What to Wear to a 2000’s Party: Top 5 Trends

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To say that the 2000s have had a lasting impact on fashion trends would be an understatement. From low-rise jeans, to the baggy fit of oversized tees and boxy blazers, casualwear of the early 2000s has shaped how we dress today. The look, however, wasn’t always chic. For every great trend that emerged in the early 00’s that’s still popular today (flatform sandals), there were some major misses (flip phones). So if you’re planning on throwing a 2000s party for your friends or just want to make sure you’re up-to-date with what styles to avoid, here’s our list of top 5 trends from the decade worth avoiding:

3rd person:

Low-Rise Jeans

If you’ve ever felt like your pants are too long (when they clearly aren’t), it may be time to consider switching up your denim game. In 2001 and 2002, it was “in” to wear your jeans so short that they rode obscenely high above your hips, with half (or more) of your backside exposed. Low-rise pants have since fallen out of favor with most people because they don’t offer much in terms of utility—the exposed area can get caught in things when sitting or bending over—and can leave you looking unseemly if worn without discretion or under formfitting clothing items. Remember that just because something looks cute on a model doesn’t mean it will look good on you!

Disco Pants

One might say that disco pants were popularized by Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA” video (which premiered in 2009), but really these fuchsia neon tights were around long before Miley got her hands on them at age 13 (she’d wear them again years later during her VMA performance with Robin Thicke). The first wave debuted in 2001 and consisted mainly of nylon leggings meant for night club dancers.

Some trends were more fleeting than others, but each of the following five had a lasting impact on how people dressed in the 2000s:

• The graphic tee
• Pockets on everything
• The jean skirt
• Baggy pants and shoes
• Visors

1. Tie-dye

Preparing for a 2000s party can be hard. You may have already gone through your closet, and discovered that you don’t own a single piece of clothing that would be considered stylish in the early 2000s. But do not fret! One of the most iconic trends of the decade was tie-dye apparel, and luckily, there are still plenty of ways to wear this look today while also feeling modern and cool.

What makes tie-dye so enduring? Part of it is its affordability; a shirt or pair of pants only has to be dyed once before it can become part of your wardrobe for years to come. There’s also the fact that you can use any dye colors you want—you aren’t confined to just using primary colors like bright reds and blues. And finally, people associate tie-dye with youth culture, which is a timeless trend itself—after all, what’s cooler than being young?

In conclusion: if you’re going as an early 2000s teen for Halloween or some other costume party this October 31st (or even if you’re just looking for something fun to wear), don’t fear: dye is here!

2. Chokers

If you’re going to throw a party, chances are that you’ll have the opportunity to wear some sort of outfit. When it comes time to decide what to wear, I can never make up my mind, but I’ve always liked chokers. They’re simple, versatile and have staying power—I still see people wearing them in 2018!

Chokers also fit into several different trends from the 2000s that were all very fashionable:

• The velvet choker
• The metal/plastic choker with jewels or other decorations
• The pendant choker
• Chokers worn by celebrities like Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus and Avril Lavigne

3. Tracksuits

For the millennial 2000’s party you’re attending, you might be struggling to figure out exactly what to wear. As a fashion-forward millennial trying to fit in with your older peers, the easiest solution is the tracksuit. The tracksuit has come a long way since it originated in the 80s: no longer just an athletic uniform for high schoolers, it’s become a sophisticated, comfortable piece of clothing that’s stylish enough to wear anywhere. The soft fleece material and sleek lines appeal to today’s fashion sensibilities; consider it athleisure for when you want to look put together without exerting too much effort.

Tracksuits vary from jacket and pants ensembles like hoodies and sweatpants, but there are brands that specialize in matching sets specifically tailored for adults who like them on the dressier side. Paired with some sneakers or heels depending on how high-maintenance you are about shoe care (you’ll probably want those shiny), and perhaps something like a turtleneck underneath for extra warmth on chilly nights, this sporty look will easily take any outfit from zero to ten in terms of coolness.

4. Low-rise jeans

When planning what to wear and what to bring to a party, it’s always wise to have a variety of outfits at the ready. The particular party you’re attending may have an entirely different vibe than you were expecting or require something a little nicer than your usual attire. With that in mind, here are five ways you can dress up your low-rise jeans for any occasion:

• Low-Rise Jeans with a Cute Top

Low-rise jeans aren’t meant just for showing off your body—they can also be paired with cute tops for an easy outfit! Whether you want to go casual or fancy, all it takes is making sure that the top you choose doesn’t cut off below the waist (see “low”) and isn’t too tight across the stomach. If you’re wearing a belt around your waist, this will also help define your outfit as low-rise and draw attention away from areas where people could otherwise assume there is bare skin beneath.

• Low-Rise Jeans with Shoes

The easiest way to make sure that everything fits right is by wearing shoes made specifically for low-rise jeans. Boots, flats, wedges – whatever looks best on you! Low heels paired with socks can help avoid any awkward bunching of fabric when walking around; this problem can be particularly bad when pairing high heels with low pants. No matter what shoes you choose, they’ll be working hard to keep everything smooth while also not looking like they were thrown together on accident

5. Mini bags

Mini bags have been all the rage since the turn of the century, but they continue to be popular today. Celebrities love them, and you can spot them in their closets—and at parties! They’re a great way to add a bit of glamour to your wardrobe, and they’re easy to care for. Mini bags are versatile enough that they can fit into many different outfits, whether you want to pair it with your favorite pair of jeans or dress up for a casual afternoon outing. And, as long as you take care of it (which isn’t difficult), your mini bag should last for years.

Conclusion

As you’ve read, the 2000s was a decade of trends. From the head-to-toe pink of early the ’00s to the neon and two-toned hair that took over towards the end, there were plenty of fads to choose from when it comes time for your next costume party or night on the town. And some of them—like men putting gel in their hair—are still going strong among young people today.

Now that you’re aware of your options, consider revisiting these trends to give you an idea of what to wear:

• * The pop star look: This fashion is all about looking like a pop star in one form or another. It can be inspired by a specific artist, such as Lady Gaga or Beyonce, or focus more generally on the “pop star” itself—puffy dresses and fishnet stockings with platform heels are common—but either way, you’ll be recognized as someone who’s up with popular music at its most current.
• * The edgy look: This style is usually consisted of dark clothing (mostly black) with Gothic influences. For example, it might feature dark eyeliner and bright red lipstick.
• * The emo look: If you’re interested in this trend but don’t want to go overboard with both makeup and clothing choices, try pairing torn jeans with a plain top (no logos). Markings like tattoos and piercings can add expression without being too gaudy.
• * The preppy look: Preppy fashion is often associated with upper class American wealth; pastels in particular are frequently used as they convey innocence rather than bravado.
• * The grunge/rocker style: A popular option for both men and women involves plaid shirts paired with ripped jeans; pieces that seem deliberately mismatched also fit within this category.