Lately, I’ve been falling hard for the whole Y2K vibe. Honestly, I wasn’t into it at first—I mean, things like crop tops, low-rise jeans, and glittery mini bags didn’t seem super wearable for someone like me who goes to work every day. But ever since I got those chunky platform flip-flops, everything kind of changed.
It was a super hot Friday. I had plans to grab drinks with friends after work. I wore a basic white tee and loose trousers for the office, originally paired with my go-to canvas sneakers. But right before heading out, I impulsively swapped them for my new silver-gray platform sandals. I didn’t expect it, but the whole look instantly gave off Y2K energy—kind of bold but still chill. The first thing my friend said when she saw me was, “You look so Y2K today! I love it!” I acted casual on the outside, but inside I was beaming.
Since then, I’ve been having so much fun playing with Y2K elements, especially with shoes. I recently got a pair of metallic Mary Janes with chunky soles, and they are everything. I pair them with mini skirts or cargo skirts, and the vibe is effortlessly cool. One weekend, I wore them to a gallery opening with an A-line denim skirt and a vintage floral blouse. My friend said I looked like I stepped out of Tokyo in the early 2000s—and I’m not gonna lie, I loved hearing that. I even posted the look on Instagram and got way more likes than usual.
Of course, I can’t go full Y2K every day. Most days I’m just rushing out the door at 8 AM, heading into the summer heat, off to sit in meetings all day. That’s when I really appreciate my minimalist black strappy sandals. They’re sleek, no-frills, and still feel polished. I wear them with a cream blouse and a midi A-line skirt—simple but elegant. These days, I leave the house chanting in my head, “Look cool. Stay comfortable.” And these sandals do both.
I didn’t overhaul my style overnight. I’m definitely the kind of person who flip-flops between aesthetics. I love a good fashion experiment, but I need things to be practical too. So my solution has been: keep the clothes clean and classic, and let the Y2K vibe peek through with accessories or shoes. For example, I’ll wear a very basic neutral outfit but pair it with translucent PVC heels or a pair of slightly chunky New Balance 530s—they’re retro and super comfy. That way, I’m not going overboard, but there’s still some personality in the mix.
Here’s a little secret I’ve discovered: stylish people don’t necessarily dress in complicated ways—they just choose the right shoes. Shoes totally set the tone for your day. Like, the way a pair of platform sandals gives you that instant 2-inch height boost? It’s magic. Especially when worn with wide-leg trousers or a maxi skirt—your legs just look… longer.
So now, my wardrobe looks like this: minimalist shirts and trousers on one side, playful Y2K skirts and tanks on the other. And on my shoe rack? That’s where the real magic happens—Mary Janes, silver sandals, see-through block heels, strappy flats, and my beloved NB 530s. They let me switch from Y2K babe to office girl in seconds—and honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way.
This summer, I’ve decided not to limit myself to one style. I can be the trendy girl walking the streets with early 2000s attitude, or the put-together woman in a meeting room. On weekends, I throw on my woven fisherman sandals and wander around the park like it’s the softest day ever.
Fashion isn’t about picking one side. It’s about mixing things up. And this summer, I’m finally dressing the way I want—bold, soft, chill, sharp—all at once.
