Mastering Y2K Fashion: Rock the Look Without Trying Too Hard, No Matter Your Experience!

Fashion expert Clemmie Fieldsend reveals what’s in, what’s out . . . and how to nail the Millennial look that’s back in vogue.

MILLENNIAL fashion is back. Since 2021, Y2K styles have had a hold over fashion – and judging by the latest looks, the trend is showing no signs of loosening its grip.

And last week Noughties brand Kookai announced it is returning to Britain, setting up shop on London’s Carnaby Street.

It has had a sleek Aussie rebrand, with cool, minimal designs in neutral shades.

With also back on the high street – albeit inside – and FX telly’s Love Story, a dramatised version of Jr and Carolyn Bessette’s Nineties relationship, and Gen-Z’s Ugg obsession, we’re truly living in the past.

But it’s not just Noughties brands that are re-emerging. Somewhat questionable styles from the era are returning too.

And I don’t just mean the never-ending “comebacks”, such as ballet pumps, skinny jeans and baby tees.

I’m talking about the haunting looks of my youth – real, boots-on-the-ground UK fashion that wasn’t tinged with the sun-kissed glow of glossy US TV shows such as The OC or .

If, like me, you remember these the first time around, we won’t want to revisit them. We’ve grown up and evolved and we’ll wear our nostalgic looks with a little more polish.

Here, I reveal which blast-from-the-past items need to be resurrected from the back of your wardrobes.

BANDANAS

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In the late Nineties and Noughties you probably wore a bandana like BeyonceCredit: Getty

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These days the trend has rewound further, leaning more towards a Seventies vibe, as adopted by Alexa ChungCredit: GC Images

IN the late Nineties and Noughties, somewhere between graduating from a B*Witched fan to an Aaliyah one, you probably wore a bandana, like .

Some borrowed a paisley one their mum had tucked away somewhere near the cleaning products. Others, like me, bought theirs from Tammy.

The look usually started out very Groovy Chick. Think thick-soled sandals, a baby tee and pedal pushers. Eventually it graduated into a vest top and combat trousers, now better known as cargo pants.

But these days the trend has rewound further, leaning more towards a Seventies vibe, as adopted by .

Modern versions are lighter and softer, often in satin, linen or breathable cotton, which feels far more practical for warmer .

For extra style points, match your bandana to your outfit. It pulls the whole look together and makes the throwback feel deliberate rather than accidental.

HIGH STREET

Scarf, £6, PrimarkCredit: Primark

SHRUG

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The shrug was a favourite of pop stars and cultural icons such as Mischa BartonCredit: Refer to source

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Modern It-girls such as Emma Stone are giving the look another goCredit: Getty

I REALLY never thought I’d see the day shrugs returned to fashion, but here we are.

The shrug cardigan usually stopped just under the bust and was thrown over a vest or tank top, whether cotton, sheer or satin.

It was a favourite of pop stars and cultural icons such as Mischa Barton, aka The OC’s Marissa Cooper, who loved crochet and beaded versions.

I owned two knitted ones from a brand called Vesper, both tying underneath the bust, which, when worn with low-slung trousers, made my torso look bizarrely long and my legs very short.

Fast forward to now and modern It-girls such as and are giving the look another go.

Thankfully, the chunky knitting needles have been retired. Today’s versions are sheer or sleek, casually slung over vests.

And actually, for anyone frustrated by dresses without sleeves, maybe shrugs are the answer.

HIGH STREET

Shrug, £20 PeacocksCredit: Peacocks

LACE TOP

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Victoria Beckham wore lace tops in 2005Credit: Getty

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Kate Moss at Paris Fashion Week, where she clashed lace with leather for a sharper, more grown-up takeCredit: Getty

WHEN it came to the classic millennial formula of jeans and a nice top, the early Noughties version often began with a lace camisole.

I had a champagne-coloured one in crinkled, high-shine satin with absolutely zero stretch, trimmed with lace across the bust and down the sides.

My Miss Selfridge version was very much inspired by the original poster girl for the look, , who wore lace tops in 2005 while promoting her diamante-embellished Rock & Republic jeans.

This time around, skip the shiny, flammable-looking fabrics and skin-tight fits, because the modern update is looser, longer and far easier to layer.

Rather than wearing this top as the main event, let lace peek out from under jackets or wear it over billowing trousers.

For extra style points, take a cue from at Paris Fashion Week, and clash lace with leather for a sharper, more grown-up take.

HIGH STREET

Top, £23.99, New LookCredit: New Look

SHIELD SUNGLASSES

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Cheryl Tweedy loved shield sunglasses in the NoughtiesCredit: Getty

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Rihanna is now bringing the look out of retirementCredit: GC Images

NO Noughties girl’s outfit was complete without a pair of shield sunglasses.

Tinted lenses came in every colour, sometimes frameless, and if yours had diamante gems dotted around the edges, then you were officially cool.

Thank you, Claire’s Accessories. A-listers loved them too, from supermodel modelling designer Dior pairs to Tweedy in the Noughties.

Scroll or today and you’ll see the look is back, with a new generation, including , bringing the look out of retirement.

Designer Tom Ford has taken over the sunglasses game with his £370 Bronson shades, a favourite among celebs.

They still have that essential “full shield” shape, but the modern version comes with thicker, heavier arms.

Luckily the high street is right behind him, with Asos selling near-identical pairs for £356 less.

HIGH STREET

Sunglasses, £14, AsosCredit: ASOS DESIGN

LEATHER JACKETS

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The fitted jacket was a full-blown essential for stars like Jennifer AnistonCredit: Getty

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Bella Hadid shows how the update is done, pairing hers with loose, straight-leg trousersCredit: BackGrid

EARLY Noughties jackets were basically second skin. Think leather moto styles worn by kick-ass characters such as Trinity in The Matrix, in Dark Angel and the women of Charlie’s Angels.

Off screen, celebrities wore fitted leather jackets with stud fastenings at the neck and a zip down the front. They were so tight they could double up as tops.

From to a matching Victoria and , the fitted jacket was a full-blown essential.

For 2026 we’re seeing sleeker, Noughties shapes.

The update is still fitted, but with more structure and room to breathe.

Bella Hadid shows how it’s done, pairing hers with loose, straight-leg trousers.

HIGH STREET

Jacket, £48, M&SCredit: M&S

LOW SLUNG FLARES

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Rachel Stevens in low-slung flares on a 2004 red carpetCredit: Getty

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The Princess of Wales classily pairs tailored flares with simple knits or blouses and a structured coatCredit: Getty

I HAVE vivid memories of my low-slung black flares, sitting just beneath jutting hip bones and non-existent curves.

The fabric was so cheap it shimmered with flecks of glitter, probably highly flammable, yet at my Year 8 disco I felt utterly invincible.

In my mind, I looked almost as good as on a 2004 .

Now, I realise low-rise trousers do not elongate, they chop.

And those hip bones have been replaced by a muffin top.

Flares, though, create a longer, leaner silhouette.

Just look to Kate, Princess of Wales, who classily pairs tailored flares with simple knits or blouses and a structured coat, proving that the right cut can deliver effortless polish.

HIGH STREET

Trousers, £35, NextCredit: Next