Fashion

We may never want to see low rise jeans again, but these iconic Aussie celebs from the 2000s are unexpected fashion inspirations

The 2000s are back!
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Today, many look at key fashion trends of the 2000s with distaste.

But while it lacked the edginess of the 90s, it had an authentic charm that can never exist again in our now totally curated world.

The naughties were a time before the stylised, beautified, and perfectly put together celebrities.

Perhaps it was the only time in history where women in the public eye were free to wear whatever took their fancy.

There was no fear of over accessorising, odd layering, tiny miniskirts and mix-matched patterns, and it was random, experimental, but ultimately raw.

The trends were also endless, from earnest Ugg boots, skinny scarfs, low rise jeans, bold accessories, shirts tucked under tops, chocker necklaces, big belts and vests.

Because women were given this space to be creative, free and a little undone, it was like new trends kept rolling out onto the playing field every day.

Now, 2000s’ key trends have re-emerged from the fashion grave by the bold and brave Generation Z, along with contemporary fashion designers like Jacquemus and Balenciaga.

Of course, in 2021, those inspired by the era are creating more nuanced and paired back versions of the trends, and while they are exciting, there is still something intriguing about the original looks.

Although Paris Hilton, the Spice Girls and Mischa Barton may be the 2000s It Girls that come to mind, it would be a shame to sleep on the Australian celebrities who wore some incredible looks during the naughties.

From Home and Away belles to Hollywood sirens, there is incredible archive of 2000s moments that can inspire your 2021 looks.

Without further ado, here are the best looks from your favourite Australian celebrities. Welcome to this wild sartorial ride.

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Nicole Kidman

Nicole Kidman, 2001

Nicole was still taking cues from the grunginess of the late 90s when she styled two chokers with a longer necklace. This undone aesthetic encapsulates a time when movie premiers weren’t huge occasions – here Nicole was promoting Moulin Rouge.

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Kidman

Nicole Kidman, 2008

Nicole wore this sheer panel and layered lace dress to a movie premiere in 2008, and this beautiful design is still a prominent feature on red carpets.

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Kylie

Kylie Minogue, 2001

Kylie wearing a corset with shiny electric blue wide-legged plants is simply iconic, and it’s likely young girls everywhere would love to get their hands on a dupe.

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Kylie Minogue

Kylie Minogue, 2002

Wearing lingerie as outerwear was spearheaded by the Princess of Pop, and the Carrie Bradshaw trend has been embraced in the 2020s.

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Cate Blanchett jeans

Cate Blanchett, 2006

Cate wore a thick bedazzled belt with low rise jeans to an event in 2006, and while many may dislike this jean style, there are sub-groups in 2021 trying to bring them back.

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Naomi Watts

Naomi Watts, 2005

The fur-trimmed denim jacket that Naomi wore to Levi’s Ranch in Park City is an aesthetic that has propelled itself back into the mainstream.

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Ada Nicodemou

Ada Nicodemou, 2001

If you spend any time walking around one of Australia’s major cities, you will see Ada’s 2001 leather jacket on every trend-setter. It’s become the hottest item that one can get their hands on in an op shop, and this Home and Away darling couldn’t have styled it better with her cream turtle neck.

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Ada Nicodemou

Ada Nicodemou, 2002

Ada wore this stunning design to the TV Week Logie Awards, and her one-shoulder dress has been trending throughout 2021.

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Sophie Monk

Sophie Monk, 2003

Sophie looked so fresh in this silk white low cut cress to the 17th Annual Aria Awards. Straight line dresses were a big look in the 2000s, and they had the most ethereal effect.

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Georgie Parker

Georgie Parker, 2006

The Home and Away actor is wearing delicate petal sleeves, and the look speaks to the common sartorial choice to layer a thin flowing top over jeans.

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Lara Bingle

Lara Worthington, 2008

In the later end of the 2000s, Lara Worthington (then Bingle) was Australia’s biggest It Girl. This figure-hugging, low-cut round neckline maxi dress was a classy take on the maxi trend that usually featured bold patterns.

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Bec Hewitt

Bec Hewitt, 2008

Bec wore this gorgeous shirt layered under a black dress to watch her beau Lleyton Hewitt play tennis at Wimbledon.

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Bec Hewitt Isabelle Lucas

Bec Hewitt & Isabel Lucas, 2004

These former soapie stars were the perfect capsule of the 2000s, from Isabel’s hip-hugging skirt to Bec’s rimless sunglasses that dominated the era.

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Gemma Ward

Gemma Ward, 2007

Gemma wore this sheer dress at the height of her supermodel level fashion career, and in a time where sheer panels are a go-to for a night out, this look is still relevant.

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Kate Ritchie

Kate Ritchie, 2008

Over the past year, it’s been a fashion lovers armour to layer a white shirt under a black strapless top or bodice. Kate was simply ahead of the game with this look.

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