Don’t Call It Tacky: The Return of 2000s-Era Denim

Brace yourselves: Denim is about to get weird — in a good way. As we pointed out not too long ago, the early 2000s aesthetic has made its way back into the fashion set’s good graces and with it, all manner of experimental, superfluously detailed denim. We can practically feel your eyebrows raising, but hear us out: Denim, in any form, is remarkably versatile. It’s appropriate to wear all year long. Given that your wardrobe is probably bursting with nondescript classics, why not throw your tween/teenage self a bone and give bustiers, lace-up denim, asymmetric hems and patchwork pieces another go?

Then/Now; Images: Frank Trapper/Corbis via Getty Images, Robert Kamau/GC Images

Earlier this week, Kendall Jenner cosigned the trend, hitting the streets of L.A. in a patched Ksubi midi featuring multiple shades of denim and a subtly frayed front slit. Her pals Gigi and Bella Hadid have long fought to reclaim the “tacky denim” look. Bella regularly steps out in form-flaunting, Britney Spears-reminiscent looks, from fitted denim (Christian Dior) dresses to (purely ornamental) denim bikinis. Gigi, meanwhile, champions all that is shredded and was one of the early adopters of the jean “skouser.” Meanwhile, the Canadian tux (seen everywhere at the turn of the millennium) is now a Rihanna wardrobe staple.

Marques ‘ Almeida Fall 2017, Jonathan Simkhai Fall 2017, Sacai Fall 2017; Images: Imaxtree

In case you need further convincing, Chitose Abe (of Sacai), Paulo Almeida and Marta Marques (of Marques ‘ Almeida), Faustine Steinmetz, Jonathan Simkhai and more revered, rebellious designers marched 2000-esque denim down their Fall 2017 runways. Sliced and shredded, patched to perfection or covered in feathers, these new takes on denim offered a refreshing respite from the crisp flares and high-rise Levi’s that are everywhere as of late.

Faustine Steinmetz Fall 2017; Image: Courtesy

Ready to welcome high-octane denim into your life? Click through the slideshow below for 23 seriously fun spring denim essentials. Complement them with pieces that show off their details and wonderfully weird construction, but don’t get too caught up on coordinating — after all, the 2000s were nothing if not random.

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