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Paid Content for
This advertising content was produced in collaboration between Vox Creative and our sponsor, without involvement from Vox Media editorial staff.
Sponsored By Old Navy
Aug. 7, 2023

We Just Want to Dress Like Our Teenage Selves

An unapologetic embrace of fashion choices from the past.

By Laura Lajiness Kaupke
Photo: Old Navy
Photo: Old Navy

Oh, the glorious Y2K era. Who would’ve thought we’d be longing for the fashion choices of our teenage selves? But here we are, unapologetically embracing the resurgence of everything aughts-inspired. From cargo pants that could fit half your belongings to those ever-so-sexy low-rise bottoms, we’re diving headfirst into the abyss of nostalgia. Double-layered tanks and psychedelic prints are back with a vengeance, proving that even the most questionable trends can make a triumphant return. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance — wide belts that serve no practical purpose but feel oh-so-damn stylish! So, let’s channel our inner Lizzie McGuire and embrace this quirky, borderline outrageous, and undeniably fun way of dressing. Because if we can’t laugh at our fashion choices from the past, then what’s the point of it all?

Photo: Old Navy

Cargo Pants

Try to show us a low-rise cargo pant we’re not obsessed with. These are everything with spaghetti strap tanks, frilled blouses, peplum tops, and more.

Old Navy Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Cargo Pants, $45
BUY
Photo: SourceUnknown

Double-Layer Tank

Ah, yes — the era when one top was never good enough. Two at minimum. No questions.

SourceUnknown Double Layer Tank, $62
BUY
Photo: I.AM.GIA

Asymmetrical Hem Dress

Catch us begging our parents to let us wear this to the middle school dance in the early 2000s, complete with frosted makeup and a piece-y (rhinestone adorned!) up-do.

I.AM.GIA Arly Dress, $110
BUY
Photo: Farfetch

Low-Rise Jeans

From the low-rise waist to the bootcut legs to the letdown hems, these jeans nearly give us PTSD (except we’re obsessed again).

GANNI Iry Flared Jeans, $255
BUY
Photo: Miaou

Ruched Mini Skirt

Floucy and sweet, a ruched skirt was a must-have, and once again, is all we want to wear with a little top for cocktails with our girlfriends.

Miaou Alva Skirt, $175
BUY
Photo: Old Navy

Denim Top

Grab your denim maxi skirt with this cropped top à la Britney and Justin’s iconic couple moment — forever and always goals. Bonus points for a matching mini bag and wide bedazzled choker.

Old Navy Fitted Jean Cropped Top, $35
BUY
Photo: With Jéan

Cargo Shorts

We told you, cargo everything. Lizzie would have totally rocked these with a fitted print top and colorful sandals.

With Jéan Carter Cargo Shorts, $189
BUY
Photo: Farfetch

Asymmetrical Ruffle Top

The ultimate meeting-up-with-friends-at-the-movies look unquestionably involved an asymmetrical top like this, with bootcut jeans and your best (read: only) designer bag.

MSGM Floral-Print Asymmetric Top, $696
BUY
Photo: Nordstrom

UGG Boots

Classic chestnut UGG boots? Please and thank you — though we’re so here for the 2020 platform version.

UGG Classic Ultra Mini Platform Boot, $160
BUY
Photo: Luisaviaroma

Patent Leather Top

It’s giving Zenon Girl of the 21st Century, whether paired with low-rise jeans, a ruched jersey skirt, or the coordinated trousers.

Rotate Angie Patent Bandana Top, $110
BUY
Photo: Old Navy

Square-Neck Camisole

The most versatile Y2K-style top there ever was, ideally paired with the matching cardigan and skirt.

Old Navy Rib-Knit Sweater Tank Top, $35
BUY
Photo: NET-A-PORTER

Wide Belt

This is fully one of those belts you can recklessly throw on over any dress or layered top situation and fasten loosely across your hip bones.

Altuzarra Braided Leather and Suede Belt, $595
BUY
Photo: Luisaviaroma

Peplum Tube Top

This little number with your cargo pants or shorts? The cutest.

Goldsign The Peplum Stretch Jersey Tube Top, $361
BUY

This advertising content was produced in collaboration between Vox Creative and our sponsor, without involvement from Vox Media editorial staff.

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