It’s sexy (cropped tops, low-slung waists, micro-short hemlines). It’s “aesthetic” – think a mish-mash of influences, pops of colour, and irreverent accessories and layering. And for all its rep for being tacky, it’s undoubtedly fun.
Two decades after the Y2K style era, the look made famous by pop-cultural divas like Britney Spears and Paris Hilton is back on the runways and in real life, fuelled by TikTok and a fashion-adventurous demographic.
Here, three of this new gen’s style stars show off what you need to know now.
“This obsession with vintage clothes from the ’90s and ’00s started off as a mindless hobby of scrolling through archival fashion accounts on Instagram. I then branched into exploring platforms for second-hand luxury products and that’s how I arrived at my style today… I’m currently into Japanese street fashion and get a lot of ideas from (now-defunct Japanese street style magazine) FRUITS: lots of layers, textures and prints. I’m also inspired by the ’70s punk subculture, but given Singapore’s weather, my look is punk yet practical.”
Wool cardigan, Sandro; leather pants, Maje; brass necklace, Versace; metal rings with crystals (on both hands), Gucci; and her own accessories and shoes
Shimin wears Coach x Schott NYC leather jacket, Coach; polyester pants, Maje; and her own accessories and shoes
Wool vest and leather loafers, Sandro; wool mini skirt, Maje; Biker leather and velvet handbag, Moschino; and her own accessories and shoes
“To me, someone has great style if he or she can pull off many different looks. And I don’t think one needs to wear only designer stuff to look good. It’s more about how one puts a look together and has the self-confidence to sell the whole package. This is why I like Y2K fashion: it was very loud and playful. I don’t have a particular style icon from the period, but Devon Aoki’s outfits in 2 Fast 2 Furious have always been memorable. The same goes for Christina Aguilera in her Dirrty era.”
Tweed jacket, Moschino; wool blouse and skirt, Sandro; and her own accessories and shoes
Polyester cardigan and cotton skirt, Maje; Lunchbox leather shoulder bag and wool socks, Coach; Manolo Blahnik leather pumps, Takashimaya DS L2; and her own accessories
“I think Y2K style stood out because it was an experimental and unapologetic era in fashion. I love how female artistes of the time such as the late Aaliyah would have no qualms dressing the same way male rappers did. The look was fearlessly sexy – halter tops and dresses, low-rise jeans or leather pants that would reveal belly button piercings – and epitomised rebelliousness… Everyone was doing their own thing with fashion and it was so fun seeing that.”
Wool turtleneck sweater, Coach; viscose miniskirt, Versace; Biker leather handbag, Moschino; acetate and titanium sunglasses, Gentle Monster; and Sergio Rossi leather pumps, Takashimaya DS L2
Coach x Schott NYC cotton T-shirt, Coach; cotton jeans, Maje; and metal necklace with crystals, Gucci
Viscose-blend turtleneck sweater, Versace; polyester skort, Sandro; metal necklace with crystals, Gucci; and her own accessories and shoes
Art Direction Jonathan Chia Styling Yuan Kun, assisted by Danessa Tong Hair & Makeup Sarah Tan
This article first appeared in the September 2021 Brave New World edition of FEMALE