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2.5 Modern Fashion
The 2000s fashion are often described as being a "mash-up”, where trends
saw the fusion of previous styles, global and ethnic clothing, as well as the
fashions of numerous music-based subcultures, with hip-hop fashion generally
being the most popular among young people. Those 25 years of age and older
adopted a dressy casual style which was popular throughout the decade.
Globalization also influenced the decade's clothing trends, with the incorporation
of Middle Eastern and Asian dress into mainstream European, American and
Australasian fashion.
2000-2003
When the 2000s kicked off, the fashion was profoundly influenced by
technology. From late 1999 until late 2001, there was a futuristic approach to
fashion, with metallic, shiny blacks, straps, and buckles becoming commonplace.
This was called "Y2K fashion”. Particular pieces of Y2K clothing included mesh
tops, box-pleated skirts, handkerchief tops, satin skirts, leather skirts, concert t-
shirts with rhinestones, sparkling shoes, halter tops, sequined pants and
embroidered and sequined tops, along with the famous pearl printed black cocktail
dress by Karen Walker, which was successful worldwide.
2004-2006
Popular mid 2000s trends for women were embroidered low-rise jeans,
flared yoga pants, thong underwear, cowl-neck tops, tube tops, denim jackets, bell-
sleeved shirts, jean shorts, crop tops, whale tails, tracksuits,
cargo pants, Capri
pants, trench coats, puffy jackets, longer tank tops worn with a main blouse or
shirt, infantile dresses, 1940s inspired New Look dresses and sandals, leggings,
1960s style pea coats, tunics worn with wide or thin belts, and "vintage clothing"
including hippie. In 2006 the mini dress made a comeback with the hemlines being
unusually short.