It seems as though the once polarizing Y2K fashion trend of 2021 is still going strong for 2022 — and it has only picked up steam since low-rise jeans and tube tops wriggled their way onto TikTok last year. Heck, Y2K trends are now even embraced by millennials who already lived through these shudder-inducing styles during their actual teen years — which really means one thing: Y2K fashion is back because the clothes reviving these turn-of-century looks are better than ever and more wearable than they used to be.
For instance, we’re seeing low-rise jeans that actually cover the booty, slip dresses with structured corset details, and baggy cargo pants that don’t drag on the ground (it was a thing back then, don’t ask). The Y2K fashions of today are fearless, cute, (and, yes) nostalgic — and forever-young retailer Urban Outfitters happens to be a goldmine for all the best Y2K clothes in the game. Ahead, we put together a guide to navigating the millennium-defining trends at UO you may want to incorporate into your own 2022 wardrobe — that is, if you’re feeling fly like that.
Low-Rise Denim
Long ago, low-rise jeans often meant that your whale tail might be on display — so it’s godsent that these hip-hugging pants have since evolved to include full butt coverage. Plus, you now have several options: opt for a V-front button closure if you’re feeling brave or have your pick of a mid- or low-rise, depending on how midriff you’re feeling.
Colorful Pants
Candy-colored clothing defined the 2000s, from bubble-gum pinks to fluorescent neons to psychedelic prints. Pandemic life can be a drag but your wardrobe doesn’t have to be — so grab a pair of “fun pants” that are guaranteed to quickly brighten your mood.
Babydoll & Slip Dresses
Truth be told, slip dresses are always in style for their versatility, minimalist design, and ease of wear — it’s a perfect frock to include in your capsule wardrobe collection. That said, take a gander at the slips of 2022: Early-aughts grunge florals, babydoll empire waists, and corset details make the timeless slip more trend-forward.
Cargo Pants
The cargo pant is probably the second-most polarizing Y2K trend to come back (after low-rise jeans, of course) — likely because the bagginess of the leg is often contrasted with baby tops (which we know isn’t a look that everyone loves to wear). But what makes these parachute-like pants more wearable in 2022 are the reasonable inseam lengths, high-rise fit, and smaller, less bulge-y pockets. One could even say it’s all cargo, no bulk.
Band Tees
Very good vintage band tees are expensive. So scoring a very good “fake” vintage band tee affordably is deserving of a prize. (And the prize is looking legit without actually being legit.) Urban Outfitters has a whole selection of yester-year artist tees, like this distressed Sublime top or a “…Baby One More Time”-era Britney keepsake.
Halter Tops
Next stop: Decolletage city! The halter tops of 2022 are not for the reserved — they’re cropped at the ribcage, fit like sports bras, and are all kinds of strappy across the chest or around the neck. Poor spaghetti tanks never had a chance.
Track Pants
Athleisurewear and “leggings as pants” have finally paved way for looser-leg track pants (or velour pants) that can be worn in place of jeans, or with a sports bra and a matching track jacket for a sweet taste of Sporty Spice.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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