How to wear Y2K fashion like the pros, according to 8 curve influencers
Shopping when curvy is a mission in itself, but when you add the preference of shopping for trendy, Y2K and retro pieces (reminiscent of the psychedelic fashion of the ’60s, with bold colours and patterns of the ’70s) the chances of finding those pieces on the high street become a lot slimmer.
And with the rise of TikTok and Instagram brands, many above a size 16 are left feeling ostracised. While many small fashion founders have expressed the difficulty of being size-inclusive when they’re new and sales are low, it doesn’t negate the missed opportunity of expression for many plus-size people. And, despite it being true that on a wider scale, the fashion industry has come far regarding size inclusion, fashion trends like the 2000s aesthetic still aren’t infinitely accessible to curvier bodies.
But, according to my favourite fashionista’s it’s not completely impossible. In fact, according to them, the goal of looking like a modern Lizzie Mcguire and Raven Baxter is more achievable than you might have thought. Here, eight influencers share how they’re embracing the nostalgic fashion revival (and, where they’re shopping).
1. Moe Black
“I do sometimes struggle to find items that are in keeping with my style. It was harder when I was shopping to fit in with trends versus buying what I actually wanted. Now that I have a solid sense of what I like and dislike, it’s easier to hunt for specific pieces.
2000s sizing is heavily vanity sized though, so it can still be hard to find the right fit. I literally spend hours digging through eBay; there, it’s like a game to me! I also love ASOS for denim – their slouchy mom jeans are my absolute fave. Outside of the high street, I love brands like Juliet Johnstone, Rhi Dancey, Fanci Club and Gia Milan co.
2. Megan Rose
“I would personally describe my style as a hybrid of ’90s grunge and early ’00s chick-flick, with a touch of Bratz aesthetic. At the minute, I’m absolutely loving ASOS Collusion – they have such a huge range of on-trend items that are size and gender-inclusive, as well as being sustainably sourced and animal-free! I also love other smaller brands sold on ASOS such as New Girl Order and Daisy Street; they always have such fun pieces that fit with my style, which can be hard to find with the bigger brands and high street stores.”
3. Rue
“I get most of my style inspiration from three of my favourite influencers @teyanataylor, @wuzg00d, and @_caribbean_papi_. Because my style is versatile, I rarely struggle with finding items that go with my wardrobe, but depending on the fit, I shop wherever I can find what I need: Forever 21, H&M, Amazon, and vintage stores.
4. Francesca Perks
“I can say that up to half a year ago; I would have admitted that I was very much a slave to the trend cycle, sticking it to the societal norms and showing a curve girl can make those micro-trends (that certainly weren’t designed for me) work too.
However, after taking a step back from socials in the last year, I evaluated the consumption levels to keep up with the ever-revolving door of trends and made a conscious effort to create a more refined, personal style. Although, if I had to put a label on it, right now, my fashion sense is certainly bordering on maximalism with a lot of calls to the ’90s.
I’m spending a lot of time trawling eBay and my favourite vintage sites to get ready for the new season. I have really cut back on my high street shopping, leaning more towards independent UK brands; Instagram is perfect for stumbling across hidden gems (like Senja by Maddie and Rhi Dancey), but I would be lying to the world if I didn’t succumb to the odd Monki or ASOS buy.”
5. Gabriela Torres
“I do a lot of online shopping; I love smaller brands such as Bando, Farm Rio, Crap Eyewear, Charlotte Stone Shoes, Lazy Oaf, Lucy and Yak and many more. I also love supporting small businesses, especially ones that make jewellery; brands such as Fruity Poms, The C Project, Conloque, Makes Small Talk and much more.”
6. Holly Marston
“I like to experiment with a lot of different styles, but I would say it’s mostly inspired by the 2000s era (think: Bratz doll vibes). Someone once described my style as ‘Y2K baddie.’ I also try to style my outfits to stand out as much as possible, with bold colours and patterns, as a way of expressing the message that you don’t have to hide just because you’re bigger.
Most of my favourite pieces that I wear IRL are from Fashionnova. I also love Delias, which is a brand sold on Dollskill. Some independent brands offering custom plus sizes that I love are Jade Clark, Shop Fluffy, Dazedstudi0, and Easy Tiger.”
7. Jessica Rose Lambregts
“I find it really hard to find good quality, modern pieces in my size. I feel like the clothes I like the most are designed more for smaller sizes, and that can be frustrating. Like, I wanna be cool too. I really love Weekday for trend-led basics, Whistles for skirts and trousers and & Other Stories for more unique pieces – although sizing can sometimes be a little off.”
8. Bex Jade Fountain
“I’m a size 12-14, and I sometimes struggle to find pieces I’m looking for on the high street as a lot of my style is influenced by the ’70s. I shop most of my pieces second-hand. I love the feeling of finding a bargain or finding a unique piece I know no one else will have. Depop is great for finding gems that you missed out on in high street shops too. On the high street, I love H&M as they have affordable statement pieces and great basics.”
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