These Are The Y2K Dress Trends That Are Unavoidable This Summer
The late '90s and early 2000s, also known as the Y2K era, were full of self-expression. Teens were getting widespread internet access, cell phones, and gaming systems. The world as we know it was shaping up. With all the newness of the world came newfound confidence to experiment with fashion. This experimentation led us to some iconic brands and popular trends that will never be forgotten.
More than 20 years later, Y2K fashion is back in full force. TikTok has brought upon the resurgence of Y2K era fashion, which was seemingly inevitable as thrifting vintage clothing has grown tremendously in popularity (via The Coolist). From velour tracksuits to denim miniskirts, mainstream fast fashion has latched on to the trend. Recently, popular brands from the Y2K era, such as Juicy Couture, have even begun selling at major retailers again.
With the Y2K trend making its way into fast fashion, it's impossible to miss this trend. Dresses were a staple of the era, and Y2K dress trends are unavoidable this summer (via Who What Wear). The unique styling and features of dresses in the early 2000s make for an iconic summer look.
Halter necks
Halter neck dresses are at the core of Y2K fashion. Worn from beaches to the red carpet, this trend was everywhere in 2002. It's now making an appearance once again in the summer of 2022. In fact, celebrities like Kylie Jenner are wearing this trend once again in a variety of forms (via InStyle). From twisted halter necks to stretch knit halters, they are all the rage.
Cult-favorite brands like Zara, Cult Gaia, and Artizia are all over this trend, featuring it on a variety of their dresses (via Vogue). If you're ready to make a statement this summer, try a Y2K halter neck dress.
Slip dresses
Lightweight and sheer slip dresses are everywhere this summer (via The Trend Spotter). Not only are they a way to stay cool, but they are also a way to look cool! Many of the most fashion-forward celebrities, like Rihanna and Zoe Kravitz, are wearing slip dresses from day to night (via E! News).
Slip dresses are an easy-to-wear Y2K trend because they can be styled in a variety of ways. Dress a slip dress number up with heels and jewels or dress it down with sneakers. The look is also easy to make modest with layering.
Drapey hems
Drapey "handkerchief" hems are making a huge comeback, too. These dresses may remind you of your middle school formal dress, as the asymmetrical, flowy hemlines are highly reminiscent of the early 2000s (via Fashionista). Whether featured on a formal midi dress or a casual minidress, we are seeing them everywhere once more.
Dresses with drapey hems are great for the modest girl who loves to stay cool and be in with the trend. Wear a handkerchief dress with heels or sneakers and embrace your 12-year-old self with this trend!
Corsets
Corsets on dresses are a nod to our favorite punk-rock princesses in the early 2000s. We're looking at you, Avril Lavigne. Celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo have taken their own spin on the corset dress, too. Rodrigo's custom Vivienne Westwood gown at the 2022 Grammy Awards was everything corset dreams are made of (via Yahoo!). It combined edgy and femininity for the ultimate look.
Celebrity outfits like this have inspired many summer dresses for 2022. Fast fashion and high-end designers are creating a wide range of corset dresses to dress up or down, with this trend potentially also inspired by the rise in popularity of drag queens and drag fashion aesthetics.
Cowl necklines
Cowl neck dresses were incredibly popular in the early 2000s, and we're seeing this trend resurface in summer 2022. Most often seen on lightweight dresses, the trend is comfortable, versatile, and easy to wear. Like most Y2K dresses, the slinky cowl neck style is great for surviving a summer heatwave, so we understand perfectly why it's coming back into fashion.
The trend can be worn on satin midi dresses with heels for romantic vibes or on micro-mini dresses with sneakers for a casual, everyday look (via Marie Claire).