Do You Miss Cropped Tops and Cargo Pants?
Fashion in the 2000s was colorful, fun, and vibrant, for the most part. Like any era, the 2000s introduced some wonderful fashion trends, and a few that deserved to be left in the back of the closet forever. Before you layer a dress over jeans, here are the 10 best fashion trends of the 2000s and 10 of the worst.
1. Boho Chic
The boho chic trend was quintessential 2000s. It was all flowy dresses, peasant tops, and earthy accessories. Inspired by fashion trends of the '70s, and driven by the Olsen twins and stars like Sienna Miller, this style favored layered textures, eclectic pants, and big sunglasses.
2. Mini Skirts
Mini skirts, usually denim or pleated versions, made a big and bold return in the 2000s, and stylish dressers were loving it. Often teamed with a fitted tee or layered with tights, they gave off a youthful vibe and playful energy.
3. Cropped Tops
Cropped tops were a 2000s closet staple, pairing perfectly with low-rise skirts or cargo pants. They had an abbreviated hemline that highlighted midriffs and allowed wearers to get creative with their outfit combinations.
4. Cargo Pants
People in the 2000s loved cargo pants for their roomy fit, utility pockets (even if they were empty), and their streetwear flair. They were practical and comfortable, and paired nicely with tanks or graphic tees. Rooted in skate and hip-hop culture, cargo pants were casual and stylish.
5. Baby Tees
Baby tees were snug t-shirts, usually with cap sleeves and fun prints, that were best described as cute meets cool. They were worn as a layer or alone, and were often emblazoned with logos, cartoon characters, or fun slogans of the time.
6. Platform Shoes
Wedge sandals, chunky sneakers, and heeled boots offered comfortable elevation. They had a bold look and complemented just about everything from jeans to formal wear. Platform shoes embodied the maximalist spirit of the 2000s.
7. Baguette Bags
These small, short-strapped purses were a style icon in the 2000s thanks to Fendi. Their arm-hugging shape was ideal for nights out, but they were practical and functional enough to wear during the day too. Baguette bags have even been making a small comeback recently.
8. Tube Tops
Famed for their strapless silhouette, tube tops were a summer fave and went with jeans, skirts, and cargo pants. They had a minimalist quality that conveyed the wearer's confidence, and were available in nearly every color and texture. They've had some staying power as cute and versatile tops when the weather is warm.
9. Graphic Tees and Slogan Shirts
T-shirts featuring cheeky slogans, noticeable graphics, and iconic logos were a popular fashion item in the 2000s. This look allowed teens during that time to express their humor, pop culture passions, or even their personal statements.
10. Butterfly Clips and Wide Headbands
A 2000s hairstyle was never complete without the appropriate accessories. Colorful butterfly clips and wide headbands were the most popular hair accessories, most likely due to the era's flatiron craze.
1. Dress Over Jeans
A popular 2000s outfit combined a formal slip or babydoll dress over jeans. It was bulky and awkward, and failed in its attempt to merge a feminine look with a casual style.
2. Handkerchief Hem Skirts
These skirts with uneven, handkerchief-shaped hems and mismatched panels lacked cohesion and were unflattering. This was a failed attempt to channel the bohemian style, and its popularity was short-lived.
3. Pageboy/Newsboy Caps
These structured, rounded caps offered a hint of vintage romance but clashed with 2000s hairstyles and streetwear. They were briefly championed, but never fully integrated into mainstream fashion.
4. Matte Mousse Foundation
Beauty choices leaned toward extreme matte finishes via mousse foundations. These products offered flawless texture, but looked cakey and put fine lines on display. It didn't take long for the beauty industry in the 2000s to learn of the downside of heavy, dry applications.
5. Super Skinny Scarves
The popularity of ultra-narrow, decorative scarves was hard to comprehend. These scarves were often in bright or shiny fabrics and worn loosely around the neck. They offered zero warmth and little fashion value.
6. Popcorn Shirts
Popcorn shirts had a wrinkly texture that rarely flattered a body. They were usually only available in garish colors and synthetic materials, and never outgrew their reputation as a fun fashion novelty. Fashion that doesn't suit most body types will never have a long shelf life.
7. Lace-Up Shirts and Pants
Another style inspired by a faux-bohemian vibe, these items had strings threaded through grommets. It was meant to be edgy or have a DIY aesthetic, but it looked fussy and was generally uncomfortable.
8. Ugg Boots with Mini Skirts
Pairing mini-calf sheepskin Ugg boots, meant for the winter, with miniskirts, ideal for the summer, was an odd fashion mashup. It didn't really work and created a seasonally confusing look that felt incoherent. Some celebrities swore by it, and it did offer some comfort, but the contradiction is now reserved for themed parties or ironic revivals.
9. Logo Mania
Excessive branding dominated bags, clothing, and hats in the 2000s. This trend was pushed by Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Juicy, but was overwhelming and conveyed insecurity. It felt like the wearer was pushing their wealth and excess in your face, and was eventually replaced by a much-needed dose of subtlety.
10. Belly Chains
These metallic chains were worn around the hips as a popular accessory in the 2000s. They were often paired with low-rise jeans or cropped tops. Their goal was to add a sultry yet delicate touch to outfits, but they often came across as excessively busy.
