Y2K Nostalgia Is Alive and Well in Accessories

Jewelry is just plain fun again. And the motto? More is better.

Just as many of the early aughts style trends heralded by Paris Hilton and Britney Spears — think low-rise jeans and velour tracksuits — are back in vogue, so are many of the era’s accessories. For some, traditional fine jewelry has been put on the back burner in favor of pieces inspired by Ring Pops and summer camp. “Nostalgia is always in, within reason, so now the next generation is looking back to the late 1990s, early 2000s for inspiration, especially since they are seeing it in the old TV shows they are watching,” said Beth Goldstein, executive director and industry analyst for fashion, footwear and accessories for the NPD Group. Accessories are now supercharged with bright colors, kitschy patterns and beads galore, to stand in contrast to the pandemic’s new normal of masks and comfort clothing. “Now, consumers are looking for bolder ways to express themselves,” Ms. Goldstein said.