Today, many look at key fashion trends of the 2000s with distaste.
But while it lacked the edginess of the 90s, it had an authentic charm that can never exist again in our now totally curated world.
The naughties were a time before the stylised, beautified, and perfectly put together celebrities.
Perhaps it was the only time in history where women in the public eye were free to wear whatever took their fancy.
There was no fear of over accessorising, odd layering, tiny miniskirts and mix-matched patterns, and it was random, experimental, but ultimately raw.
The trends were also endless, from earnest Ugg boots, skinny scarfs, low rise jeans, bold accessories, shirts tucked under tops, chocker necklaces, big belts and vests.
Because women were given this space to be creative, free and a little undone, it was like new trends kept rolling out onto the playing field every day.
Now, 2000s’ key trends have re-emerged from the fashion grave by the bold and brave Generation Z, along with contemporary fashion designers like Jacquemus and Balenciaga.
Of course, in 2021, those inspired by the era are creating more nuanced and paired back versions of the trends, and while they are exciting, there is still something intriguing about the original looks.
Although Paris Hilton, the Spice Girls and Mischa Barton may be the 2000s It Girls that come to mind, it would be a shame to sleep on the Australian celebrities who wore some incredible looks during the naughties.
From Home and Away belles to Hollywood sirens, there is incredible archive of 2000s moments that can inspire your 2021 looks.
Without further ado, here are the best looks from your favourite Australian celebrities. Welcome to this wild sartorial ride.
Nicole Kidman
Nicole Kidman, 2001
Nicole was still taking cues from the grunginess of the late 90s when she styled two chokers with a longer necklace. This undone aesthetic encapsulates a time when movie premiers weren’t huge occasions – here Nicole was promoting Moulin Rouge.
Kidman
Nicole Kidman, 2008
Nicole wore this sheer panel and layered lace dress to a movie premiere in 2008, and this beautiful design is still a prominent feature on red carpets.
Kylie
Kylie Minogue, 2001
Kylie wearing a corset with shiny electric blue wide-legged plants is simply iconic, and it’s likely young girls everywhere would love to get their hands on a dupe.
Kylie Minogue
Kylie Minogue, 2002
Wearing lingerie as outerwear was spearheaded by the Princess of Pop, and the Carrie Bradshaw trend has been embraced in the 2020s.
Cate Blanchett jeans
Cate Blanchett, 2006
Cate wore a thick bedazzled belt with low rise jeans to an event in 2006, and while many may dislike this jean style, there are sub-groups in 2021 trying to bring them back.
Naomi Watts
Naomi Watts, 2005
The fur-trimmed denim jacket that Naomi wore to Levi’s Ranch in Park City is an aesthetic that has propelled itself back into the mainstream.
Ada Nicodemou
Ada Nicodemou, 2001
If you spend any time walking around one of Australia’s major cities, you will see Ada’s 2001 leather jacket on every trend-setter. It’s become the hottest item that one can get their hands on in an op shop, and this Home and Away darling couldn’t have styled it better with her cream turtle neck.
Ada Nicodemou
Ada Nicodemou, 2002
Ada wore this stunning design to the TV Week Logie Awards, and her one-shoulder dress has been trending throughout 2021.
Sophie Monk
Sophie Monk, 2003
Sophie looked so fresh in this silk white low cut cress to the 17th Annual Aria Awards. Straight line dresses were a big look in the 2000s, and they had the most ethereal effect.
Georgie Parker
Georgie Parker, 2006
The Home and Away actor is wearing delicate petal sleeves, and the look speaks to the common sartorial choice to layer a thin flowing top over jeans.
Lara Bingle
Lara Worthington, 2008
In the later end of the 2000s, Lara Worthington (then Bingle) was Australia’s biggest It Girl. This figure-hugging, low-cut round neckline maxi dress was a classy take on the maxi trend that usually featured bold patterns.
Bec Hewitt
Bec Hewitt, 2008
Bec wore this gorgeous shirt layered under a black dress to watch her beau Lleyton Hewitt play tennis at Wimbledon.
Bec Hewitt Isabelle Lucas
Bec Hewitt & Isabel Lucas, 2004
These former soapie stars were the perfect capsule of the 2000s, from Isabel’s hip-hugging skirt to Bec’s rimless sunglasses that dominated the era.
Gemma Ward
Gemma Ward, 2007
Gemma wore this sheer dress at the height of her supermodel level fashion career, and in a time where sheer panels are a go-to for a night out, this look is still relevant.
Kate Ritchie
Kate Ritchie, 2008
Over the past year, it’s been a fashion lovers armour to layer a white shirt under a black strapless top or bodice. Kate was simply ahead of the game with this look.