How to have a Y2K aesthetic without feeling like a retro throwback

It's back to the millennium baby

Credit: Showbit
Credit: Showbit
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The Y2K aesthetic of the late ’90s and early 2000s was radically distinctive and experimental. If you've had the good fortune of trying out these trends the first time around, it doesn't mean it's passé for you to look back to your former youth as inspiration. But instead of pulling out the clothes from your teen years, give the current trends a modern twist by paring it back with classics and everyday basics.

Here's four trends from the noughties that we've identified and our modern update on it.

1. Y2K ITEM: Cargo Pants

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You can’t say that you’ve fully embraced the early aughts if you don’t give cargo trousers a chance, but this time, give it a chic – not street – twist.

Cotton-blend wide- legged cargo pants, $716, Dion Lee at Net-a-porter

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Pleated cargo pants, $684, Tibi at Net-a-porter

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PAIR IT WITH: Cotton T-shirt, Loewe

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PAIR IT WITH: Cotton shirt with ruffled detail, Erdem at Club 21 Ladies

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PAIR IT WITH: Open-toe calfskin boots with buckle, Louis Vuitton

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PAIR IT WITH: Small lizard, gold and palladium-finish metal ear cuff, $450, Hermes

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PAIR IT WITH: Leather bracelet, Miu Miu

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Available at all Miu Miu boutiques.

PAIR IT WITH: Galop d’Hermes steel watch with Barenia calfskin strap, $5,090, Hermes

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PAIR IT WITH: Padded Cassette denim handbag, $3,990, Bottega Veneta

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Available at Bottega Venetta boutiques.

2. Y2K ITEM: The Sporty Crop Top

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The current way to channel the ultimate It girl style, defined by cropped tops and miniskirts, is to pair the look with oversized outerwear.

Cotton cropped top, Celine

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Available at Celine boutiques.

PAIR IT WITH: Organic denim miniskirt, $308, Ganni at Net-a-porter

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PAIR IT WITH: Cotton oversized cropped jacket, Celine

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Available at Celine boutiques.

PAIR IT WITH: Calfskin sneakers, Celine

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Available at Celine boutiques.

PAIR IT WITH: Embellished daisy choker, Saint Laurent

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PAIR IT WITH: Hoop earrings, Louis Vuitton

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Available at Louis Vuitton boutiques.

PAIR IT WITH: J’Adior braided bracelets with tassels, $680 each, Dior

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PAIR IT WITH: Timeless T calfskin handbag, Tod’s

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3. Y2K ITEM: Hip huggers

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High-waist bottoms have been in fashion for years. Now, it’s time you embrace these low-slung options with a classy and understated spin.

Tech-jersey track pants, $1,458, Bottega Veneta at Net-a-porter

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Cotton and corduroy trousers, $313, Holzweiler at Net-a-porter

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PAIR IT WITH: Cotton cropped shirt, Celine

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PAIR IT WITH: Timeless T calfskin loafers, Tod’s

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PAIR IT WITH: Cotton bucket hat, Celine

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PAIR IT WITH: Mismatched earrings, Louis Vuitton

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Available at Louis Vuitton boutiques.

PAIR IT WITH: B.Zero white gold and diamond ring, Bvlgari

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PAIR IT WITH: Sunglasses, Giorgio Armani

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Available at Giorgio Armani boutiques.

PAIR IT WITH: Nappa leather drawstring bucket bag, Loewe

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Available at Loewe boutiques.

4. Y2K ITEM: A Sheer Top

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There’s no denying that this was the sexiest season we’ve seen of late– so go ahead and wear that sheer top and bralette with confidence.

PAIR IT WITH: Sheer embellished tulle top, $1,534, Dries van Noten at Net-a-porter

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PAIR IT WITH: String bikini top, Tory Burch

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PAIR IT WITH: Printed bra top, Tory Burch

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PAIR IT WITH: Denim jeans, Celine

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PAIR IT WITH: Metallic calfskin ankle-strap sandals, Saint Laurent

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PAIR IT WITH: Cat-eye sunglasses, Saint Laurent

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PAIR IT WITH: Embellished earrings, Saint Laurent

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PAIR IT WITH: Hair clips, Louis Vuitton

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PAIR IT WITH: Heart quilted lambskin handbag with chain sling, $7,690, Chanel

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