There’s no single way to characterize the past 10 years in style. Unlike previous decades marked by distinct looks (even the ’90s had a minimalist, Calvin Klein-ish through-line), the ’00s were about the coming together of “high” and “low”: the democratization of luxury was met by heightened subculture signatures, and the mainstream was flooded by cues from haute couture and hipster bars alike.
HIGH TO LOW
MEN MAKING AN EFFORT
Looking good suddenly mattered to more guys. Gayification? MySpace photos? Availability of decent mens’ stuff at H&M and Zara?
“IT” BAGS
Spending real money on a Louis Vuitton monogram bag (or even a Chloe Paddington, the bag of 2005) became de rigeur for people without real money.
ACCESS
With style blogs teaching suburbanites about Balenciaga; Isaac Mizrahi and Karl Lagerfeld setting the pace for designer collabs at Target and H&M; and countless designer docs, anyone could become a fashionista.
FUCK-ME SHOES
Blame the ubiquitous stiletto of the ’00s on Carrie Bradshaw. Sex and the City-approved, $400+ Manolos, Louboutins and Choos became a reasonable-seeming purchase this decade.
SUNGLASSES
From logoed, bug-eyed giants to Kanye’s shutter shades to the resurge of Ray-Bans, designer (and knock-off) sunglasses were everywhere.
PREP
The Upper East Side and its Gossip Girl-endorsed style markers (bold tights, headbands, pearls, tidy flats) made their way to the girls downtown.
PERFORMANCE GEAR
Lululemon yoga pants, pristine Nike Dunks and Stella McCartney for Adidas were worn most often by people on their way to brunch, not the gym.
LOW TO HIGH
UGGS
A surf-hobo staple showed up on famouses and want-to-be-famouses everywhere.
SKINNY JEANS
Rock bands got there first. Now your mom and dad have their “skinnies” on.
VINTAGE AND VINTAGE-LOOKING
Sweet finds from Val’ Village or the flea market are no longer the domain of those who can’t afford to buy new; neither are (pre)-faded ’70s and ’80s concert tees.
TRUCKER HATS
A working-class item (see also: denim jackets, work boots) makes its way through indie rock and beyond.
TATTOOS
Not just bits and pieces, but full sleeves and backs and chests get inked on pretty much everyone.
STUDS
The traditional punk rock stud has appeared on designer rings, leather cuffs, boots and heels, Gucci sunglasses, and kids’ wear. See also: skulls, Vans, Converse, black nail polish, leather jackets, the Misfits typeface, etc.
CELEBRITIES
The dictators of much young-girl style were Lindsay Lohan (burn-out), Paris Hilton (slut), Britney Spears (train-wreck) and all of the Hills girls (L.A.).
SWEAT SUITS
Velour tracksuits, a poverty necessity, emerge in burnished pinks and become a rich-lady necessity. Most often worn with Uggs.