Early Aughts Clothes to Shop, Because 2021 Is the New 2000 (2024)

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The 2000s look better now than they did when we were living them. Seriously, my memories of the aughts involve embellished thongs peeking out from low-rise jeans, satin slip silhouettes that highlighted even the subtlest of food babies, and chainmail—allkindsof chainmail. But2000s clotheshave seen something of a resurrection in recent years—here are the pieces that are worth revisiting in 2021.

Last year was characterized by a veritable blend of retro resurrections. The ’90s have been cool for years now—dad sneakers, mom jeans and boyfriend sweatshirts, included. The ’70s are seeing a brief revival this year, too. Farrah Fawcett-inspired curtain bangs and flare jeans are bigger than they’ve ever been. But if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s that every single girl on TikTok is channeling some serious 2000s vibes right now.

Yes, the majority of my own outfit catastrophes took place during the early aughts, but there were some redeeming qualities about that very blingy decade. Like, for instance, the resurgence of velour sweatsuits and platform sandals this year. Butterfly clips, tiny handbags and alphabet bead bracelets and necklaces are also worth mentioning, too.

The 2000s were a strange time for fashion, but now that we’re more than 10 years removed, we can pull stealth MVPs from this abject mess of 2000s clothes and render them chicer than they’ve ever seemed before. (And even if you’re not on board with that, you have to admit—the fodder for Halloween costumes is basically endless.

Read on to shop the best 2000s-inspired pieces that feel totally at home in 2021.

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This Sexy Halter Top

This halter top screams “early 2000s-pop star on her first world tour” to me. Cover me in body glitter, give me some low-rise jeans and send me on my way, please! Yes, I will be rocking this baby all summer long.

These Fuzzy Thong Sandals

Heeled flip flops were a major part of any fashion-lover’s outfit in the year 2000. This pair from Jeffrey Campbell is A) super cute, courtesy of the terry cloth lining and B) has a low enough heel that you can wear them even while shopping at the mall, a beloved 2000s pastime.

This Tiny Shoulder Bag

IDK what it was about celebs in the 2000s, but it always seemed like they never had to carry anything when they went out at night. Why do I think this? Because their bags were so tiny. Channel that same energy in 2021 with this purple bag from Skinnydip London.

This Juicy Couture Moment

Finding one of Juicy Couture’s signature bedazzled sweatsuits is getting harder and harder these days, so I’ll settle instead for this graphic t-shirt from their recent collaboration with Forever 21. It passes the vibe check for sure.

This Angelic Baby Tee

What’s a 2000s-inspired wardrobe without at leastone cropped baby tee? This white version from Princess Polly is embroidered with the cutest little angel on the front, which feels veryBring it On.

These Spicy Low-Rise Yoga Pants

Yes, low-rise yoga pants are making a huge comeback this year. This black pair from Urban Outfitters features cutouts at the hips so you can feel sexy and comfortable at the same damn time. Very Manny from Degrassi!

This Blingy Pop Star Belt

This chain belt makes me feel like I’m the star of a Britney Spears music video. If only I could dance! I would wear it with a cropped tank and low-rise jeans in order to really show it off. Because like, if you’re gonna wear a diamante belt, you should 100% be showing it off.

This Iconic Denim Mini Skirt

If you want to feel like Paris Hilton circaThe Simple Life,you need a micro mini skirt in your wardrobe, preferably one made out of denim. Bonus points if you style it with clear and/or bedazzled heels—and lots of chunky charm bracelets.

These Essential Chunky Platforms

Every time I see these chunky platform sandals from Steve Madden I think of Lizzie McGuire. Be a total outfit repeater and wear these over and over (and over again) this summer for a touch of Lizzie’s classically cool style.

These Cutesy Personalized Bracelets

I went to camp as a kid in the early aughts, so my summers includedtonsof beaded bracelets. I love anything that looks handmade, so I will be getting a few of these super inexpensive bracelets on Etsy for me and my bestie to share.