Time flies when you’re
aging at a normal human pace. One minute Paris Hilton is dictating your
wardrobe, and the next, it’s ten years later, and you still don’t know what Von
Dutch is. Point blank: 2004 was a tragic time for fashion – but at the same time,
it ushered in a few 2014 fashion trends that have been going strong for a
while.
Here, we’re going to
explore those trends. Or more
specifically, ten trends that defined 2004, and whether or not we should burn
our photos or our clothes or our memories, if at all possible.
In the words of Paris
herself, “That’s hot.” (Like, this article.)
1. What: Von Dutch
The story: Thanks to the
likes of Paris, Nicole Richie, and Ashton Kutcher, trucker hats – specifically
of the Von Dutch variety – were ushered into the mid-2000s for reasons no one
can really understand. However, we must try. Was it the overt logos? (Let us
remember it was around the same time Louis Vuitton bags became a status
symbol.) Was it the bright colours? (Maybe? We were teens, and still associated
“fun” with “a bright pink trucker hat.”) Was it because famous people were
doing it? (Absolutely.) So we must learn from our mistakes.
Do they still hold up:
No. No they don’t. But in 15 years they will when they’re old enough to be hot
commodities at thrift sores.
2. What: Ruffled Mini-Skirts
The story: Part of the
uneven, cotton, flow-y skirt movement, the mini versions presented themselves
in time for spring – when you could pair them with polo shirts, skate shoes, or
yes: Ugg boots (or knee-high if you are Paris Hilton, of course); a good look
for Easter dinner (we told ourselves in one, en route to Easter dinner 2004).
Do they still hold up:
Technically? There are still ruffled mini skirts that exist. In the case of
them existing, absolutely they hold up. Can you find one now? Yes, you can.
Should you buy and wear it? With an oversize sweater from a thrift store, only.
3. What: Polo Shirts
The story: And as if it
were 1991, polo shirts returned with a vengeance. But not just any polo shirts:
fitted, “preppy” styles that would pass the "Laguna Beach" dress
code. Soon, the likes of Abercrombie, American Eagle, Hollister, and
Aeropostale were stocking up on striped, patterned, and logo versions – only to
slowly establish the uniform for frats indefinitely.
Do they still hold up:
First, everything will always hold up if you can make it your own. That’s what
style is. But are you going to find under-sized styles piled in the
above-mentioned stores? Only Abercrombie – but be careful, because you have to
be very cool to shop there.
4. What: Uggs
The story: Once upon a
time, a unisex boot made from sheepskin and used in Australian surf culture
descended on our fair continent and was used in the opposite way: against snow
and ice, when they offered no actual protection from those things. And then
they were used as an everyday shoe. And then they were used in conjunction with
mini skirts, and the rest is our species’ legacy.
Do they still hold up:
They are still everywhere, absolutely. And that’s what we get for wearing them,
and defending them, so this is our karma. Forever. (Please stop wearing them
for your own safety – at least in the winter to prevent falling on ice.)
5. What: Graphic T-Shirts
The story: Graphic
t-shirts have always existed, but there was a boom in the mid-2000s thanks to
(yes, again!) Ms. Paris Hilton who, now that we’re talking about it, really did
set a fashion precedent. And was that really so wrong? (Not really. And before
you answer or argue, think about how Kim Kardashian’s setting the precedent in
2014.)
Do they still hold up:
Absolutely. Are you kidding? Only now they’re cropped, made of sweatshirt, and
have pizza on them. What a wonderful time to be alive.
6. What: Velour/Track Suits
The story: Today, workout
and leisure gear look almost futuristic or at least fit kind of reasonably. But
then? Enter: the velour zip-ups, pants, and matching suits that returned from
the ‘70s for no reason other than to confuse our parents. Especially since
these leisure suits were absolutely not being worn for workout purposes.
Do they still hold up:
Every spring, we usher in a new era of sports or sports-influenced styles, so
yes, this trend is immortal. But as for the velour? Your best bet is to head to
L.A. – or at least the costume department from "The Bling Ring."
(Though bonus marks if it’s really velour from the ‘70s, and in that case,
please let us borrow it.)
7. What: Layering
The story: No, no – not layering
like “a shirt with a sweater worn over top.” We mean layering for purposes only
to not wear a see-through shirt. “Over top” like wearing a long tank top with
lace at the bottom you then wear underneath a v-neck Henley that’s also long,
but not so long as to cover the lace. And if you ever were to wear these
separately, everybody would see your bra. And you know exactly what we're
talking about because we all lived it.
Does it still hold up:
No. [Cue: choirs of angels singing.] We mean, layering does, but not like this.
Not like this.
8. What: Dressy Capri Pants
The story: Is there any
way we can describe this better? Probably not, but we'll try: think dress
pants, but worn at capri length, then worn with tall boots or heels, depending
on the season. Basically, pretend they are pants. But short. Short pants. But
dressy. Dressy short pants.
Do they still hold up:
There’s a difference between cigarette pants (ankle length) and dressy capri
pants, and one of the biggest is that we don’t see dressy capri pants around
much anymore. And for good reason -- we were all better than this.
9. What: Pointed Toe Heels
The story: 99% of the
shoes on "Sex and the City" (which ended in 2004) are a perfect
example of the shoe movement of the early-to-mid 2000s. However, high heels and
overly pointed toes eventually evolved into a rounded style, then more retro –
like the dress shoes of the ‘50s and ‘60s. But this isn’t about those decades –
this is about Kirsten Dunst’s shoes from ten years ago.
Do they still hold up:
Not so much. Pointed toe pumps will obviously never fade away, but the points
so long they could’ve reached from your workplace to your home have somehow
disappeared. (Or have they? Points that big don’t really go anywhere.)
10. What: “Boho” Chic
The story: “Boho” is
strange because it’s arguably a movement, but in 2004 (and thanks to the likes
of Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen), flowy, loose fitting, drop-waists, oversize
belts, and slouchy boots became more than a feeling. Think oversize tank top
and short denim skirt. (Or: think your favourite outfit in the mid-2000s.)
Does it still hold up:
Like “preppy” or “rockabilly,” “boho” can’t ever be “out” – but the industry’s
capitalization on it can be. Ultimately, anyone who wants to be “boho” can be
“boho” – you might just not be able to find pieces easily at the mall. (At
least 2004 styles: there’s always room for “boho” in the lexicon.)
