Fashion trends inspired by the early Aughts have repeatedly returned in recent years, proving that the 2000s just can’t be shaken. As Millennials and Gen Z satisfy their craving for nostalgia, styles not seen for decades have bubbled up on social media and, in many cases, the catwalk.
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Google‘s latest data further proves that the 2000s craze hasn’t cratered — in fact, searches for Y2K-related trends reached record highs in 2023. Here, 10 2000s trends that dominated the search engine.
Ballet flats
The emergence of balletcore naturally revived one of the Millennium’s favorite footwear trends. Brands like Sandy Liang and Miu Miu have released ballet flats in recent seasons, with mary jane styles spurring a dancer-off-duty craze. Google searches for “Are ballet flats back in style?” peaked in 2023, according to the tech company.
Puka shell necklaces
Puka shell necklaces have made a triumphant return thanks to the popularity of the “island girl” aesthetic, which took off on TikTok and Instagram. This year, these beachy chokers were one of the top trending Y2K accessories via Google searches.
Low-rise
Low-rise pants and skirts had a chokehold on the 2000s, with celebrities favoring belly-baring bottoms. The controversial trend has been revived two decades later as labels including Stella McCartney, Versace and Diesel sent low-rise designs down the runway for the spring season. In 2023, Google searches for “low-rise” reached record highs.
Uggs
Uggs took the 2000s by storm, with stars pairing the comfy shearling slippers with everything from velour tracksuits to bedazzled microminis. Calf-length Ugg boots were the most popular style of the decade, but these days, shorter styles are in. Ugg minis and the brand’s Tazz slippers are current bestsellers, while Google searches for “Are Uggs back in style?” have peaked this year.
Leg warmers
The balletcore fad has also spawned a resurgence in leg warmers. The knit stockings that first took off in the ’80s briefly came back in the 2000s before returning once again in the 2020s. According to Google, leg warmers were the site’s top trending Y2K accessory this year.
Trucker hats
Trucker hats were the celebrity set’s go-to chapeau in the early 2000s, with Von Dutch and Ed Hardy thriving on mesh-backed caps featuring patches and edgy graphics. In 2023, Google searches for trucker hats reached an all-time high.
Nameplate necklaces
Thanks in part to Carrie Bradshaw, nameplate necklaces had a major moment in the new Millennium. This year, they were among the top trending Y2K accessories on Google.
Bell-bottoms
Bell-bottoms first became trendy in the 1970s, but they were brought back in the 2000s as the popularity of flares returned. Today, brands including Gucci and Veronica Beard have gotten in on the retro-inspired fad, while Google searches for “Are bell-bottoms back in style?” peaked in 2023.
Cargo pants
Cargo pants became a style staple in the 2000s. As it turns out, baggy trousers featuring plenty of pockets were also a major runway trend during the spring 2023 season, with LaQuan Smith, Isabel Marant and Givenchy reviving the cargo craze. Searches for the pants were the highest they’ve ever been this year, per Google.
Denim skirts
Denim skirts of all lengths were popular in the 2000s, with stars favoring mini, midi and maxi styles. In 2023, the ever-popular indigo textile appeared on the runways of Bottega Veneta, Blumarine and Givenchy, while Courrèges and Alberta Ferretti channeled the 2000s by debuting microminis on the catwalk. What’s more, Google searches for denim skirts were at an all-time high this year.
