We’ve all heard it. The 2000s are back. This is not particularly surprising, as fashion trends tend to repeat themselves every decade or so. So, what exactly is the Y2K aesthetic? It’s the trend that was popular in the late 90s and early 2000s, characterized by bold patterns, bright colors, futuristic designs, and logo mania, among others. The Y2K aesthetic combines elements from the 90s and 2000s to create a fun, playful, and eclectic style. A lot of the trends back then were heavily influenced by technological advancements at that time, hence the tech-core (retro tech) and futuristic designs. There was also a lot of uncertainty and optimism about the turn of the new millennium from the 90s into the 2000s, which is where a lot of inspiration for these styles came from.
Fast-forward to the present day when we see baggy jeans, low rise, crop tops, platform shoes, shoulder bags, miniskirts, sunglasses and so much more are starting to make a comeback. This return has had a huge impact on both millennials and Gen Z, with millennials enjoying the nostalgia of that time in their lives and Gen Z wanting to experience and be a part of an era that they didn’t live in, or were too young at the time to fully embrace it. One of the most iconic items making a comeback is the miniskirt, which is what the focus of this article will be.
History of the Miniskirt
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“Skirts should be the size of a belt” If you use social media regularly, this is a statement you’ve heard over and over again as the miniskirt is gaining popularity again. The miniskirt was first popularized in the 60s by British designer, Mary Quant. Interesting fact: she named it “miniskirt” after her favorite make of car, the Mini Cooper. It was a symbol of youth and liberation movements during this era. It gave a sense of women empowerment, as well as being a more practical option for women to wear during their day-to-day activities.
Since its debut in the 1960s, the miniskirt has experienced several periods of popularity resurgence. The popularity of the miniskirt continued to spread all through the 70s and 80s, with different takes on its hemlines and designs. The 70s saw longer hemlines and more Bohemian styles, while the 80s saw a return of shorter hemlines and neon colors. The miniskirt never truly left the fashion scene, however, the 90s is when the miniskirt truly made its mark as a staple closet piece.
Y2K Aesthetic and the Miniskirt
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Throughout the 90s, celebrities such as Kate Moss and Paris Hilton, who were the “IT girls” and fashion icons at the time, truly popularized the miniskirt as they were often photographed wearing them. There was also a lot of influence from the entertainment industry, with movies like “Clueless” and “Legally Blonde” showcasing the main characters wearing these styles as part of their on-screen personas. High fashion designers also started including miniskirts in their collections, reimagining them with different styles and textures.
During this era, a more relaxed take on the miniskirt was adopted due to the rise of grunge and streetwear culture. People also began to embrace minimalism as a rejection of the glamour and excess of the 80s.
Some popular styles of the miniskirt during this time include denim skirts that allowed individuality through a DIY style of decorating with embroidery and accessories, plaid patterns as a nod to the grunge movement, cargo miniskirts with many pockets, asymmetrical miniskirts with diagonal cuts and uneven cuts and logo mania with the skirts featuring large logos of the brands, which was a reflection of the consumer-driven nature of this era.
Modern Takes on the Miniskirt
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When fashion trends make a comeback, they are not just repeated in the same exact way they were before in a copy-paste way. People draw inspiration from them and create their own take on them. Many such ways that this has been achieved in the modern day include micro miniskirts, high-waisted miniskirts, wrap miniskirts, faux leather miniskirts, A-line miniskirts, and mixed fabric miniskirts.
Environmental consciousness and sustainability have been a rising issue in the fashion industry and in the world in general and as such, companies and brands have been using eco-friendly materials such as organic cotton, hemp, and recycled materials to make the clothes. This can also be seen with faux leather as an alternative to real leather, which is not cruelty-free. Sustainable fashion strives to reach a balance between ethics and style in order to provide clothes that feel good, look good, and do good for the people and the planet.
Styling the Miniskirt
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When it comes to styling, there are no strict rules to be followed. Fashion is about expressing one’s individuality through the way you dress, and heavily depends on your personal style. The miniskirt is an amazing article of clothing to give you this opportunity as it is so versatile. It can be worn by all age groups and can be dressed up or dressed down to fit any occasion. Here are some ideas on how to style the miniskirt for different occasions:
For a more casual look, opt for denim skirts and pair them with either sneakers or sandals and a casual top like a tank top, or crop top, or even pay homage to the Y2K aesthetic with graphic tees.
For a night out, you can go with a shorter and more form-fitting skirt and pair it with a lace top and heels or some combat boots for more comfort. You could even wear it to the office. In that case, opt for a longer hemline and pair it with a button-up or blouse and blazer with some heels.
These are just suggestions, but the possibilities are truly endless. No matter what your style is or what your aim is, there is a miniskirt for everyone and for every occasion. As much as there is so much pressure to follow trends and fit in, the most important thing for yourself when choosing how to wear it is that you are comfortable and feel good. The miniskirt is truly a timeless classic that will not be going out of style any time soon, or at all for that matter. Get creative with it and show off your amazing style (and legs 😉)