A Simple Guide to Mastering the Y2K Fashion Aesthetic

The Y2K palette is all about color — particularly pastel shades, pinks, purples, greens, and blues. There's a special place for animal prints, butterfly prints, and logomania pieces.

Wear this Pieces Curve Pastel Stripe Cardigan ($30, originally $49) with classic denim to let the soft knit texture and mood-boosting pastel tones shine.

Probably one of the most famous cardigans on the market, the Staud Cargo Sweater ($145) comes in a classic rib knit and an instantly recognizable colorblock pattern. The poppy and rosebud shades speak to the early aughts and pair well with white jeans or a similarly colored bag.

Camisoles, crop tops, halter tops, and fitted cardigans are key to mastering Y2K outfits.

You can preorder this Kim Shui Pink Bustier Lace-Up Top ($325), which encompasses practically every Y2K trend in a nutshell, from the pastel-pink florals to the alluring silk bodice.

This Boys Lie BB Pink Tear Drop Tee ($20, originally $40) comes with all the necessary '00s details, from the front twist to the keyhole cutout. It works just as well with sweats or lounge shorts as it does with denim and heels.

The lace on this UNIF Melody Top ($63, originally $78) adds just a touch of softness to your look. Why not collect it in the other colorways (black and butterscotch) to round out your 2000s-inspired wardrobe?

Y2K bottoms include miniskirts, tennis skirts, low-rise jeans, and loose-fitted trousers styled with mesh crop tops (think Aaliyah in the "Are You That Somebody" music video).

The I.AM.GIA Raphie Skirt ($75) comes in a sweet baby-pink shade (so 2000s) that will pair perfectly with a corset top or camisole. Don't forget the baguette shoulder bag for an ensemble straight out of "Mean Girls."

These Cider Grow Girl Wide Leg Jeans ($38) have the perfect side slit for showing off your shoes. Whether you're sporting chunky sneakers or strappy heels, utilize this smal but significant detail to really play up your 2000s moment.

Y2K fashion is all about a nostalgic hair accessory. Try bandanas, bucket hats, scrunchies, and butterfly clips to achieve the look.

Whether you tie this Urban Outfitters Funky Printed Square ($10, originally $19) around your head or on the strap of your bag, the psychedelic brushstroke pattern (very 2001) will catch the eye of stylish passersby.

Summer's calling, and it's time to add this Lack of Color Island Bucket Zag Stripe Hat ($79) to your rotation. The colors paint the palette of the early aughts, while the crochet details are a nod to the '70s.

Scrunchies add texture to every Y2K-inspired look — even beachwear. This Frankies Bikinis Daisy Dream Scrunchie ($20) can be matched with a wide range of resort-wear staples that are available in the exact same prints, giving you a head-to-toe coordinating look.

Gradient sunglasses, hoop earrings, and chunky layered jewelry are some of the most popular accessories for channeling the Y2K aesthetic.

Search for pieces like this Lottie Smiley Pearl Bracelet ($75) for layering purposes. You can easily coordinate it with your pearl chokers and other charm-adorned pieces.

This Dollybaby Kiwi Ring ($65) is the brand's bestseller, and each one is made to order and totally unique. The elaborate shape and colorful rhinestones always stand out, specially when you've just had a fresh mani.

Every detail counts — including the pink-tinted lenses and acrylic rim on these Cider Square Frame Fashion Glasses ($15). Wear them with your hair clipped back to allow full focus on this statement accessory.

Favorite Y2K footwear shapes are slinky, strappy sandals; chunky vintage trainers; and midthigh boots.

These Zara Athletic Sneakers ($90) are perfectly reflective of the 2000s. More sculptural than a typical '90s platform sneaker, try wearing these with cargo pants, a plain tank top, and a colorful bucket hat for a casual yet cool ensemble.

Searching for the perfect summer sandal? Consider these Abercrombie & Fitch Strappy Heel Sandals ($80), which are ideal for wearing with slip dresses and cardigans. They have fuzzy sleeve details for an additional '00s touch.

Go with these Coperni Stretch Denim Thigh High Boots ($660) when you need your footwear to do the talking. Impossibly chic, they will work with any miniskirt or minidress in your wardrobe. Add an oversized floppy hat (à la J Lo in 2002) and layer on metallic bangles for a date-night-ready ensemble.

Handbag enthusiasts can indulge in the Y2K love of teeny-tiny minibags, including some '90s baguette styles.

Indulge in the details with this Praying Sticker Bag ($90), which includes rhinestones and a glossy nylon finish. Wear it with just about anything to instantly channel the 2000s.

This Susan Alexandra Mini Mariposa Bag ($265) is available in strawberry pink and lime green. It also comes complete with beaded butterflies that speak directly to the decade.

Mastering the details takes a Y2K look from gimmicky to glam. Reach for items that feature fluffy trim, diamanté and rhinestones, monograms, and butterflies. When it doubt, go for brands and logos that were everywhere during the 2000s, such as Hello Kitty, Playboy, Von Dutch, and Juicy Couture. Last but not least, a blinged-out flip phone will add the perfect finish touch to your nostalgic outfit.

Snag these Butterfly Hair Clips ($13, originally $16) in a pack of 32 and use them to pin your hair back, or clip them onto your ponytail for a more whimsical look.

This Beaded Holographic iPhone Case ($20 and up) is a two-in-one accessory — the colorful chain doubles as a bracelet when you're wearing it. Versatility is the best, isn't it?

Complete your casual white tee and denim outfit with this Lisa Says Gah Glitter Alligator Claw ($15, originally $25). The bright-pink glitter finish practically screams 2000s.

A Y2K outfit isn't complete without the proper glam. Try the previously mentioned color palette (powdery pinks, purples, greens, blues) on your eyelids, lips, and nails. French manicures are another popular beauty trend from the era, along with face-framing money pieces, braids, half-up ponytails, temporary tattoos, and super-glossy lips.

Y2K makeup wasn't afraid to be daring, that's for sure. To channel that boldness, try this Sephora Collection Liquid Eyeshadow ($10) in a striking orchid shade that's mixed with blue glitter.

Amp up the shine with an old-school Lip Smacker Strawberry Liquid Lip Gloss ($7). Doesn't this bring back memories of that fruity flavor associated with everyone's favorite Y2K-era beauty brand?

Before buying a new garment, sift through resale sites like Depop, eBay, The RealReal, and Vestiaire Collective for designer pieces that hail from the 2000s. They're the real thing and usually better quality than what you'll find brand new in most fast-fashion retailers.

Impress in a vintage minidress, such as this Gucci Cherry Blossom Dress ($2,147), which hails from Tom Ford's 2003 collection for the Milan-based fashion house.

This Takashi Murakami x Louis Vuitton Monogram Multicolor Pochette ($1,985) is from the limited-edition collaboration between the iconic artist and the French fashion house. It's in great condition and calls for little more than your favorite pair of jeans, a white tank top, and rhinestone-encrusted sunglasses.