The Best, Worst and Most Cringeworthy Trends Of The 2000s

Remember the blue eyeshadow and clear lip-gloss of the early 2000s like it was yesterday? Well,  River Island has taken a look back over the past two decades at some of our most loved and cringeworthy fashion micro trends. Recreating the most iconic looks from the past 18 years, be prepared for skirts over jeans, wedge trainers, velour tracksuits and more.

In the early 2000s, we were obsessed with Britney Spears and The Simple Life, so it’s no surprise our wardrobes were filled with the ultra-mini – mini skirt, low-rise jeans, halter necks, velour tracksuits and chunky, highlighted hair, we’re still crying about it too.

As we moved through the early 2000s, so did our style. Denim was replaced with the gypsy skirt, paired with our favourite cowboy boots. However, the late 2000s saw the return of the mini skirt, pairing with the aforementioned footless tights, bonus points if they were coloured, thanks to The Saturdays, every photo taken in 2007 needs to be burned.

Perhaps the biggest style revolution of the late 2000s, however, was the skinny jean; the staple in everyone’s wardrobe regardless of your personal style teamed with a skimpy vest and shoe boots à la Cheryl Cole.

In 2010, the style revolution, the jegging, revolutionised our wardrobe, forming the foundation for the ‘jean and nice top’ outfit, of course, this was completed with our ‘Rihanna Red’ hair. Over the next couple of years, military influences made it into our wardrobes, along with Kate Moss’ rocker chic look. And, if there was one micro-trend that has withstood the times, it’s the choker – reappearing in 2015.  

The past couple of years, however, have been dedicated to the Kardashians (well, Kanye West) and the cycling shorts trend. These shorts have been paired with crops, oversized jackets and more for a cool, casual and stylish look.

Avery Parker