A Look at Y2K; Aesthetic of the Semester
You are walking through campus, probably in a hurry and late to one of your obligatory periods. But suddenly, you see someone who stands out from the crowd. They’re stunning – bright colors, silver makeup, a funky hairstyle, you just stare in awe but decide not to be weird about it and approach them to compliment the outfit. They smile, say thank you and continue walking. You feel accomplished and resume your hasty journey towards class. This must have been the experience for so many students during this school year, and – depending on your taste – the person with the glamorous outfit looked different while picturing the previous scenario. In this case, we are looking at a trendsetting fashion that decided to resurface from the past in fashion history; the vibrant aesthetic we refer to as Y2K.
Originally prevalent during the blooming years of 1995-2004, this style got its name after the Y2K bug glitch that came with the rise of technology and introduction to modern computers. Major things were happening in the world that led to the conceiving of Y2K: such as the new Windows 95, the Angelina Jolie movie Hackers, the rise of video games and some music videos like “Scream” by Janet and Michael Jackson. At the beginning, it started with some pretty dark colors. The 90s are often associated with grunge, so people during those years were still dressing in pretty dark, opaque colors. What later revitalized the style and gave it the bubbly look we associate it with today was during the booming years of 1998-2000. Stemming from fashion icons like Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, Bratz with their passion for fashion. Other inspirations that helped decorate Y2K were the Pokemania frenzy that slowly took over the world, continuously growing technology and the happiness people felt for welcoming a new millennium. Y2K kicked its darker style predecessor into the past and asserted dominance over people around the globe. Sadly, not all good things last very long and, in the fashion industry, which is continuously changing, some tragic events like the Iraq War and 9/11 lowered the optimism that people felt for the 2000s.
It’s TikTok that we should probably give thanks for bringing Y2K back to life last year. Users decided to start rocking low-rise jeans, blingy chunky belts, trucker hats and minidresses across the app and left everyone fiending for more looks. People combined the trends of today with what the style looked like back in the not-so-old days and made the world fall back in love with this aesthetic. Celebrities began wearing their best renditions of the style and gave it a modern feel, making followers decide that they also wanted to dress that way. Thus bringing Y2K back from the archives of fashion history.
Campus has been no stranger to the style. Recognizing the fashion diversity of SDSU students is important because their style is personal and represents a facet of themselves. But most of us walking around campus have noticed that Y2K is prevalent in our everyday lives – from girls rocking those GAP hoodies to Bratz-worthy platform shoes. Many students resort to buying Y2K clothes from the brands Dolls Kills, Shein, and Kolly. Another form of exploration in fashion that has had a revival has been thrifting. It could almost be said that Y2K and thrifting go hand-in-hand and it feels reassuring to know that something as simple as a fashion trend can bring some positivity into the life of its wearers. It is important to recognize the role this trend had on this semester’s vibrant campus life. Being on a college campus with people who look like they came out of a past decade gives everyone a fresh taste of the fashion scene, and in the case of this school year, Y2K specifically.
At one point or another, we have all been that person who courageously complimented a stranger in their outfit choice. If we liked the style, we bought similar clothes that adhere to that style and revitalized our wardrobe. That is how followers of a trend are born, and that’s why Y2K is rejoicing in the attention it’s getting today. The only thing left to see is for how long this trend still rules our clothing.
Paloma Villavicencio — May 3rd, 2022
