How Do You Y2K? From Gap to Tory Burch, Here’s What’s Trending Now

If you’ve ever watched the 90s blockbuster Reality Bites where Winona Ryder’s character Lelaina Pierce snootily declares "I'm not going to work at The Gap," while her roommate happily does, you may understand TikTok’s latest Y2K trend obsession: vintage Gap hoodies. But why on earth are they a must-have again? The movie, much like the trend, recalls those endless pre-tech days spent trying to figure out life dressed in grunge-era skirts or low-rise jeans and said hoodie with nowhere to be and nothing to scroll—and this is perhaps the real appeal behind the resurgence of this nostalgic Y2K trend. Because, for reasons no-one fully understands, TikTok posts featuring the #gaphoodies tag have garnered up 8.3 million views, and influencers like Ocean Lewis and Emma Chamberlain have been spotted donning the college-kid staple. But before you run off to your nearest store to grab one, take note: this time around a Gap hoodie is offering peak cool if you’ve scored a pre-owned find.

The good news? Snagging one is easy. Type ‘Gap Hoodie’ into the ModeSens search bar and select the ‘pre-owned’ drop down and you’ll discover a formerly owned forest green take for $83 (for context, this same hoodie costs $24.99 in stores, but then it’s new). Alternatively, you can invest in a Dapper Dan original for upwards of $150 or a logo-less Yeezy design for $140 on sale—but we digress.

If your Y2K trend obsession craves a bit more luxury, however, consider investing in a Tory Burch accessory instead. The iconic ‘Reva’ ballet flat was a perennial early 2000’s favorite and the label’s polished T-logo medallion made regular appearances in HBO Max’s original Gossip Girl series (a far cry from the relaxed grunge vibes of Reality Bites). Founded in 2004 in New York, Tory Burch is the ultimate label for the Y2K trend-obsessed and draws respect and nostalgia from influencers and Vogue editors, alike.

Gigi Hadid has stepped out in the updated Ballet Loafer (a hybrid of the two footwear silhouettes in its title), while former Vogue editor Liana Statenstein favors the Reva originals. And it’s not just about the shoes: Influencers, Shelcy and Christy behind @nycxclothes, have been toting her Lee Radziwill Double Bag, while content creator Alice Zielasko has been swinging a logo embossed bucket bag (side note: new or vintage, anything goes when it comes to Tory Burch). With their arresting colors, from lipstick red to sunshine yellow, it’s easy to pinpoint their appeal.

There’s an inherent optimism imbued in every design, making this an upbeat alternative to achieving the latest spin on a Y2K trend.