The Gen Z versus millennial debate might have people making vehement arguments at both ends, but there’s no denying that fashion from the early 2000s is making a comeback, and in a big way. The loud, cheery colours with frills, midi skirts, big pants, chunky belts, and crop tops with dark brown lips and kohl scream 2000s, but Gen Z is buying into it, making it relevant decades later. Y2K is exactly what we need to feel like the “main character” of our story. Trends like long floral skirts with a corset top and a scarf around the neck with boots, like Rani Mukherjee in Kabhi Alvida Na Kehna have come back. But it hasn’t stopped there. Boot-cut flare jeans with crop tops and layered necklaces, like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Dhoom have also seen a resurgence.
So, if you’re looking to snag the Y2K looks by Bollywood actresses, and how you can recreate them as well, there’s a shopping guide as well.
Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Aishwarya was the “IT Girl” of the industry, with thigh-high boots, low-rise leather skirts, and curly long hair, a look that got everyone’s stamp of approval with her Dhoom 2 character. To recreate this look with a 2024 touch, pair these dark blue jeans from Vero Moda with a spaghetti top from Forever 21 along the side, and for shoes, go for these metallic block heels ankle boots by Zara. The perfect outfit for your next coffee outing.
Rani Mukherjee
This colour is fresh, and we’re thinking this is great for our vacation fit this summer season. Both the colour and the co-ord set will find takers with the Gen Z crowd! You can find a very similar set on KENE, which is an Instagram store. How you style an outfit goes a long way. So pair it up with your favourite chunky heels and a cute half moon bag, and you are good to go.
Kareena Kapoor Khan
This iconic Poo look is ever-green and the easiest to recreate. The flower band on the neck is ostentatious, sure, but needed for this look. Get your version of this with this Crop Yellow ‘Wild Rose Top’ and black comfy leather pants from Nykaa Fashion. Finish it off with a smokey eye and a brown lip, and feel like Poo.
Katrina Kaif
This is the most Gen-Z outfit that comes to mind, and now we know where the inspiration comes from. The denim skirt with the belt and the well-fitted vest are as chic, and the vibe is one that Gen Z can see themselves wearing. A look worn by many these days can be recreated with this lace-detailed cami top by H&M with a brown solid V-neck crop waistcoat on top from RSVP and a cute mini-skirt from Prada. Carry this frill bag from Urbanic to get into that Y2K spirit!
Karisma Kapoor
If I were to describe a perfect “off-duty model look” to someone, I would show them this picture. The colours go hand-in-hand, and the glasses are peak 2000s model aesthetic. To get this one, try this ribbed halter top from Zara, pair it with this belted brown skirt from Urbanic and sunglasses from Gucci.
