As someone born in 1990, I’ve viewed the Y2K style revival with a mix of nostalgic glee and mild horror. Watching adults I admire, like Jennifer Lawrence and Zoë Kravitz, recreate the outfits I spent years scouring the racks of Limited Too for, I’ve found myself wanting to join in. I’ve revisited screen grabs from my favorite Mary-Kate and Ashley movies, and I’ve even asked my mom to text me old photos of myself for style inspiration.
From oversized striped tees and capri pants to the classic Gap sweatshirt, backward hats, and bandanas, some of the styles I spot most on the streets of Brooklyn would have felt just as normal pre-soccer practice on a Thursday afternoon in 2002. But what makes the difference when I put them on today is less about whether my outfit can stand up to hours on the playground, and more about whether it can carry me through a full Saturday, from coffee to the farmers market to a glass of wine with friends. Hopefully, my youthful spirit remains, even if I have a few more decades of experience behind me.
Now, shop the closet of a ‘90s tween, reimagined for the young-at-heart today. I’m deep in the runner-core algorithm on Instagram, and bandanas have come up again and again as the accessory to try, which for me feels very nostalgic—they were my favorite accessory for my ultra-long hair (some things never change). But other styles like a wide-brim hat and the classic baseball cap (worn backward, of course) also fit the bill.
Not quite shorts, not quite pants, these cropped bottoms were a staple in the closet of my youth (I distinctly remember having pairs from Limited Too, J.Crew, and Abercrombie in my rotation). Today, I’ve seen the trend branch in two directions: a slim retro capri or a baggy, sporty style—and I’m a fan of either. A striped tee worn solo or layered over a long-sleeve is a staple I’ve seen gain popularity over the last few months.
I’d opt for a boxy fit to lean into the skater-y vibe while still feeling modern, especially when styled with a skirt or baggy jeans. Or try a boatneck or rugby shirt for a cool alternative. I remember the fervor I felt when I finally got my first Gap hoodie, a heather-gray one splashed with oversized navy-blue letters.
While most of my sweatshirts today skew more minimal, I love the idea of embracing a bit of nostalgia via graphics. Aemilia Madden is a freelance writer, editor, and consultant with over 10 years of experience in the fashion industry. She’s written for publications including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Elle,The Cut, and The Wall Street Journal.
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