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In the early 2000s, a trip to the mall was a full-blown pastime. Chances are you’d head there with some close friends to enjoy food court catch-ups, people watching, and an impulse purchase (or two) from your favorite fashion brands. While for the most part, mall culture has changed, we do have some exciting news: Several of the most iconic mall brands have made a comeback in recent years alongside all of the resurgent Y2K fashion trends. Some have reimagined themselves while others are leaning into the nostalgia, but either way, you don’t have to look far when it comes to browsing your favorite. Read on for 10 of the most iconic Y2K mall brands to shop again today, complete with a few standout product picks.
About the Trend
Over the past few years, nostalgia for past eras—especially the ’90s and early aughts—has known no bounds. From denim on denim to ballet flats to the grunge aesthetic, countless trends have made a grand return, offering fresh takes on old favorites as we all style nostalgic pieces in new ways and take inspiration from past icons.
Amidst this climate, it’s no wonder that several of the most iconic Y2K mall brands have made a comeback, either leaning into the past or with a completely reimagined aesthetic. While many had struggled through recession and changing tastes, the zeitgeist is now embracing them again in full force. Labels including Victoria’s Secret and Delia’s have been working to recreate the magic that made them so popular in their original forms, while the likes of Abercrombie & Fitch and H&M have instead adapted their identities to changing times. The result is an eclectic mix of household names that truly has something for everyone. And while many of these stores are still at your local mall, you also can find their wares online, so it’s up to you whether you opt for a full experience or easy access.
Interested in bringing a 2000s flair to your style this season? Read on for 10 Y2K mall brands that have again found themselves at the center of fashion, ensuring you have plenty of options for all your needs.
10 Y2K Mall Brands to Shop Today
Abercrombie & Fitch
@abercrombie / Instagram
Before Y2K fashion even made a proper comeback, Abercrombie & Fitch quietly launched a rebrand that’s grown to impressive popularity for a new generation. Gone are the days of moose logos and in-mall models: The label has found new life in a plethora of standout basics with a playful twist, plus much more inclusive sizing. From bestselling tailoring to fresh takes on current trends (need a cardigan version of the tie-front Copenhagen top?) and even a wedding shop, the new Abercrombie has you covered for staples and statement pieces alike.
Victoria’s Secret
@victoriassecret / Instagram
Victoria’s Secret has done a lot of work in recent years to become more inclusive while still maintaining its signature sensual sparkle, and we’re seeing the most complete vision we have yet of the brand’s next era. The ever-popular VS Fashion Show just returned for the first time in six years with an all-star cast of models including Alex Consani, Paloma Elsesser, and Gigi Hadid, plus Sabrina Carpenter has been working with the brand to create many of her custom Short n’ Sweet tour looks. While time will tell how Victoria’s Secret’s presence continues to evolve, it’s clear that the fantasy isn’t dying any time soon.
Limited Too
@limitedtoo / Instagram
Raise your hand if you spent your formative years going to Limited Too and convincing your mom to buy you frog- and butterfly-adorned attire as well as the most random room decor and novelty items (same). In the wild card I wasn’t expecting, the iconic Y2K mall brand is back via Kohl’s—and while tweens were the focus of the initial relaunch, adult sizing is set to launch soon for everyone looking to tap into nostalgia. While you wait, the below accessories are available to help you get in on the fun.
Hollister
@hollister / Instagram
While Hollister has stayed a little closer to its roots than some of its overhauling counterparts, the brand has still been steadily adapting to appeal to a new generation. Current offerings are full of California-cool basics from sweaters to denim, plus plenty of modern graphics that make a playful statement without quite harkening back to the logo tees of the past. Altogether, it’s an impressive brand identity evolution that appeals to the coolest members of Gen-Z while maintaining the nostalgia factor.
Adidas
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Adidas has consistently remained a favorite athletic brand, but the brand’s signature track stripes and sneakers had a major moment in the early 2000s—and are doing so again two decades later. With dressed-up track pants taking over and Sambas as viral as ever, now is a great time to lean into the Adidas hype and stock up on both old and new favorites.
Claire’s
@ali.nicole / Instagram
It was a rite of passage in every Y2K-era childhood to take many trips to Claire’s, during which you’d likely take advantage of the brand’s “buy three, get three free”-type deals and head home with an armful of accessories. The iconic mall destination is now back in a major way, remaining a destination for statement-making jewelry just like in the past (yes, there’s even a Wicked collab) in addition to offering more minimal, high-quality options via its C.Luxe line.
Juicy Couture
@juicycouture / Instagram
It’s nearly impossible to think about Y2K style without velour Juicy Couture tracksuits (beloved by the likes of Paris Hilton and Mariah Carey) coming to mind. These bling-adorned sets have made a comeback and are available in a whole range of colorways—plus, the brand has nostalgic-meets-modern collaborations with the likes of Reebok and Athena Club.
H&M
@hm / Instagram
H&M is a rare Y2K mall brand to have kept its relevance pretty consistently over the subsequent decades, catering to changing tastes via designer collaborations, an elevated Studio collection, and a pre-owned selection in collaboration with ThredUp. Whether you’re looking for basics or a statement piece, H&M’s modern iteration manages to feel as curated as it is extensive, making it a solid choice for when budget is top of mind but you still want to shop with intention.
Delia’s
@delias / Instagram
Delia’s fashion catalogs—from the signature text to the models’ playful poses—were so iconic that old scans of the pages still make the rounds online. If you’ve been wanting to shop the brand’s chaotic cool-girl staples again, you’re in luck, as a selection of pieces are available through Dolls Kill. Whether you go grungy or soft, the collection will take you right back to your most carefree era.
Vera Bradley
@verabradley / Instagram
Everyone and their mother (literally) owned a Vera Bradley handbag in the early 2000s, and the brand recently debuted a relaunch to bring its iconic colorful philosophy into a new generation. The fresh vision is recognizably Vera Bradley, though decidedly updated—you’ll find modern versions of signature motifs as well as understated styles and bold accessories to fit every taste.