T HE Y 2 K T R E N D

The return of the Y2K style is problematic for the fashion industrys size inclusivity problem. These items are designed to fit an extremely specific type of thin body. As a society, we have progressed past this phase, or so we thought, creating an inclusive fashion industry with a greater range of sizes and models. It all seems to be disappearing though. (Bray, 2022).

“I think the main problem with Y2K trends, like low rise jeans, is that the person’s body becomes an accessory, and it is only perceived as fashionable if that body fits society’s beauty standard: skinny!” “The reaction a thinner person would get from the general public for wearing low jeans and a baby tee is way better or different than a plus-sized person wearing the exact same thing. The problem is not so much the clothing themselves.” She explains that while the items themselves are cute, they come with deeply ingrained fatphobia. (Bray, 2022).

Finally, it is important to recognize that these fashion trends do not only idolize thin women but thin, white women. The lack of inclusivity is intersectional, and the rise of Y2K fashion means a focus on white models. (Bray, 2022).

The problem with the Y2K trend doesn’t lie in the hands of the clothes from that era, it simply lies in the morphed perceptions and ideals from the 2000s. People would believe that this type of clothing only looks good on slim, white women, but the only way we can change these perceptions is by having more brands that sell Y2K clothes to have a more diverse cast of models. With my concept, my social media campaign will do exactly that, I want to be able to influence my audience into thinking that Y2K clothes can be worn by anyone.