After the old money style, we want to provide you with an overview for the newest trend in men’s fashion: the Y2K style. What it is all about and all the pieces you need are coming straight for you.
Where does the Y2K style originate from?
The Y2K style refers to the aesthetic and design trends that were popular during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Y2K is the term for the time around the turn of the millennium (Y2K or Year 2000). It is characterized by a distinct futuristic and techno-inspired look. The pieces often feature bold, vibrant colors, sleek and glossy materials, geometric shapes, and futuristic motifs.
In terms of fashion, the Y2K style is marked by trends such as cargo pants, oversized and brightly colored clothing, tracksuits, platform sneakers, and reflective fabrics. Accessories such as chunky plastic jewelry, visors, and futuristic sunglasses are also popular again.
The Y2K style also influenced technology and media, with futuristic gadgets, shiny metallic finishes, and digital aesthetics becoming popular. This era saw the rise of technologies such as DVD players, MP3 players, and early mobile phones.
Why is the Y2K style coming back now?
The Y2K style has seen a resurgence in recent years due to the cyclical nature of fashion and design trends, where past styles often come back into vogue after a period of time. Nostalgia and retro aesthetics have become popular in various aspects of popular culture, including fashion, interior design, and media.
- Nostalgia: Nostalgia is a powerful cultural force. Millennials, who grew up during that era, may be drawn to the Y2K style as a way to reminisce about their youth and evoke feelings of nostalgia and sentimentality.
- Retro Revival: Retro aesthetics have become popular in recent years, with designers and consumers putting a modern twist on them. The Y2K style, with its futuristic and techno-inspired elements, has a unique and distinct look that can be appealing to those seeking a retro revival in fashion.
- Bold and Expressive Aesthetics: The Y2K style is known for its bold, vibrant colors, sleek materials, and geometric shapes. This is a stark contrast from the “greige” and minimalist design trends that were dominating in recent years.
- Influence of Pop Culture: “Stranger Things”, “Euphoria” and “The Matrix Resurrections” are all popular shows, featuring Y2K-inspired aesthetics. This has contributed to the renewed interest in the Y2K style among a younger generation.
- Social Media and Digital Culture: The visual nature of platforms like Instagram and TikTok has created a platform for sharing and rediscovering past styles, including the Y2K style. Influencers, celebrities, and fashion brands have also embraced the Y2K aesthetic in their content, further popularizing the trend.
What pieces do you need for the Y2K style?
This season, the Y2K aesthetic is all around. The men’s runways and street style influencers are showcasing this style, and the major fashion brands are on the bandwagon as well. We have collected the key pieces for the Y2K trend.
1. A special pair of Jeans
Then we think of the 2000s, there is one defining outfit in pop culture: the all denim look from Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears. While we don’t think that this power couple will have a comeback, the denim trend definitely is. Get yourself a new pair of Jeans and bring sexy back (pun intended).
2. A colorful Tracksuit
Kid Rock, P Diddy, Flavour Flave and even Paris Hilton wore this trend back when it first appeared. If you think a colorful tracksuit is trashy, we want to prove you wrong. While Juicy Couture should have stayed in the Y2K era, this Jacquemus Tracksuit is so luxurious that it has successfully entered his new fashion season.
3. A pair of Techno Sunglasses
Our next pick is not just for the one who love to go to a rave or live in Berlin. Sunglasses from the 2000s all have a slight techno feel to them. Some are black and more cat eye shaped. Others are more colorful. Either way, we love them all.
4. A pair of Cargo Pants
Then it comes what pants to wear, you have to go baggy. The skinny jeans have left the chat some time ago and as it seems for good this time. One style of pant that really screams Y2K aesthetic is the cargo pant, but again, it has to be baggy to really fit into the trend.
5. A Pair of Chunky Lace Sneakers
While all the cool people wore simple and sleek white or black sneakers over the last years, we are heading to a more chunky style of sneaker again. Especially, the laces should be chunkier than on the version that probably are in your closet at the moment. These Balenciaga ones even have an extra detail of laces on the tip of the shoe.
6. A tie-dye Sweater
If this trend reminds you of the DIY projects from your younger sister in the 90s, it is probably time for wrinkle cream. Jokes aside, this trend could actually be a fun addition to anyone’s closet. These two sweaters are really simple in their cut, but the tie-dye effect makes them really special. If you pair it with cool new jeans, you will be the star of the Y2K trend.
7. A College Jacket
For our last point, we want to show you an all-time favorite that pops up as a trend every few years. The college jacket just screams cool kid. If high school was more of a traumatic experience for you, you might still feel like the teenage heartthrob you aspired to be in one of these jackets.
With all our tips combined, you should be able to master the Y2K trend. If all of this was too exotic, colorful and loud, you should maybe read one of our articles to more classic pieces like loafers, chinos or shirts.
**Disclosure: We only recommend products we would use ourselves, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
