While some Y2K looks have made a huge comeback, like denim skirts, butterfly clips, halter tops, and cargo pants, there's a seemingly endless amount of strange fashion trends from this era that are just cringeworthy today.
From massive, clunky belts to chunky highlights and ultra mini skirts that could've fallen off at any moment, these style choices might be nostalgic, but they wouldn't hold up on retail racks in 2025. So, in my humble opinion, here are the worst early 2000s fashion trends that have aged terribly.
Scroll to see all the outdated 2000s fashion trends that we should totally leave behind...
1. Dresses Over Jeans
Urban Outfitters
Wearing a dress is already enough of an ordeal, particularly when you have to use the restroom. Yet, for some reason, this process was made even more complicated with the infamous dresses-over-jeans look.
The 2000s loved layering, whether it made sense or not, so dresses were just thrown on over jeans, even for the red carpet. The result was a strange combination that wasn't functional or fashion-forward. And if you wanna try it for yourself in 2025, this Urban Outfitters dress seems to work for the trend...
2. Skinny Scarves
Free People
These ridiculously thin pieces of fabric served no real purpose other than to add another layer to an outfit. Nonetheless, the skinny scarf was used to spice up all kinds of ensembles, from dresses to basic T-shirts with jeans.
Let's save scarves for, well, when our necks need to be kept warm in the fall or winter. Otherwise, the tiny piece of fabric isn't doing anything for us except adding noise.
3. Big Belts
Princess Polly
Do you remember the giant belts that Y2K celebs wore high on their waist or super low on their hips? They typically had flashy buckles or heavy metal details and wouldn't even fit through jean belt loops!
Again, Y2K fashion followed the "go big or go home" mentality and big belts were no exception. They just weren't practical, flattering, or necessary most of the time.
4. Wedge Heels 24/7
ASOS
We all know that certain trends have the power to last for more than one decade. Wedge heels were one of them, infiltrating the early 2000s and remaining the go-to footwear for literally all occasions.
Nowadays, wedge heels are generally reserved for more casual or even beachy outings. But during this era, they had us in a chokehold and were worn for nights out and even by celebs on the red carpet.
5. Striped Highlights
Scott Gries/Getty Images
Given how balayages are all the rage today, it's unimaginable why anyone wanted chunky stripes of highlights in their hair during the early 2000s.
To be clear, there's nothing inherently wrong with experimenting with your hair, but this bold style was both hard to maintain and super patchy, making it just painful to look at. I don't envision this trend making a resurgence anytime soon.
6. Pirate Pants
Anthropologie
Thanks to M.C. Hammer, teens and young adults ate up wide, voluminous pants. Then, this garment got its own spin in the 2000s with the rise of Pirate Pants — or baggy joggers.
They tapered around the ankles, puffed around the thighs, and made everyone look pretty pear-shaped. We commend the fashion risk-taking, but the result didn't really complement any silhouettes.
7. Neckties
Princess Polly
Arguably, one of the most random accessories to pop up in this decade was the necktie, particularly in punk-inspired fashion.
Avril Lavigne was this trend's trailblazer and added ties to tons of her outfits, even if she was just wearing jeans and a tank top. This look never made sense and, in hindsight, feels a lot more misplaced than edgy.
8. Ultra Mini Skirts
Urban Outfitters
Finally, the ultra mini is perhaps one of Y2K's worst offenders. These barely-there skirts were so tiny that I don't even know how they stayed in place.
The idea was that you'd get to show off your legs, but with one wrong move, you'd end up accidentally revealing much more. Again, kudos to 2000s celebs for trying out something bold, but the constant stress isn't worth it. Thankfully, our more recent ultra minis are skorts, now!
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