The Best Y2K Outfits Paris Hilton Rocked In The 2000s
No one did kitschy yet stunning early-aughts fashion quite like Paris Hilton. The reality television star turned DJ was one of the most iconic fashionistas of the era, and her Y2K looks have actually aged incredibly well. In fact — and thanks to the resurgence of many 2000s trends — the star's funky and colorful outfits are once again in the spotlight.
"I love it because I just feel so proud that all my looks are just being (praised). Every time I go to fashion shows or talk to designers, my pictures are all over the mood board and people are so inspired," the star told Today in 2023. "This was back when I had no stylist or anything. I was literally buying my own looks, putting them together." Hilton went on to add that she's "always been ahead of my time" and loves being called "the 'Queen of 2000s.'"
From Juicy Couture tracksuits to bedazzled halter dresses, Hilton has always been known for having fun with fashion, showing everyone that bold colors and unusual silhouettes shouldn't be feared. And while Hilton truly has a plethora of stunning Y2K looks to choose from, some do stand a bit taller than the rest. Here are our favorites.
Nothing screams 'Y2K' more than a halter top and a baguette shoulder bag
One of the "Cooking with Paris" star's most iconic Y2K looks is her 2002 MTV Video Music Awards 'fit. For the event, she rocked an all-pink look in true Paris Hilton fashion. "Pink is obviously my favorite color," Paris told The Spruce a decade later, but this definitely came as no surprise. For the VMAs, Hilton went with a halter top embellished with flowers and an asymmetrical wrap skirt. Of course, since it was the 2000s, a small shoulder bag was a must as well.
Paris Hilton served early-aughts realness with a silk dress and black smokey eyes
For the 2001 VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards, Paris Hilton decided to go with a timeless look: a red silk gown. The "The Simple Life" star attended the event alongside her sister, Nicky Rothschild, and both ladies wore designs by Marc Bouwer. While the gown Hilton rocked is classic fashion, the way she accessorized it with a chunky, bedazzled choker and edge, unblended smoky eyes (another 2000s staple) screams "Y2K."
Paris Hilton giving us '70s gliz in a Y2K way is more than we could ever ask for
Paris Hilton rocked an unexpected look at the 2004 Teen Choice Awards, where she seemed to channel her inner Farrah Fawcett with a '70s blowout. In addition to her huge hair, the "Paris in Love" star rocked a flowy Jennifer Nicholson dress that looked like a million dollars. Ultimately, the entire look gave a retro vibe in a very Y2K way wasn't something we expected of Hilton at the time, but it simply worked.
Paris Hilton is one of the few stars who could pull off a metallic dress with a fluffy bag
Shiny and silky, metallic-like materials were a major part of the early aughts, as slightly futuristic looks were huge. Case in point: For an after-party to celebrate the 2003 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Paris Hilton decided to go all out in a stunning, floor-length halter dress that simply looked cool, even though it was slightly wrinkled. She paired the dress with her favorite bedazzled cross necklace and a funky and fluffy pink bag that reminds us just how fun the early aughts actually were.
Paris Hilton also knew how to serve pure glizour
Even though Paris Hilton has been known for her quirky and fun Y2K looks, even back in the early aughts, she knew how to look glizorous if the occasion called for it. At the 2004 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, Hilton showed up in a dark-gray, floor-length gown with stunning gold embellishments. The "Paris Hilton's My New BFF" personality paired the gown with long straight hair, chandelier earrings, and a simple black bag for a chic and sophisticated — yet still very Paris Hilton — look.
Paris Hilton rocking a Paris Hilton tee is so meta that we had to include it
Paris Hilton's more casual 2000s looks were just as iconic as her red-carpet attire. In fact, we can't think of many who could pull off a T-shirt with their face on it quite like Hilton. At New York Fashion Week in 2005, the reality star rocked a pink tee like that, and she effortlessly paired it with a denim miniskirt, a pink zip-up hoodie, and flashy, eye-catching accessories.
Paris Hilton's 21st birthday chainmail dress is definitely one of her most iconic early aughts looks
No list of Paris Hilton's best Y2K fashion moments could ever be complete without the iconic Julien Macdonald chainmail dress she rocked to one of her 21st birthday bashes in 2002 (yes, you read that right — the star had multiple celebrations). Hilton paired the dress with a matching choker and a sultry smokey eye, showcasing just how ready she was to celebrate being of legal drinking age.