Style Advice: Noughties Outfit Ideas

From low-rise jeans to halter-neck tops, here’s how to wear noughties fashion the modern way

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What is noughties fashion?

Thanks to the cyclical nature of fashion, noughties style is experiencing a resurgence. Whether you’re rediscovering the styles you loved circa the millenium or experiencing noughties fashion for the first time, here are the key pieces you’ll need to create an outfit that nods to the era.

Noughties fashion describes the styles that were popular in the 2000s, while Y2K outfits also take inspiration from the late 1990s. The aesthetic at the turn of the century was characterised by a mix of bold, optimistic and eclectic trends. Think low-rise trousers, graphic 'baby tees', playful accessories and, of course, lots of animal print.

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Woman wearing pink lace detail noughties cami top

Who were the style icons of the noughties?

There’s nobody better than Britney Spears to look to for 2000s outfit ideas. With her denim-on-denim looks, velour tracksuits and maximalist jewellery, Britney help define noughties fashion. Bring double denim firmly into 2025 territory by pairing a relaxed-fit denim shirt with a panelled maxi skirt in a light wash.

Other celebrities to look to for inspiration include Paris Hilton, Beyoncé, Rhianna and Disney stars Hilary Duff and Lindsay Lohan. These icons favoured a glamorous Y2K aesthetic consisting of slinky slip dresses and going-out tops, accessorised with kitten heels and diamanté jewellery. On the more bohemian end of the style scale, London A-listers such as Sienna Miller and Keira Knightly channeled a more globetrotting vibe, think flouncy tiered skirts, low-slung belts and cowgirl boots.

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Woman wearing 2000s outfit including a satin slip skirt and kitten heels

How to wear noughties fashion

Trousers in the noughties tended to be baggy and low-waisted – just below the naval. If you're working out how to style low-rise jeans, the key is in creating balance. While bottoms were usually baggy in the 2000s, tops tended to be fitted. Cue "baby tees", corset-style tops or waistcoats to sculpt your upper body.

If you’re searching for a lightweight alternative to jeans, cargo trousers are ideal for achieving a 2000s aesthetic.

Mini skirts were indicative of this decade with denim mini skirts especially rising to popularity – discover our top tips on how to style a denim mini skirt here. Floaty or asymmetric slip skirts were also popular and are a stylish choice if you prefer a longer hemline.

To really lean into the noughties aesthetic, experiment with layering a halter-neck top, look to bright pops of colour worn over crisp neutral hues.

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Woman with cow-print noughties-style shoulder bag

How to wear noughties accessories

Of course, no 2000s party outfits are complete without a bucket hat. For occasions that don’t warrant a hat, hair accessories are perfect. For all-out noughties nostalgia, you can’t beat butterfly hair accessories.

If you’re looking to step back into the aughties (the decade from 2000 to 2009) with your footwear, ballet flats are perfect for spring and summer. Jelly shoes are another playful way to nod to the era. For more formal looks, strappy sandals or wedges are key styles.

Characterised by its short strap and wide, streamlined silhouette, the baguette bag is an emblem of the noughties. For 2025, why not try the baguette bag’s pencil-case-like cousin: the East-West bag.

Just like the bags, the sunglasses of choice in the 2000s were equally slimline and compact. In particular, look for a pair with tinted lenses.

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Essential accessories for the Y2K look