7 ways to ace Y2K fashion and beauty trends

Bella Hadid. Pic/Instagram

The dot com boom in the late 90s to the early 2000s brought with it a distinctive fashion aesthetic that combined a futuristic vibe with retro elements. Today, fashion lovers are circling back to that experimental era although, with a modern twist, explains media educator Sthitipragnya Dash. "Some of the biggest fashion influences were Carrie Bradshaw and Britney Spears, and movies like The Matrix and Mean Girls," she recalls.

Baby tees
Tiny t-shirts were worn extensively by girl bands in the late 90s, from their music videos to red carpets. They are now being spotted on the likes of model Bella Hadid. "These tees are cropped above the belly button and often come in quirky patterns. Pair them with loose jeans, pleated skirts, or denim cut-offs," says Dash.

Baguette bags

First popularised by Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and The City, these little bags go with a variety of outfits, reveals research assistant Kareena Shah. She suggests choosing pastel shades for a truly vintage vibe. Alternately, metallic colours and shiny fabrics create a more dressed-up evening look.

Bandana tops

Bandana tops featuring cool prints were a staple of the era, says marketing consultant Thea Mehta. You can DIY your own using a large satin scarf. Pair with a mini-skirt (another Y2K favourite).

Velour tracksuits

A decade before athleisure gained popularity, velour tracksuits were flaunted by celebrities such as Paris Hilton and Britney Spears. For a 2021 twist, Dash suggests pairing them with bralettes or high-waist, wide-legged pants.

Double denim

This style was etched into pop culture memory by Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. Now, Dash recommends choosing more contemporary silhouettes: "A hint of skin, [cut-offs or an off-shoulder shirt] adds visual interest as does a contrasting belt."

Experimental make-up

"Y2K was a pre-Kardashian era, and hence make-up focused less on contouring and more on peppy colours. Graphic eyes, especially in electric blue and bright pink were a rage, as were glossy lips. For a true throwback, use a darker lip-liner and finish your look with kitschy accessories like butterfly clips," suggests make-up artist Riddhima Sharma.

Bubblegum pink

Bright pink is one of the most distinctive elements of the Y2K aesthetic, says Dash: "It celebrates femininity and adds a dash of playfulness. Create a monotone effect by wearing the colour across your outfit and makeup with bright pink lipstick and pink eye shadow."