini shorts, and sunglasses with technicolor lenses.
And it’s only day one. With shows by Ganni, Rodebjer, Baum Und Pferdgarten, Samsøe Samsøe, and more brands known for their on-point designs, there’s still plenty more street style to come from the fashion-minded folks in Copenhagen this week. And since Danish street style has a reputation for influencing global trends — see: prairie collars and poofy dresses — we suggest you take note for the season ahead.
Click ahead to see how Copenhagen street style stars are dressing for their return to “work”--or something like it.
This monochrome look is so legit, even influencer-turned-designer Vanessa Hong's hair matches the 'fit.
Vanessa Hong wearing a Vanessa Hong x Birgitte Herskind top, Christopher Esber sandals, and a Jeu Illimite bag.Photo: Christian Vierig/Getty Images.The modern-day suit doesn't have to match or be "formal," as proven by this all-brown leather-and-denim ensemble. Photo: Christian Vierig/Getty Images.Midriff-baring suits might not be safe for most office dress codes, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't wear one after hours.
Xiayan wearing a 20122.VELASCA waistcoat, 20122.VELASCA jeans, and a Paco Rabanne bag.Photo: Christian Vierig/Getty Images.Copenhagen show-goers have a knack for making odd color combos — see: rust red with baby blue — look au naturale.
Wearing a Bottega Veneta bag.Photo: Christian Vierig/Getty Images.A corset for work? Don't mind if we do. Photo: Christian Vierig/Getty Images.Muted palettes need a splash of color, as shown by the addition of this tiny, red Acne Studios bag.
Wearing an Acne Studios bag.Photo: Christian Vierig/Getty Images.Copenhagen style hack: wrap your lace-up heels over your pants, rather than under them.
Simon Nygard wearing Bottega Veneta boots and Ilenia Toma wearing a Vanessa Hong x Birgitte Herskind top.Photo: Christian Vierig/Getty Images.
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In one of the covers, the Houston native wears a Valentino black bodysuit and cape and matching cowboy Stetson hat. She slipped into her glamorous alter ego for the second, donning a feathered-top champagne-colored Gucci dress with a bedazzled skirt. For the third cover, she has on a denim bodysuit-and-chaps combo by IVY PARK.
Of course, the entrepreneur took the opportunity in the accompanying interview to share more details about her latest IVY PARK collection, which includes thigh-high boots, dramatic cowboy hats, chaps, and denim corsets. In case the barn-inspired campaign — released on August 6 — didn’t give it away, she’s confirms the new collection has its roots in her early life in Houston. “This collection is a mixture of my childhood growing up in Texas and a bit of American history,” she told Harper’s Bazaar. “We were inspired by the culture and swag of the Houston rodeo,” she told the magazine’s Kaitlyn Greenidge.
She also channeled her inner horse girl for the Harper’s Bazaar feature. Posing against a black horse — even caressing its face — the Lemonade singer is wearing a black Givenchy dress with braided detailing, making it hard to tell where the horse ends and Bey’s magic begins. In another image inside the magazine, she recreated the cover of her first solo album, the 2003 release Dangerously In Love, wearing a Balmain crystal-encrusted crop top and an IVY PARK x adidas denim jumpsuit.
Andrea Pitter never saw herself becoming a reality television star. But after several friends and colleagues sent her the application form for Amazon’s Making The Cut, the Brooklyn-based bridal designer decided to at least take a look at the fashion competition series. Between the million-dollar prize, mentorship with Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum, and an opportunity to sell her pieces on Amazon Fashion, it quickly became a no-brainer. “I was like, ‘Sign me up!’” she tells Refinery29. It’s a good thing she did. Last week, Pitter won Making The Cut Season 2, now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
“I’ve been through a lot throughout my career. This is one of those moments where I was like, ‘Okay, this is what all of this was for,’” she says.
Over the course of eight episodes, Making The Cut’s judges — Klum, Winnie Harlow, and Jeremy Scott, as well as guest stars — narrowed down the group to three finalists, including Pitter, Colombia’s Andrea Salazar, and New York’s Gary Graham. While, initially, Pitter had to be pushed to apply for the competition series, once she committed to participating, she didn’t waver once. “I had my eye on the prize from the very beginning,” she says. When asked if there was a moment she felt she could be sent home, Pitter confidently replies: “No.”
Scott agrees that there was no reason for Pitter to ever doubt herself. From the start of the season, the Moschino designer was one of Pitter’s biggest fans. “Every time she came up to talk, [talent and ambition] radiated from her,” he says. As a judge, Scott says his role was to push the participants to make clear why Amazon Fashion should bet their million-dollar prize on them. “What I really wanted to see from the designers was a driving force behind why they are doing what they are doing,” he says. According to him, Pitter excelled at that; the combination of “surprise” and “reinvention” is what he believes makes Pitter an “amazing talent.”
Pitter’s looks wowed the judges in almost every episode of the season. Naturally, her design prowess shined brightest during the bridalwear challenge in episode 3, when she created a wedding gown with a feather top and crisp ivory overskirt that was transformed into a jumpsuit when the model took off the skirt during the runway show. Still, she knew when to play outside her sandbox. In episode 5, designers were asked to create an avant-garde look using denim, in partnership with Levi’s. Pitters showcased an all-denim balloon-like jacket-and-skirt combo with pelvic cut-outs that won her the approval of Levi’s chief product officer Karyn Hillman and became Pitter’s favorite look of the season. Beyond her designs, Pitter gained the applause of the judges by challenging herself to perfect her fit on plus-size women, becoming the only designer in the competition to showcase her work on curvy models.
In 2009, Pitter started her brand Pantora Bridal — for brides, bridesmaids, guests, and kids — with just $4,000 of personal savings. Since then, she has built a name for herself in the wedding world thanks to her elegant, yet accessible designs, appearing in wedding publications and even on the cover of The Knot’s Spring 2021 issue earlier this year. But while she has had a fairly successful career before joining Making The Cut, Pitter says that she’s had to face a fair share of obstacles in getting to where she is today.
The daughter of Jamaican immigrants, Pitter was primed for a career in medicine or law. She remembers the exact moment she decided to quit her parents’ dreams to pursue her own: In the middle of a standardized test to enter a highly academic school, she began answering the questions wrong to not pass the exam. “I remember making a decision for myself despite what everyone would feel about it,” says Pitter. “That is probably my defining moment as a child.” Eventually, her parents came on board: “After a while, they were like ‘We either support her or lose her.’”
She ended up attending the High School of Fashion Industries in New York City and, later, the Fashion Institute of Technology. At 23, she decided to focus her career on bridal designs. “I had to find something that I enjoyed doing,” she says. “At one point I told myself, You have to do one thing if you want to make a mark.”
But while wedding designers are tasked with creating what some consider the most important look in one’s life, bridal fashion is rarely celebrated or recognized within the industry. “We are struggling to be seen,” Pitter says. “What makes us not fashion designers?”
While Pitter has struggled for recognition as a designer, she says that, as a Black woman, she has also felt overlooked by other brands. To prevent brides from feeling “like an afterthought” on their big day, she launched Forgotten Skin Tones in 2015, a collection of linings and illusion mesh offerings for women of color. “I wanted to create something that was readily available for women,” she says. “Something they can see to know that they were thought of.”
Throughout her career in fashion, Pitter says she’s found a way to bring her Caribbean heritage and Crown Heights upbringing with her as well. She says it’s been crucial for her to grow her business in Brooklyn. “So many people ask why I haven’t relocated to Manhattan,” she says. “Honestly, it’s because my neighborhood deserves to see nice things.” While she’s now opening two stores in downtown Los Angeles — thanks largely to the $1 million prize from Making The Cut — Pitter says that her focus will always be on elevating the community she’s from and being an inspiration to budding designers.
“When [you’re] a first-generation American, it’s hard to know that you can have out-of-the-box experiences,” she says. “For me to win, it allows more Caribbean parents to see that there can be success in [a fashion career].”
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Growing up, one of the reasons I was most happy to live in Florida was that I rarely had to wear jeans. For most of the year, it was simply too hot for them, and, even though I hated the humidity, it was a huge relief to not need an entire wardrobe of denim. As someone who was nearly six feet tall and wearing a size 12 in women’s clothes by the time I was 12 or 13, shopping for jeans wasn’t just difficult, it was flat-out miserable.
And the low-rise styles that were all the rage in the early-mid 2000s, the ones that are experiencing a comeback right now? They made the experience even worse. Unlike most of my peers, I had hips and a stomach as soon as I hit puberty. The idea of wearing low-rise jeans didn’t just seem physically uncomfortable to me but off-limits altogether, not least because that’s the message brands appeared to send out with few on-trend options in my size.
When my friends were shopping at popular teen destinations like Hollister or Abercrombie, I was searching for bigger sizes in the back section of a Macy’s, hiding the labels so no one would know that I wasn’t a size 2 or 4. I was angry that I wasn’t able to “pull off” the denim trend, and embarrassed to be wearing a bigger size than every other girl my age. I was barely a teenager at the time of the Y2K low-rise revolution but already full of bitterness that this was the hand I had been dealt when it came to fashion.
I didn’t feel like I was choosing not to wear low-rise jeans. Instead, it felt like there was a rule saying I couldn’t. Bodies like mine didn’t deserve to wear styles like that, I would tell myself. When I opened a magazine, turned on a television show, or went to the movies — I can still vividly remember seeing Lindsay Lohan’s low-slung jeans and mini skirts in the 2004 film Mean Girls and feeling sad that I could never dress just like that — and didn’t see a single body that looked like mine, this belief was confirmed.
For a long time, I cut out photos of models and fashion ads in magazines, which often included low-rise denim jeans and skirts, and pasted them on my wall. I told my parents and friends that this was because I liked fashion, but really I was using it as something much more dangerous: motivation to lose weight. I spent many nights dreaming up the exact outfits I would wear when I was thinner.
Luckily for me, the years after middle school passed quickly. Over time, I became more confident, styles changed, and body diversity started to slowly (very slowly) creep into mainstream media. The popularity of high-waisted silhouettes made things a bit easier and more comfortable, and an expansion of plus-size options at fashion-forward brands helped, too.
But I still didn’t particularly love wearing jeans until I made a major change — one that had never even crossed my mind as a 12-year-old hiding in the fitting room of a store made for people decades older than me: I started dressing in a way that worked for me — that made me the most comfortable, confident version of myself.
I realized that believing that I “couldn’t” wear things only limited my personal style. Resenting my body only deprived me of enjoying life. Creating restrictive fashion rules for myself only made me angry. So I let all of that go.
Sometimes, this meant not being afraid to go up one, two, or three sizes in denim. Other times, it meant not wearing jeans at all. Because of the way my body is built, I prefer items with a little more room and stretch to them; garments that don’t dig into my stomach when I sit down. That, along with the fact that constantly pulling up low-rise jeans or showing off a thong doesn’t feel comfortable to me, means I have no intention of jumping on the low-rise jeans trend now that it’s here again. But this time around, the reasoning behind my hesitation is different.
I thought then that not being “allowed” to wear certain trends meant that there was something wrong with my body, a flaw that needed to be improved before I experimented with fashion trends, or felt sexy in clothing. Now, I know that I can wear any trend I want to — low-rise jeans included — and the only person’s opinion that matters is mine. Because of that, I feel more confident than ever choosing styles that I know accommodate my body in a way that makes me feel the best in my skin.
That difference makes me feel sexier and trendier than a pair of low-rise jeans ever could. The only bitterness I feel these days is that I wasted so many years believing I wasn’t worthy of wearing what I wanted to. Luckily, that is starting to fade. It might even be gone by the next time early ‘00s trends make a resurgence.
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