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Live like a 2000s icon!

How to Live Like a 2000s Icon: The Ultimate Guide

We’ve all seen it: Paris Hilton with her mini purses and little party dresses, Britney Spears with her tracksuits and oversized sunnies, Lindsay Lohan, Nicole Richie, Hilary Duff, Kim Kardashian. All of the above were key in defining the 2000s era: They were THE icons. We all want to be them, don’t we? Especially now that the era is making an epic comeback and bringing all its chicness with it. We’re seeing a shift in fashion that resembles that of the 2000s and mixes all the nostalgic elements with its own modern twist. Loves it! Anyways, keep reading to find out the pillars of the 2000s icon lifestyle, fashion, social life, and mindset — and how you can achieve it too!

The Fundamentals of Being a 2000s Icon

  • Always be confident: If there’s something all 2000s icons had in common, it’s that they were unapologetically themselves. Even with the scrutinizing eye of the public constantly on them, the icon came out unfazed. If you want to emulate this chicly iconic aura, you should always walk like you own the place and don’t be afraid to show your true personality — even if it’s over the top (in fact, that’s highly encouraged).
  • Have a signature look: All 2000s icons, though they followed the same trends, had a “thing” that made them iconic. Case in point: Paris had pink, Britney had fun crop tops, Nicole had boho chic. I rest my case. What can you do? Find something that represents YOU — not a trend, not something copied from somebody else. Connect with your inner self and find an item or style that speaks to you. It could be rhinestones, belts, hats, sunnies, purses, prints… anything that feels like you.

So, to recap a little from this first section, here’s a mini checklist:

  • Be confident
  • Have a signature piece
  • Live by the phrase “too glam to give a damn”

Fashion Rules of 2000s Icons

There are some wardrobe staples you absolutely must have before you can call yourself an icon. There’s the mandatory low-rise jeans, baby tees, cargo pants. There are fun pieces like a Juicy tracksuit, trucker hats, party dresses, strappy heels. And then you have the final touch accessories like big sunglasses, tiny purses, flip phones, etc. You can follow this exact list, but you can also give it your own modern twist by combining these pieces with more updated staples that feel authentic to you.

Checklist takeaways from this section:

  • Jeans must always be low-rise (no matter what)
  • There’s no place accessories aren’t acceptable (yes, even sunglasses indoors)
  • If it sparkles, it works

Beauty and Glam Secrets

The 2000s gave us a very specific type of glam, one that hasn’t been matched since — and for some reason, no one’s making tutorials for it, so it’s hard to achieve for us non–makeup aficionados. Lucky for you, I made a little list (again) for you to follow:

2000s Icon “Get the Look”:

  • Hair: Completely straight with a side part and some pink highlights, butterfly clips, messy updos, or two braids with a (pink and bedazzled, obvi) trucker hat.
  • Makeup: Frosty eyeshadow, glossy lips, thin eyebrows, and a whole lotta bronzer.
  • Fragrance: You just have to find your signature one — Britney Spears Fantasy, Paris Hilton Heiress, Victoria’s Secret, designer perfumes. Make your pick!
  • Modern twist: Go for updated versions of these, nothing wrong with adding a personal touch.

The Social Circle of a 2000s Icon

Everyone knows a true 2000s icon is a social butterfly, and her social life reflects that. She hangs out at fashionable places with fashionable people: think shopping malls, chic restaurants, events — always accompanied by her equally iconic friend group.

And not to mention: nightlife culture. How could anybody write about 2000s icons without mentioning the bustling nightlife these girls lived? Clubbing is a must, and like everything else in this section, where you are seen matters. Choose accordingly.

Quick recap of this section:

  • Always have a chic group of girls by your side
  • Be seen partying at chic places (and be photographed there: if there are no pics, you weren’t there)
  • Wherever you may be, always be the center of attention (and if you’re not, become it)

Lifestyle Habits of a 2000s Icon

There are a couple of essentials every 2000s icon swears by for her everyday glamorous lifestyle. She’s never alone — if she’s not seen with her awesome friends, she’s accompanied by her flip phone, digital camera, MP3 player, and obviously, her chic aura.

Being in the constant spotlight (such is the life of an icon) can have detrimental effects on our beloveds — that’s why they took self-care practices very seriously: spa days, hair salon appointments, workouts, and shopping sprees are a must to keep their minds sane (or the closest thing to it).

As we’ve come to learn, 2000s icons are known for their uniquely glamorous vibes. And you know what maximizes the power of these? Sick tunes. A truly iconic girl has a playlist full of Britney, Rihanna, Destiny’s Child, Katy Perry. They boost your energy and fabulousness.

And on that same note, the entertainment you consume also matters. Girly rom-coms or “chick flicks” are perfect because they keep that upbeat, romantic view of life that puts you in an icon state of mind.

And lastly, your home should match your vibe. Though we might not be able to afford a mega LA mansion, we can make our homes feel iconic. Think pink scented candles, stacks of magazines, and maybe a cute fluffy dog (ok, they might not be an accessory, but they sure make your house look better!).

To sum up:

  • Always carry accessories
  • Practice self-care
  • Entertain yourself with positive content (songs, movies, magazines)
  • Decorate your house to make it look iconic

Master the 2000s Icon Mindset

Even if you’re not an actual celebrity, you can live life like you are. Who are your fans? Everyone. Like they say: “The world is your oyster.” Live your life like the paparazzi are desperate to find you.

Also, you have to master your “chic aura.” How? Be fun, stylish, shiny, and a little over the top — the public loves that. And always have fun doing whatever.

Bonus: Modernizing the Lifestyle

Some of you rule-followers will follow the list as it is. Though that’s encouraged, it’s also important to give it a modern twist. As we all know, some glam 2000s trends bordered on the extreme, so it’s important to discern which ones are in and which ones are out in 2025:

2000s Ins:

  • Pink outfits
  • Low-rise jeans
  • Glam over everything
  • Sunglasses everywhere

2000s Outs:

  • Unhealthy life balance
  • Tanning beds
  • Extreme diet fads

And that’s a wrap! I know the list seems long, but you don’t have to do everything on it. Think of it as a little guide where you can find inspiration. Just remember, it’s not about following strict rules — it’s about having fun and looking good doing it.

✨ What do you do to feel like an icon? What is the ultimate 2000s icon moment for you?

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