High school is a time many teenagers begin to discover their identity, and fashion is a primary outlet for many students to express that newfound sense of self. At CHS, a variety of styles reflect the global renewal of early 2000s trends as well as student identity. 

Y2K styles of the 2000s have made a huge comeback in current trends, vaulting Nike Air Force One sneakers (AF1s) to a staple around campus. These shoes became key to hip hop fashion after American rapper, Nelly, released his hit song “Air Force Ones” in 2002, reaching number three on the US Billboard 100. 

“Nike AF1s have become so widely popular because they go with many different fashion styles and are one of the more affordable options when it comes to trendy sneakers,” said senior Keira Dodd.  

In addition to experimenting with trends, CHS students add a personal touch to their clothing choices. Senior Shylee Simon views her style as a reflection of how she feels internally, using fashion as a way to express herself and how her body is feeling through colors, effort, accessories and gender roles. Her favorite trend right now is platform or statement boots to spice up an outfit.

“[My style is] authentic rather than an external quality,” said Simon. “[I wear] what intuitively feels right.”

Like Simon, senior Chase Vanias appreciates fashion as a form of self-expression. He loves to experiment indiscriminately with new silhouettes, fits and colors.

“[My style is] very dynamic and doesn’t fit in one box,” said Vanias. “Some may view clothes as just cloth on our bodies, but I love to use them as a medium to express myself. Whether it be displaying my love for vibrant colors, earth tones, music, anime or designs, it can all be conveyed through what I wear each day.”

Chase’s favorite style is streetwear because of how it reflects his own cultural background. He is very strongly against the “frat boy” look.

“[Streetwear] really encompasses my African-American background [and] reflects well on myself and my own personal identity,” said Vanias. “[The ‘frat boy’ style] includes the most abhorrent salmon polos that remind you of Pepto Bismol, chino shorts that your mother would buy for you when you were six and the brown belt that is trying to escape from these horrendous outfits.”  

Vanias is also implementing Y2K-era trends into his closet.

“Although [Y2K has] definitely taken on its own form in the modern day, the bold and lively colors with the experimental silhouettes and accessories are something I try to incorporate in my own style,” said Vanias. 

Senior Hrefna Asgeirsdottir has changed her style over time but has remained consistent with either all black or all colors. Her style emphasizes oversized clothes, including oversized jeans, that she feels most comfortable in. She has also been inspired by the bold choices in clothing pieces of early 2000s celebrities.

“[My] favorite actors and celebrities were famous in the 2000s,” said Asgeirsdottir.

Asgeirsdottir appreciates the personalization that comes with new fashion trends and believes that any fashion trend that cannot include everyone is a failed trend. 

“I love when trends come about and people customize them to their own personality,” said Asgeirsdottir.

While Y2K has made quite a return, each student’s personalization of the trend and manner of self-expression is what creates a new fashion era this school year.