Y2K Sunglasses: Let’s Relive History

By Elise Snedden

girl in all red clothing wearing mirrored glasses

Do you ever wish you could turn back the clock and party like it’s 1999? You’re in luck because the fashion trends from the late 90s and early 2000s have been making their comeback!

Two decades later and the cyclical nature of fashion has struck again and brought back some iconic Y2K styles with a modern twist.

Thanks to celebrities and Gen Z influencers making it a trend on socials, the Y2K aesthetic is back and here to stay, but what is it?

What is Y2K?

Y2K is short for “the year 2000”. Y2K was also commonly used to refer to the panic that wreaked havoc during the late 90s over the idea of a widespread computer bug that was expected to cause chaos as the year changed from 1999 to 2000.

In terms of fashion, Y2K style refers to the iconic styles worn during the late 1990s and early 2000s that are back in mainstream fashion.

That’s right, fashion enthusiasts! It’s time to break out your chunky trainers, velour tracksuits, baby tees with mini skirts and low rise baggy jeans, and find the perfect pair of Y2K sunglasses to match this iconic look. 

Popular sunglasses styles from 90s and 00s

Let’s take a trip down memory lane, and revisit some favourite sunglasses styles worn from the late 1990s and early 2000s that have been making their way back as top sellers.

Whether you’re looking for a sleek, timeless classic like a rectangular frame or wanting to make a statement with bold colours, there truly is a style for everyone.

90s rectangular frames

girl wearing bright pink rectangular sunglasses

Rectangular frames are the ultimate Y2K accessory. Whether it’s a narrow rectangular frame that took the world by storm in the 90s, or a bolder oversized look, rectangular frames will never go out of style. 

This style of sunglasses has, and always will be, a staple piece in any wardrobe because rectangular sunglasses have such a sleek look that can truly pair with any outfit you throw on.

They have even seen a rise in popularity amongst celebrities and A-listers making appearances on the red carpet.

Rimless sunglasses

girl wearing pink rimless glasses

Ah yes, the quintessential Y2K rimless sunglasses. Is it really Y2K fashion without a pair of rimless sunglasses?

These lightweight sunglasses are the perfect throwback to 90s and 00s pop culture. They add a simple yet eye-catching statement to any outfit. 

Throw on a pair of low rise jeans, a cropped shirt, simple flip flops and a pair of rimless sunglasses and you have the perfect Y2K look. 

Bonus points if your rimless shades are embellished with rhinestones and paired with denim mini dresses!

Pastel tinted lenses

pair of sunglasses with pastel pink tinted lenses

The iconic pastel lenses from this era are back and better than ever.

With dopamine dressing on trend, this iconic Y2K style is the perfect accessory for your bold, bright and colourful outfits, or even as a statement piece for the minimalistic aesthetic. 

From bubblegum pink to purple, blue and yellow, you can’t go wrong with adding a pop of colour to your look with these tinted lenses.

These pastel frames will perfectly match your colourful butterfly clips and ballet flats.

Wraparound reflective sunglasses

girl wearing reflective sunglasses

Calling all who love the sporty aesthetic – mirrored athletic frames are in!

Wraparound mirrored sunglasses have always been a style well-suited for those with an active lifestyle, but in the 90s, they became a fashion sensation.

Lately, wraparound sunglasses have been a hot commodity for fans of the “athleisure” style, which is commonly described as wearing athletic attire that is cute, comfortable and more fashion than function. 

Bonus points if you break out your baggy cargo pants, bedazzled baguette bags and bucket hats to go with these sunglasses!

Oversized sunglasses

girl wearing oversized pink sunglasses

Y2K fashion or not, throwing on a pair of oversized frames will elevate any style and create an added sense of anonymity that is quite popular amongst celebrities who don’t wish to be recognised. 

Whether you’re wanting to make a statement with bold prints or accessories, or hoping to hide behind your frames, you can truly never go wrong with a pair of oversized sunglasses.

Find your perfect pair

From bold colourful statement lenses to minimal and sleek rectangular frames, these popular styles from Y2K aren’t going away anytime soon, so why not join in on the trend?

If you want to sport the look and embrace your inner millennium baby, chances are you’ll find what you’re looking for among our wide selection of sunglasses and eyeglasses.

Have a look and see all the ways in which you can bring back the 90s and 00s!

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