Are the 2000s Coming Back in Style?

June 24, 2016

Denim mini skirts, the 2016 way via Fashion Gone Rouge

I can't tell if I love or hate it yet.


I've worked hard to get over my middle school years. I had bad acne and didn't know how to do my hair or makeup and thought wearing a tunic dress over bootcut jeans was the height of fashion. I wore Ugg boots with jean shorts and Abercrombie polos. I cringe when I think back on those years of my sartorial development. How in the world did I ever think that was cool?

Of course, everyone has similar thoughts when thinking back on the styles they rocked during the early 2000s. No matter how young or old, the beginning of the twenty-first century was fraught with trucker hats, denim mega-minis, and other incredibly regrettable fashions. I would do anything to go back to 2006 and dress like a normal person before it became cool.

But now that I've finally grown out of that horrible awkward stage, the trends of the early 2000s are coming back! What!? No, stop, get away from me! Seriously though. Selena Gomez is rocking polo shirts like she's at a middle school dance, Kendall Jenner is bringing back the tracksuit (Juicy Couture will rise again!) and denim mini skirts are freaking everywhere. Tell me now, are Ugg boots going to have a resurgence because I might just cry if that's the case.

All these styles that I've worked tirelessly to forget are suddenly back in style, and I'm quite conflicted. On the one hand, these styles bring my back to the dark days of fashion, and yet...I find myself trying on denim skirts at Urban Outfitters and searching for a cute skirt online! What is happening, 2016!? We've got an oompa loompa running for President and Kylie Jenner trying to bring back the Von Dutch hat. What a weird time.

At least the 2016 versions of early-aughts styles are updated for a modern aesthetic. Polos are done in elegant lace. Track suits come in neutrals and are made of luxurious fabrics. Bootcut jeans are higher waisted than their hip-hugging ancestors. So while the styles themselves may harken back to an era full of embarrassing fashions, their modern iterations are a little more bearable.

See how bloggers and celebrities are bringing back these looks:

Bella Hadid trekking through the airport in a tracksuit via Vogue
Alessandra Ambrosio elevates the bootcut jean via
Adriana Gastélum of Fake Leather makes a skirt over pants chic in all black
Polo shirts with an edge courtesy of patent leather boots via Refinery29 
Denim minis are Jeanne Damas-approved! via Rouje
Kylie Jenner trying to make trucker hats happen via her Instagram
Rihanna in the ultimate luxe Gucci tracksuit via InStyle
Chiara Ferragni of The Blonde Salad styles a polo shirt with fun accessories
Jessica Stein of Tuula Vintage turns the denim mini into a fashion do
Slip dress over jeans? Vogue says yes!

Shop Early 2000s Styles:


I'm still conflicted over whether I approve of the return of these trends, but I want to hear your thoughts! And be sure to vote in this poll I wrote for Buzzfeed (as part of my application to work there!)

What early 2000s trends do you want to see again?

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I love hearing your thoughts! Thanks for reading! ♥︎Lindsey