Growing up in the early 2000s was inarguably magnificent.
The turn of the century brought with it the rise of boy bands, each of which included frosted tips and mildly impressive choreographed dance moves to boot. It introduced us to “Yo Momma” jokes and blessed us with the glorious invention that was the Nintendo 64.
For many of us, the double 0s even exposed us to our first real heartbreak (still missing you, Spice Girls) and proceeded to teach us how to fix it right back up by applying excessive amounts of roll-on body glitter. Yes, the early 2000s treated us undoubtedly well.
Yet, what stuck out most during the early years of the millennium wasn’t the faux-hawk look or even the butterfly craze. What really barged in with a bang and demanded itself be noticed during the decade was the fashion.
Sure, the ’70s bequeathed us maxi dresses and the debut of chevron print. The ’80s came equipped with miniskirts and made oversized-shirts look acceptable (you’re welcome, college-aged females). And indeed, the ’90s gifted us with combat boots and bandanas aplenty.
For all of these we are eternally grateful. But what about the double 0s? They’re so often looked past, yet they produced a lavish number of trends which will inevitably be revered for generations to come.
The early 2000s gave us the age of the choker necklace, and founded the, “Chillax, bro. The more frayed, the better!” movement. Flared pants suddenly became the go-to buy, and owning a halter-top evolved into being the equivalent of social success. It also introduced an especially important time for hipbones, with low-rise jeans making their modish launch into teenage girls’ wardrobes.
Despite the fact that many of these trends have bid us farewell with a flitting “Bye, Bye, Bye,” we’re beginning to see a healthy dose of early millennium style bustle its way back into 2014, and I couldn’t possibly be more excited about it.
So with that, bring on the camouflage, crop tops, winter pastels and, drumroll please: the ponchos.
Ponchos, which were once reserved for rainy sporting events and women approaching their 50s, are reemerging into the fashion world looking ridiculously sleek, strikingly modern and charmingly cozy. The look has slowly inched its way toward competing in even the most fashion-forward of races, erasing any misgivings about its mom-approved youth.
These particular overgarments make for the perfect chilly weather fix, and despite qualms of their versatility, prove to be ridiculously easy to both dress up for a night on the town or be worn on a casual school day. The trick of keeping a boxy poncho from looking too overwhelming is balancing the bulkiness up top with sleekness on the bottom.
For a perfectly proportional and chic, yet impossibly comfy look, pair a charcoal gray poncho with leather leggings and black booties. Finish off the look with simple jewelry (try basic stackable rings or a delicate watch) and voilà! Your outfit is complete, and I must humbly suggest that you mentally prepare yourself to dodge any and all questions about being mistaken for a New York street style icon.
Another favorite millennium trend clambering its way into 2014 fashion is the always-bold camouflage. This refurbished trend has been spotted at every store from Urban Outfitters to J. Crew, and has ranged in styles from tough girl to pretty preppy.
If you’re looking to soften the classic print and take it a notch down from, “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead,” pair a distressed camouflage jacket with a feminine, white lace dress, sheer brown tights and khaki-colored booties. The earthy tones up against the girly white will mesh edgy and dainty together in the most fabulous of fashions.
Sure, the world may have been slightly better off had it never witnessed the fads of velvet tracksuits, platform flip-flops and trucker hats that read, “100 percent Angel.” But even despite its follies, there is simply no denying that the 2000s produced some seriously “baller” fashion.
