2000’s Street Style – The Rise of Athleisure

Street style in its raw form portrays the vibrancy of the youth culture. Certainly one of the most important features of street fashion is its diversity and fitting in to all social strata as opposed to high fashion which from the onset has been secluded for the elite.

It was a time for metal studs and all garments were looking to go beyond their reach of functionality. ‘Be-jazzling’ and ‘peacocking’ were the buzz words as people more than ever were looking to distinguish themselves.

No better example than this is the embroidered cowboy boots, thanks to Sienna Miller, who was often photographed in Primrose Hill wearing her studded versions. Skater chic, Avril Lavigne hit the big time with skater looks. not dressed in dressing like a barbie or a pop star.

But more the style that street obsessed and reflected a community look of hanging out with people at the park. Athleisure became ubiquitous because of how accessible it became to all ages and all sizes. It was an attempt to make gym wear sexy something that just a few years later, yoga pants were more successful at. The popular fabric was velour.

Hairstyles became more about highlights and frosted tips. Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, and the boy band NSYNC were all poster-child's for this wave of hair style. Halter tops became a great way of showing off the shoulder and plunging neck lines.

Rapper clothing was also transcending music genres into commercial fashion outlets. Hip Hop was a very casual and relaxed way of dressing; oversized, which allowed a lot of room for comfort.

Style icons of the noughties: