Are You Ready to Rock Some Y2K Looks This Back-To-School Season?

Well, if the answer is yes, we brought a little inspiration for you from some of the most iconic solo comebacks from this summer, because female K-Pop idols have been rocking Y2K fashion better than anyone else out there.

For those who are somehow still unfamiliar with it, Y2K refers to the mid-’90s and 2000s aesthetics—everything from low rise wide leg pants, colorful accessories, velour, and even sticker mania and scrunchies, just to mention a few. While those of us who are old enough to actually remember these times do not necessarily want to see everything coming back to trends, it is still undeniable that this era brought some iconic elements into fashion and television. With a little modern twist, these have been in the spotlight again in the recent seasons. And when Gen Z adds their own flavor to it...chef’s kiss!

AleXa and “Xtra”

Everything about AleXa’s recent single album ReviveR and its title track “Xtra” screams 2000s. The album cover itself brings back so many memories—like who didn’t have a similar looking sticker book in the 2000s?

The Gen Z idol put aside her usual futuristic concept to bring us these nostalgic vibes as a prequel story to her A.I. identity. There is not a single frame in the “Xtra” music video that couldn’t serve as inspiration if you want to pretend to be in your own late ‘90s or ‘00s hip-hop video. You can read our full coverage on this bubblegum track here.

Taeyeon and “Weekend”

Taeyeon rocking a matching velour tracksuit gives me extensive Legally Blond and Paris Hilton vibes—so pink and comfy! It’s such a major 2000s throwback. Bringing back tube tops, bandanas, and Juicy Couture with this upbeat summer song, Taeyeon definitely takes us back several years in the past. The whole music video is like a rollercoaster of nostalgia.

SOMI and “DUMB DUMB”

More Y2K movie references! SOMI’s iconic summer comeback is full of bright and glittering moments. One of our favorite looks is definitely the blue plaid uniform set that made us rewatch the classic 1995 movie Clueless for the 500th time. And by the way, this look also makes a perfect back-to-school outfit!

You can read more about the colorful and bold track here.

Sunmi and “You can’t sit with us”

I mean...is there anyone who is unfamiliar with the reference in Sunmi’s recent title track? Y2K just wouldn’t be the same without Mean Girls—and those who grew up in the 2000s probably wouldn’t be either. We most likely all forgot (or wanted to forget) that there were times when we wore chunky sandals, or that we only buttoned up our shirts where it was covering our chest, revealing the belly button over low rise jeans... Well, Sunmi made sure all of these memories came back to us, and somehow we don’t mind it. At least, not when she wears it. You can read our review on her mini-album 1/6 here.

What are your favorite Y2K trends, and what would you rather keep in the past? Let us know!