14 iconic 2000s scene fashion staples you can still buy
With the 2000s music scene came a plethora of interesting fashion choices. From sideswept bangs to zip-up hoodies, we knew what the look was and how to make the most of it. We still have vivid memories of raiding Hot Topic every weekend to find the perfect item for our emo wardrobe.
While that era is long gone, with only the occasional guyliner remaining, we dug up some nostalgic items to add to your closet and recreate the iconic look.
1. Rubber bracelets – $8.49
These gummy rubber band bracelets and their vibrant counterparts were a lot of people’s first foray into scene style. Relatively inexpensive with the ability to go with anything, these bracelets were even sold at Walmart.
2. Suspenders – $2.29
Whether you have themed suspenders or just vibrantly colored ones, these items came back into style with a bang during the 2000s. Worn over the shoulders or hanging by your thighs, these fashion accessories were perfect to tie your outfit together. While you can get most colored suspenders at Hot Topic, these Misfit suspenders are still available.
3. Studded belts – $19
Were you even a real scene kid if you didn’t wear a studded belt? Even if you didn’t use it for its basic purpose, you probably still had one around your waist over your shirt at an awkward angle. Given its iconic simplicity, this is an easy throwback item you can add to your everyday wardrobe.
4. Leather bracelets – $10.99
Variations of leather bracelets were a must when it came to accessorizing an outfit. And the more you had on your wrist, the better. While studded and braided leather bracelets went out of style years ago, there are still some kits floating around online.
5. Striped/plaid pants — $39.50
We can’t really explain this one either. If you weren’t wearing your black skinny jeans, you were wearing some version of striped or plaid pants, usually black and white or with some mix of red or purple. For those of you wanting to make a bold fashion statement, both striped and plaid pants can be found.
6. Striped fingerless gloves – $6.95
Striped fingerless gloves were another affordable, easily available thing that emo kids adapted. A great way to stay warm in the winter and give yourself heat stroke in the summer, these gloves in their various colors are still available.
7. Wallet chains — $10.90
Another relatively cheap accessory with some functionality, this was a fashion essential. While you can pick up a cheap chain at your local store, Hot Topic sold colored chains at different measurements. And despite Hot Topic’s overhaul in recent years, this is one item they still carry.
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8. Black-and-white checkered shoelaces — $6.49
Why did we all suddenly think that black-and-white checkered patterns were cool? While you could get this pattern on pretty much anything, having it on your shoelaces or even your Vans was the way to go.
9. Buttons — $2
Our wardrobe was filled with these pinback buttons, and they were cheap and easily available. While pins are still available, finding one from our scene days might be a bit tough. Thankfully, you can also get cute custom pins online.
10. Invader Zim merch — $6.90 – 34.90
Everyone was obsessed with that lil green alien dude with anger issues. If you had some Invader Zim swag in your wardrobe, it gave you cool kid status—at least for our scene.
11. Sweatband wristbands – $9.99
The scene had an obsession with putting as many things on our wrist as we possibly could. It didn’t matter if we weren’t actually working out. We used sweatbands as bracelets and embraced it. Soon enough, bands made merch, and the rest is history. These are harder find lately, but you can still find very specific ones.
12. Tripp pants — $59.90
One could argue that Tripp pants were the essential item for your punk look in the 2000s. With wrap around belts, studs and often colorful strips of fabric, these were the tripping hazard we all wanted in our wardrobe. While it’s rare to see Tripp pants anywhere in public today, you can still track them down online.
13. Neon skinny jeans — $32
Obscenely bright colors went hand in hand with the neon pop-punk music we were all listening to in the mid-2000s. That’s why the neon pants in a multitude of colors were such a huge item back then. And if you’re ever feeling bold, you can still get them.
14. Shutter shades — $1.91
Who needs a proper line of vision when you can just look cool instead? These shutter shades were absolutely everywhere. Thankfully, you can still pick a pair up for your weekend festivities.
