10 Chic Swimwear And Cover-Up Combinations To Elevate Any Holiday Look
From billowing shirts to sarongs and crochet dresses, a cover-up transforms your outfit from beach-appropriate to one suitable for the bar, restaurant, gallery or museum in an instant. And with some of our favourite brands offering an array of chic co-ords, linen separates, cotton dresses and tie-up skirts, there's a poolside styling solution to suit everyone.
And from a practical perspective, a cover-up will offer much-needed shade in a heatwave, or add a layer of warmth once the sun has set and you've enjoyed a day at the beach, pool or pond. The Y2K revival has seen the humble sarong trend once again, while trouser and shirt co-ords can be mixed and matched while you're away and easily reworked into a workwear wardrobe once you're home.
We're now spoilt for choice for swimwear labels, with the likes of Hunza G, Monday and Fruity Booty joining perennial favourites Marks & Spencer, Boden and Heidi Klein to offer a variety of coverage and cuts, from string bikinis and bandeaus to supportive bra tops with underwiring, higher waisted bottoms or something sportier for lengths across the lido.
When searching for a cover-up to wear with your chosen swimwear, look for pieces that can be repurposed for other occasions, and choose light fabrics such as cotton or linen that will easily roll up into a beach bag or tote. And though you may want to adhere to a tonal colour palette for a capsule wardrobe, clashing patterns is part of the fun.
Below, our edit of the most versatile cover-ups and the bikinis and swimsuits to wear them with this summer and beyond.
ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE.
Esther Coombes is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing luxury shopping content across fashion, beauty, travel and homes. She graduated from London College of Fashion with a First Class BA in Fashion Journalism in 2010, and has since worked at Marie-Claire, Easy Living, GLAMOUR and Women's Health.
She held positions as Senior Fashion and Beauty Executive, Senior Lifestyle Executive and Content Lead during her nine years at HELLO! and HELLO! Fashion, creating editorial and branded content across the lifestyle sector and interviewing talent and experts including Lisa Eldridge, Jo Malone and Katie Jane Hughes for print and digital features.
With exacting standards and a critical eye for editing new launches, she enjoys recommending readers best in class products and experiences, be that a glow-giving skin tint, a boutique hotel stay or the perfect slingback stiletto.
In her spare time you can find her at a spin or reformer class or streaming the latest zeitgeisty podcast or television drama. You can follow Esther on Instagram at @esthercoombes.
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Buzz Feed
7 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
54 Products That Are The Opposite Of Beige Energy
A set of limited-edition wildflower Band-Aids because summer is the season of scraped knees, and a fun floral bandage provides the quickest pain relief. That's science. I swear. Built's "Puff Protein Bars" that'll make you the envy of everybody on your commute to work when they see that *you* have a fun breakfast. Let me be the first to tell you, these things are too good for this world. I don't know how Built was able to pack chocolate-covered marshmallows with 17 grams of protein, but I'm glad the witchcraft worked because these are life-changing. A solar-powered glowing swan, durable enough to leave outside and charge up in the sun. After a day sunbathing, watch this turn into an ethereal creature when the stars come out. The Swan Princess *wishes* she were this cool. A very special rug so you can celebrate your love of Y2K cartoons the best way you know a hand-tufted SpongeBob and Patrick floor rug. This IS the best way to highlight your flawless taste. No ifs, ands, or ~butts~ about it. A Turmeric Overnight Wrapping Peel Off Mask (from viral K-Beauty brand Medicube) with such stellar results, it'll make you think this skincare deserves a Michelin star. Or three. They've whipped up a turmeric treat with a recipe of vitamin C, kojic acid, and collagen to brighten and even out your skin. Wear this at night and ~drumroll please~ PEEL it off in the morning. That sounds so satisfying. Delicious, even. A set of cowboy straw toppers, because there ain't no sharin' drinks around these parts. Prevent other cowpokes from sippin' your whisky (re: water bottle) and keep it fresh and germ-free with one of these useful caps. A foaming drain cleaner for folks who are desperately trying to convince themselves that chores are FUN. If you've got a sink or bathtub drain that is worryingly slow, this gentle *powerhouse* foam can pull up gunk and clean out pipes, helping prevent future buildup for quite a bit. That is, until you get bored and really wanna have some fun playing with foam again. A campfire fishing pole so you can ~fish~ for a laugh while cooking up dinner and dessert during a camping trip or bonfire night. A pair of Bottega Veneta-inspired pilot shield sunglasses with the style, weight, and teeny tiny attention to detail that makes them unnervingly close to the $699 version. Like, do we have to sell our souls along with that $15? Because I mean, even at that it. A Pop-Tart-inspired light switch cover that'll add a *pop* of personality to your place. If you want to make a room stand out, never skip the simple things! Light switch covers (THIS cute) make a massive difference. A Lego flower bouquet featuring a ton of different blooms for creative folks who love covering their home in handmade masterpieces. A tomato table lamp that's less than half the cost of the Urban Outfitters' version (which is always sold out), and reviewers think it's even better! This is sure to ~produce~ some smiles from everyone who sits in your living room! A stuffed olive doorknob for quirky souls who love covering their home in oddball accessories. Your house guests are gonna be all, "~Olive~ this idea!" whenever they open your cupboards. Of course they are. A microwavable manatee plush — you're sure to warm up to this little pal in an instant. Whether you're feeling freezy or aching from period pains, this *lavender-scented* critter is gonna be the solution. Just toss it into the microwave and then snuggle up! Aches, chills, and lack-of-a-manatee-friend loneliness are gonna be gone in an instant! A pickleball set with two paddles, two balls, a net bag, AND a Little Women-worthy pair of patterns so darn darling you may find yourself too dazzled to hit anything with them. The set works great for the game, but feel free to skip the exercise and just enjoy picnicking beside a beautiful pair of paddles. A *literal* butter blanket so buttery soft you just might find yourself turning the AC on a smidge too high simply as an excuse to cuddle up in this. As my grandmother always says (Hi, Grandma!), "Everything's better with butter." Including our bedding. A smooth edge can opener — a Shark Tank favorite that'll remove the entire top off of any can (it's got a universal fit!), helping you take your canned drinks to the next level this summer. Pop off the top of your Diet Coke and add in some ice cream, mixers, ice, or whatever else you have. Then safely sip away! I'm feeling refreshed just thinking about it. A hooded shark "blanket" (really just an oversized onesie) you can scoot on into when movie night calls for some AC and extra cozy attire. Honestly, now that you know this *treasure* exists, it'd be fishy if you didn't get it. It's gonna be dropping ~Jaws~ at your next BFF slumber party — there's no doubt about that! A book nook kit complete with motion-sensor LED lights that'll glow every time you pass by your bookshelf, creating an extra element of magic beside your impressive romantasy collection. The 3D puzzle is made of wood and includes dozens of flat sheets with images that'll need to be punched out, folded into shape, and then carefully pieced together to create the intricate space. And a bookshelf street sign, because it'd be a shame to only subtly display your faerie smut collection. Give them the respect they DESERVE! A shower lamp that, fair warning, somehow jumped into my own shopping cart of its own volition. This was designed by an aesthetic-saving ANGEL who clearly knows nothing ruins a soothing shower like overhead lighting. Every time you wash up with this on, you'll feel a *little bit* smarter than everyone else. At least, everyone who hasn't thought to get themselves a shower lamp yet. Is it in your cart yet? You better check. Enchanted Creatures — if you're already an Autumnalwood fan, you know how great this treat is gonna be. The storybook-like collection is filled with forestcore cuties like wizard frogs, traveling mushroom buds, flowers that are in looove, and a heckin' slew of other cuties. And if you weren't already aware of the illustrator, then welcome to the club. We're happy to have you. It's VERY happy on this side of the internet. A dino nugget pillow only for people who aren't too ~chicken~ to display some controversial fine art in their home. A silly snail soap dispenser — don't be sluggish about adding this ridiculous piece of home decor to your foyer because it'll convince your kids (and their germ-covered buddies) to keep their hands clean when they come inside. A pack of Zombie Plant seeds — this plant pretends to be "dead" when touched, folding into itself. 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Snif's Dead Dinosaur perfume for anyone who loves the smell of gas stations so much they dream of a world where they can shower under the gas nozzle like it's gosh darn body wash. This body spray really does have notes of gasoline along with pink pepper, ginger, cedar wood, and magnolia flower. A pretzel-making kit with bakers of all ages in mind (the illustrations are technically for kids, but we visual learners know they're just as useful for adults). The kit includes color-coded ingredients and step-by-step instructions so your stomach doesn't turn into nervous knots when you bake this impressive side dish for your friends. A windshield sunshade umbrella sure to keep your car a little cooler if it sits out in the sun all day. Plus, reviewers say the umbrella-like design is easier to use than accordion versions. Fortunately, all it takes to make your kids think your minivan is as cool as Lightning McQueen is a couple of googly eyes. A strawberry tea kettle that'll look ~berry~ cute on your stovetop. A shimmer chandelier made of iridescent tinsel — a flat-pack piece of decor you can whip out whenever you feel an impulse party coming on. Cryptid Construction Kit mangets that'll let you create some tiny creatures worthy of Big Foot's applause. A pack of 24 outlet decals — mischievous folks are gonna love spending some time "enhancing" the outlets around the house. A unicorn head squirrel feeder that'll make the squirrels in your yard look so laugh-out-loud funny you'll forgive them for constantly stealing the birdseed in your feeder (but hopefully this'll convince them to leave that alone too!). A Shrek face waffle maker — the only way this thing could be better is if Donkey himself were making these waffles in the morning. Eat these beside a parfait and you've got yourself the most delicious breakfast this side of the swamp. 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Toilet Paper Origami, a necessary purchase for anyone who appreciates how valuable TP can be, who wants to give those precious rolls the respect they deserve. A bunch of faux tulips (with over 18,000 5-star reviews!!!) that'll stay in bloom all year long, helping your bedroom look alive even if you don't have enough natural light to support the life of a real houseplant. A sheer linen panel — a sunny option for apartment dwellers who want to keep light in their apartment while blocking the view of the neighbor's bathroom window at the same time. A bouquet floor lamp, I positively guarantee all your ~buds~ are sure to be jealous of. A bestselling succulent sun catcher that's gonna make you thank the universe for the talented crafter in this world who has found a way to make glass beads this beautiful. If you'd like your bedroom to dazzle and delight, this is the decor for you! Gorgeous felt "tile" wall art — these customizable pieces are sound-dampening and pinnable (like cork board) to create decorated walls that have useful functions in your room. An abstract mushroom lamp that'll shine a light on your vivid, crayon-inspired color scheme brilliantly. A 36-piece set of sidewalk chalk, including 12 tie dye, 12 glitter, and 12 neon styles, so your kids can get their angst out by (legally) tagging your entire patio. There's nothing more gratifying than graffiti if it gets your kids outside for an hour. Waldorf woodland creatures — each open-ended shape is designed with holes that'll easily fit different twigs, stems, petals, and leaves you find while on nature walks. If you wanna spend more time outside but need a *purpose* to get yourself on a walk, creating tiny woodland creatures may be just the thing! A KitchenAid shaved ice attachment (you read that right!!) for giving your KitchenAid a new job when it's way too hot to be baking. 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Elle
8 hours ago
- Elle
10 Chic Swimwear And Cover-Up Combinations To Elevate Any Holiday Look
Holiday season is upon us, and whether you're journeying somewhere far-flung or enjoying a break closer to home, you'll likely be considering your summer wardrobe. And while swimwear is set to be your most worn piece, packing some clever cover-ups will multiply your outfit combinations – and save some much-needed space in your suitcase. From billowing shirts to sarongs and crochet dresses, a cover-up transforms your outfit from beach-appropriate to one suitable for the bar, restaurant, gallery or museum in an instant. And with some of our favourite brands offering an array of chic co-ords, linen separates, cotton dresses and tie-up skirts, there's a poolside styling solution to suit everyone. And from a practical perspective, a cover-up will offer much-needed shade in a heatwave, or add a layer of warmth once the sun has set and you've enjoyed a day at the beach, pool or pond. The Y2K revival has seen the humble sarong trend once again, while trouser and shirt co-ords can be mixed and matched while you're away and easily reworked into a workwear wardrobe once you're home. We're now spoilt for choice for swimwear labels, with the likes of Hunza G, Monday and Fruity Booty joining perennial favourites Marks & Spencer, Boden and Heidi Klein to offer a variety of coverage and cuts, from string bikinis and bandeaus to supportive bra tops with underwiring, higher waisted bottoms or something sportier for lengths across the lido. When searching for a cover-up to wear with your chosen swimwear, look for pieces that can be repurposed for other occasions, and choose light fabrics such as cotton or linen that will easily roll up into a beach bag or tote. And though you may want to adhere to a tonal colour palette for a capsule wardrobe, clashing patterns is part of the fun. Below, our edit of the most versatile cover-ups and the bikinis and swimsuits to wear them with this summer and beyond. ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers. For access to exclusive content, events, inspiring advice from our Editors and industry experts, as well the opportunity to meet designers, thought-leaders and stylists, become a member today HERE. Esther Coombes is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing luxury shopping content across fashion, beauty, travel and homes. She graduated from London College of Fashion with a First Class BA in Fashion Journalism in 2010, and has since worked at Marie-Claire, Easy Living, GLAMOUR and Women's Health. She held positions as Senior Fashion and Beauty Executive, Senior Lifestyle Executive and Content Lead during her nine years at HELLO! and HELLO! Fashion, creating editorial and branded content across the lifestyle sector and interviewing talent and experts including Lisa Eldridge, Jo Malone and Katie Jane Hughes for print and digital features. With exacting standards and a critical eye for editing new launches, she enjoys recommending readers best in class products and experiences, be that a glow-giving skin tint, a boutique hotel stay or the perfect slingback stiletto. In her spare time you can find her at a spin or reformer class or streaming the latest zeitgeisty podcast or television drama. You can follow Esther on Instagram at @esthercoombes.
Newsweek
11 hours ago
- Newsweek
Gen Z Escapes to the Past Through Y2K Music, Movies and Fashion
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek Illustration It's sometimes hard to believe that the turn of the millennium was a quarter of a century ago. In many ways, life felt vastly different back then—the internet was still in its relative infancy, phones were used to make calls, and X was just a letter in the alphabet. It was an age before smartphones and social media, the war on terror hadn't begun, and global economies were yet to be impacted by the financial crash. Those days feel worlds away and yet Y2K has made a resounding comeback among younger generations. Whether it's fashion, movies, TV or music, many people from Generation Z (those born between 1997 and 2012) are returning to that era and making it au courant once again. New installments of films like Happy Gilmore, Jurassic Park and Freaky Friday return this summer, as TV favorites like Friends and The O.C. attract younger viewers on streaming services. Atmosphere during Von Dutch Ranch 2025, presented by Tequila Don Julio on April 25, 2025 in Indio, California. Atmosphere during Von Dutch Ranch 2025, presented by Tequila Don Julio on April 25, 2025 in Indio, California. Tiffany Rose/Getty for Von Dutch & Tequila Don Julio Music from the era is seeping back into the mainstream as well, with Nirvana's You Know You're Right featuring in The Last of Us, British band Oasis playing reunion gigs to sold-out stadiums and American rock band Creed, whose hit "Higher" has become a favorite again at sporting events, headlining a Summer of '99 and Beyond Cruise concert series next spring. Fashion brands synonymous with the early 2000s—Von Dutch and Ed Hardy—have become staples again, butterfly hair clips and tiny sunglasses are must-haves, and colorful eyeshadow is back in. Even Tamagotchis—the pocket-sized digital pets of Y2K childhoods—are back, turning Gen Z backpacks and belt loops into nostalgic nods to the turn of the century. Riding the same wave, Britney Spears has found renewed popularity with Gen Z in recent years, culminating in May this year when The Singles Collection reached 200 weeks on the U.K. Albums Chart. Gen X may be a relatively small demographic, compared with the sizable populations of boomers and millennials, but the impact of this generation's heyday has captured the imaginations of Gen Z. Raven Baker, a social and community lead at Adolescent Content, who researches Gen Z habits, told Newsweek that for this generation that constantly lives in a digital world, there's something novel yet attainable about Y2K. "I think it's partly escapism as they can distract themselves from current woes, whether that's school, work, friendships or parents. It allows them to indulge in something that's so different from today," Baker said. Children show their "Tamagotchi" electronic pet on October 25, 2017 in Paris, France. Tamagotchi is a virtual electronic animal which means "cute little egg" and simulates the life of an animal. Twenty years after its... Children show their "Tamagotchi" electronic pet on October 25, 2017 in Paris, France. Tamagotchi is a virtual electronic animal which means "cute little egg" and simulates the life of an animal. Twenty years after its creation, the Japanese company Bandai reissues the famous limited edition toy that is available today in France. Tamagotchi will be available in the United States on November 5, 2017. More Chesnot/Getty Was Life Better Back Then? A report by the American Psychological Association found that young adults are overwhelmed by stress, with many claiming a much higher stress level than older generations. So is it any wonder they want to hark back to what seems like an easier time? It helps that many relics of that era are readily available, whether it's entire TV series on streaming platforms, or celebrity photos from back in the day going viral on TikTok. Lily Todos (@lilytodos) shares 2000s-inspired outfits and recreates iconic movie looks on the platform. Todos, 25, from the U.K., told Newsweek that throwback fashion has become a "form of escapism" for her because the world seemed like a "better place back then"— fashion styles were more varied, the quality was better and people were "living for real life," which created authenticity, Todos said. (L-R) Charli D'Amelio, Carrie Berk, Lilliana Ketchman, and Indi Star attend the Tamagotchi Uni Launch Party hosted by Charli D'Amelio on June 27, 2023 in New York City. (L-R) Charli D'Amelio, Carrie Berk, Lilliana Ketchman, and Indi Star attend the Tamagotchi Uni Launch Party hosted by Charli D'Amelio on June 27, 2023 in New York City. Theo Wargo/Getty Gen Z has grown up in an age of social media where every step they make is captured and shared for an audience. In Baker's view, they yearn for a time when people could make mistakes and experiment without the fear of going viral or, even worse, being canceled. "I think there's a desire to be uninhibited, to not feel judged, and to not have it recorded forever on someone's digital footprint," Baker said. "We're living in a surveillance era where even friends can monitor you and see what you're doing. If someone catches you doing something bad, the instinct is to post it online. Whereas people enjoy the early aughts because there was such a lack of that." As younger generations view Y2K through a media lens, it's easy to romanticize and perhaps sanitize those years. But it wasn't all low-rise jeans, jelly sandals and meeting for coffee at Central Perk. Ben Lisle, an associate professor of American studies at Colby College in Maine, is keen not to erase the difficulties of that time. He told Newsweek that viewing the early aughts as a golden age would mean "historical erasure" of what was happening. Before 2000, there was anticipation about what the turn of the millennium would bring, and while it gave way to technological advancements—the iPod in 2001 and Facebook in 2004—it was also a dark time for many. Lives were forever changed by the war on terror in the aftermath of 9/11, the devastation of the Indian Ocean tsunami in December 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005, before the global financial crisis from December 2007 led to the Great Recession. Lisle told Newsweek he is often "surprised at how little" his students know about such major historical events. Marina Riekkinen. Marina Riekkinen. Courtesy Marina Riekkinen For Lisle, this is an example of philosopher Fredric Jameson's concept of pastiche, referring to the imitation and mimicry that pays homage to bygone styles or language. Lisle argued that we've become somewhat detached from the past and our connection to it "has been transformed into hollowed-out stylization." What Does This Say About Today's Society? Like the generations who came before them, Gen Z are learning to navigate the world and trying to work out what future they want. But, unlike their predecessors, they're doing it in a time of information overload with the burden of social media and artificial intelligence. While health and financial issues are the top concerns for younger Americans, they are also grappling with personal safety, human rights, loneliness and climate change, with anxiety and depression some of the most prominent mental health issues, according to the National Institutes of Health. It doesn't get much better when looking ahead, either, as more than half of people think the American dream is no longer a possibility, according to an ABC/Ipsos poll. So, should we be surprised that young people spend so much time looking toward the past? Much of the research that Baker has done for Adolescent Content has shown that Gen Z has "heightened anxiety," causing a significant lack of confidence. Not being assured of who they are is what makes them retreat in time, Baker suggested. She told Newsweek: "This generation has always been online. They were iPad babies and then they had smartphones from a young age. Constantly being online causes a lack of self-confidence because they're always comparing to what someone else has. How can you ever ground yourself in true individuality if you're constantly questioning who you are?" Teenage girls sit on a bench in a city courtyard and use their smartphones. Autumn day. Teenage girls sit on a bench in a city courtyard and use their smartphones. Autumn day. iStock Editorial/Getty Despite the negative impacts, 36 percent of U.S. teens say they spend too much time on social media, and 54 percent say it would be hard to give up, the Pew Research Center reports. Not only has Gen Z grown up online, but they also came of age during a time of cancel culture. For Baker, this marks an important shift which instilled a fear among young people about being called out. "During the pandemic, when everyone was stuck inside watching people get called out, fired and tomatoed in the digital town square, it sent a clear message to Gen Z: Don't share your honest opinion and don't be transparent with strangers," Baker said. What's With the Fascination? Todos certainly isn't the only person who has cultivated a social media following by recreating styles from the 2000s. Indeed, the hashtag #y2k has more than 4.1 million posts on TikTok alone. What Todos loves so much about clothes from that time is the detailing (think glitter, beading and diamanté). She told Newsweek that she thinks people are looking for "more detail with their clothes" now, following years of minimalism. The resurgence of Y2K styles may not be all too surprising, however, as fashion historian and author Robert Ossant explains that trends often occur in 20-year cycles. What makes this trend so attainable is conceivably the recency bias, but also the parallels between then and now. Ossant told Newsweek: "The early 2000s was a period of optimism and anxiety around emerging technologies. Now, with AI, people are feeling the same—will technology boost careers or create a future where young people are surplus to requirement? The styles and anxieties are aligned. "All reemerging trends play on nostalgia, so younger generations look back on Y2K and idealize it. They might prefer that era to their own and try to inhabit it through their style," he continued. Ossant believes Y2K fashion originated with designer Marc Jacobs in 1992 at Perry Ellis. He championed youth style and was inspired by grunge. Before long, street fashion started to influence catwalks, as Ossant said he took youth culture "from fringe to mainstream." The 15th Delhi Queer Pride Parade celebrated the LGBTQIA+ community along Barakhamba Road to Jantar Mantar, with participants chanting for equality and same-sex marriage. The event featured a variety of traditional and creative costumes, fostering... The 15th Delhi Queer Pride Parade celebrated the LGBTQIA+ community along Barakhamba Road to Jantar Mantar, with participants chanting for equality and same-sex marriage. The event featured a variety of traditional and creative costumes, fostering a strong sense of spirit and solidarity. More Uma Shankar sharma/Getty It was no longer about what the wealthy were wearing. As the dynamic continued to evolve into the early aughts, fashion was all about what young people were gravitating toward. "The style was go big or go home—bold colors, big plastic watches, ballooning parachute pants with tube tops. They took up space and expressed supreme confidence," Ossant said. Now, brands like Von Dutch and Juicy Couture have reestablished themselves as fashion staples. Miss Sixty, known for capri pants and double denim, named supermodel Bella Hadid as the face of its spring/summer 2025 line, a big coup for a brand that seemed to have gone out of style. Ossant suggested Gen Z are using nostalgic fashion to send a message. "It's Gen Z demanding to be seen, and because they continue to feel ignored, they are embracing the loud Y2K styles," Ossant said. How Is Media Feeding This? Movies and TV shows are also providing Gen Z with iconic Y2K references that are still relevant today. Streaming platforms have introduced new audiences to old shows. Marina Riekkinen, 21, has been heavily influenced by TV shows Gossip Girl and Sex and The City from the 2000s, telling Newsweek that she loves how characters "had their own unique style" back then. Those shows may have ended, but Riekkinen often recreates outfits that will live long in the memory. Her TikTok page (@marinariekkinen) is filled with ensembles that Serena van der Woodsen would be proud of. "The Y2K era highlighted individuality, boldness and self-expression through fashion, and that's what resonates with me the most. It wasn't about fitting in—it was about standing out," the Finnish influencer said. Part of the shows' appeal is that young people can watch them and "shrug off the heaviness of today's world," according to entertainment journalist, pop culture expert and film critic Tatyana Arrington. Company of modern informal youth at the festival, couple of girls use phone, youth mob in big city. Company of modern informal youth at the festival, couple of girls use phone, youth mob in big city. iStock Editorial/Getty Much of the early 2000s holds a mirror up to Gen Z's reality, making it feel attainable and authentic. Arrington, from the U.S., said: "As they think that the world is so dark and there's so much hate, they want to find pockets of joy. They look at these TV shows and interpret that as the promised future that was supposed to be theirs, but it's not." She doesn't believe it's coincidence that Y2K is back in vogue. No, she thinks it's a direct response to "the seriousness of today." There's a desire among audiences to embrace the early 2000s, and that doesn't just come from older content but new productions too. At present, Netflix's most streamed English-language show is Wednesday, a show about the fictional gothic character Wednesday Addams who featured in the 1991 movie The Addams Family. In 2024, it was announced that the much-loved 2000 sitcom Malcolm in the Middle would be rebooted, and Freakier Friday, a sequel to 2003's Freaky Friday, is due to be released this summer. Anne Hathaway is also reprising one of her most iconic roles, Princess Mia, in The Princess Diaries 3, more than 20 years after the first installment. If that wasn't enough, fans of the 2004 hit series Desperate Housewives rejoiced at the recent announcement of a spinoff titled Wisteria Lane. Like many others, Arrington loves rewatching the classics and remembering "the good old days." They're comfort shows for a reason, and while Gen Z might not have been around back then, they can romanticize what it was like through these formats. "The Y2K era was fun, and it allows them to step into a world where they feel welcomed and accepted," Arrington told Newsweek. "That was a joyous time, and they're just trying to bring some of that into the world we live in today."
