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Why are Gen Zs so into Y2K fashion? Content creators weigh in

The early aughts are cool again, whether you like it or not.

But as the way “coolness” comes and goes, fashion’s recent fascination with the 2000s—a.k.a. Y2K—started with a touch of irony, with trend enthusiasts more self-aware than their so-called style ancestors (Exhibit A: Ashley Tisdale in those red carpet outfits).

Whether you remember it by the baby tees, the butterfly clips, or the baguette bags in every shade of the rainbow, Y2K fashion is kitschy, loud, and to some folks, just a li’l bit cringy. But with its resurgence on your style inspo feed thanks to fashion-forward kids, we have to wonder: Why are Gen Zs so into it?

In the second episode of our video series “Nostalgia Goggles,” we met up with Cara Lopez and Maine Glorioso—fashion content creators with a knack for reworking the Y2K style for present-day ’fits—to hear their two cents on the 2000s fashion renaissance and why it’s taking over your timeline. Peep the video below.

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Produced by Katrina Maisie Cabral
Video by Mikey Yabut
Art by Yel Sayo

Katrina Maisie Cabral: