THAT'S HOT

HOW TO BE A LITTLE BIT DRAMATIC

I don’t know about you, but I think one of the best things to come out of 2020 is TikTok. Yes, so very GenZ of me to say. But, it has become the platform to find creative ideas and artistic inspo. The possibilities are endless: recipes, comedy, trendy dances (ew, straight TikTok), photoshoot tutorials, and my personal favorite, fashion. If you are on the same side of TikTok as me, you are aware of the past trend of attempting different aesthetics until one fits. From cottagecore to dark academia, we have seen countless people pull together their best attempts. One aesthetic that has been prominent amongst influencers is Y2K. Standing for the “Year 2000”, this style incorporates the best aspects of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Think of our icons -- Britney, Paris, Regina -- and get. to. work. b*tch. 

Models: Ella Roach, Jessica Button, Katie Mullins, Anna Mojica, Anna Paoni

When thinking of Y2K, I immediately see ultra glossy tops, tantalizingly low waisted jeans, and of course, the iconic Juicy tracksuits. Highly feminine looks are complemented with bright tones of hot pink, pastel purple, and baby blue. The colors look great on a cute tank top, especially with a lacy trim. For a more updated and fall appropriate look, you can style your favorite lingerie under a cropped cardigan. You can find these tanks and sweaters anywhere… and I mean anywhere: your local thrift store, Etsy, Depop, Urban Outfitters, Nordstrom, Shopbop, etc. To switch it up, try a mini bedazzled graphic tee. If you want to pay tribute to our ancestors, you can find the iconic “DUMP HIM” shirt here. Be even more extra with fun hair barrettes to compliment these pastel tops. Butterfly clips are a fan favorite. 

If you need further inspiration, start popping some popcorn. It’s time for the ultimate movie marathon. My film recommendations to inspire your Y2K lewks are: Clueless, Mean Girls, Legally Blonde, Deliver Us From Eva, 13 Going on 30, or literally any 2000s Romcom. These leading ladies teach us that nothing is hotter than a mini skirt (primarily plaid). Show off those legs honey! We have been in our quarantine sweats for too long. Or if you, on the other hand, are more of a TV show junkie, check out One Tree Hill, the OC, and Charmed. Although they wear them well, let’s all take a quick prayer that low-waisted jeans don’t overthrow high-waisted. I need some extra cover on my bloated days (don’t we all!) 

 Aside from the TV screen, my Instagram home feed is basically a Y2K mood board, with Bella Hadid, Sydney Sweeney, Emma Chamberlain, Dua Lipa, and Megan Thee Stallion all showing off their interpretations of the aesthetic. For these badass women, teensy-tiny sunglasses are crucial. Most of their Instagram posts are photographed with the grainy, bright quality of disposable cameras. We can partially give credit to David Dobrik and his Instagram account for the recent spike in sales. The best “throwback” way to capture your outfit is with Kodak film. So throw your camera, lip gloss, and bubblegum in a baguette bag for a hot night out. Go make Paris Hilton proud.