From Juicy Track Suits to Bermuda Shorts, These Fashion Trends Defined the Early 2000s

Published on 8/15/2020 at 9:15 PM

Oh, the early 2000s. A time when tiny dogs, Juicy Couture track suits, and flip phones were all the rage. Torsos were emphasized by low-rise jeans and UGG boots were fashionable all year long (don't act like you didn't pair them with jean shorts, too). Popcorn tops were itchy, but that didn't stop us from sporting them every chance we got. Bermuda shorts sure didn't do us any favors, but wearing them with a Hollister T-shirt guaranteed you a spot at the cool kids' table. Our early 2000s fashion sense might have been trash, but that doesn't mean it wasn't absolutely iconic.

From Paris Hilton's constant style statements to rom-com movie characters with all the best looks (Monique's outfits from She's the Man were severely underappreciated), the 2000s blessed us with so many fashion moments that will go down in history books as truly jaw-dropping. If you were guilty of wearing cargo pants and flip flops, then you have our permission to take a look back at all the cringe-worthy trends that made the early 2000s as quintessential as they were. Oh, and don't be afraid if you're inclined to buy a silky cami after this, because we are, too.

Velour Track Suits, Anyone?

Specifically, Juicy Track Suits (in Every Color)

Christina Aguilera Wore Cargo Pants and Heels, So We Wore Cargo Pants and Heels

Baby Phat Clothes Were the Epitome of Cool

Designer Jeans Were HOT (Especially True Religions)

You Could Smell Your Hollister Clothes From a Mile Away

Keeping Your K-Swiss Shoes Crisp and Clean Was Extremely Important

These Little Tees Were the Definition of Cute and Casual

A Sequined Cropped Vest For the Win!

Denim Dresses Were Pure Class

Withstanding the Itchiness of Popcorn Tops Was Worth It Because Fashion

Camouflage Was So Fetch

What to Wear, What to Wear? How About Overalls With a Tiny Top Underneath?

Headbands, but Make Them Sparkly and Extremely Long

Whether Your Polo Was From Hollister or Abercrombie, the Popped Collar Was Essential

Your Shades Needed to Cover at Least 50 Percent of Your Face

The More Embellishment on Your Combat Boots, the Better

You Channeled Your Sk8r Boi Vibes in Your DC Shoes

Sequins on Everything? Sure!

Bermuda Shorts Were High Fashion, Don't @ Us

UGG Boots Were Worn Year-Round (Bonus Points If You Wore Them With a Skirt or Shorts)

Long Skinny Scarves Were Cool Even When It Wasn't Winter

Remember Wearing Jeans Under a Dress? Who Could Forget . . .

If You Rocked a Sequin Purse as Hard as Ashley Tisdale Did, You Can Sit With Us

Cargo Pants + Camouflage = A Double Fashion Whammy

Let's Face It — Halter Tops Were the Sh*t

Who Didn't Have a Half Sweater With 1 Big Button in the Middle?

Puka Shell Necklaces Weren't Just For Surfers

Did You Have Gauchos in Every Color (Dressy and Casual)? Because Same.

Cardigans Went Over EVERY Shirt

And So Did Knit Ponchos

Low. Rise. Jeans.

Long Flare Pants That Tatted on the Bottom From Dragging Them on the Floor? Sign Us Up

Trucker Hat? Check.

Give Us a Chunky Studded Belt or Give Us Death

Did We Mention Dresses Over Jeans? Just Checking.

Jeans Never Fully Tucked Into Your Knee-High Boots (It's an "Effortless" Look, Obviously)

Did Someone Say Date Night? Throw on Your Lace-Trimmed Cami!

Newsboy Hats Were 100-Percent Hip and Stylish

Metallic Scrunchie Purses Were a Statement Piece, to Say the Least

We're Down to Bring These Silky Tank Tops Back

Mini Skater Skirts = You Were Automatically Cool

Small Dogs Were Used as . . . Accessories?

Your Closet Was STOCKED With Limited Too Clothes (Thanks, Mom)

Graphic Tees Were Totally Rad

How Many Times Did You Roll Your Soffe Shorts, You Ask? The Limit Does Not Exist

Chokers Were All. The. Rage.

You Tried the Criss-Cross Halter Top, but No One Could Pull It Off Like Christina Aguilera

Wanted: A Tiny (and We Mean Tiny) Crop Top

TBH, Tiny Denim Skirts Were Actually So Cute

. . . but We Also Wore Our Fair Share of Knee-Length Denim Skirts

If Selena Can Wear a Strapless Smocked Shirt, So Can We (and We Did)

A Tiny Half-Vest Over a Shirt? Yes, Please

If You Didn't Have a Necklace With Your Name on It, Who Even Were You?

A Long Top HAD to Be Paired With Leggings (and Don't Forget the Chunky Belt)

Note to Self: Must Make Sure All Designer Logos Can Be Seen

Going Somewhere? Not Without Your Baby-Doll Dress!

Dark Jean Jackets Were a Wardrobe Must

These Sunglasses Were Actually In . . .

Give Us Allll the Platform Sandals, Please

Split Shirts Were a Going-Out Essential

Flaunting Your 7 For All Mankind Jeans That You Got at Nordstrom Rack Was Too Fun

And How About the Chains on Your Jeans? The More the Merrier!

Your Belt Placement Didn't Have to Make Sense

But Really, Did Any of It Make Sense?