7 Bags To Nail the Y2K Aesthetic

An exciting era where everyone was super future-focused, between the late 90s and early 2000s, style was all about coordinating a harmony of chrome, glitter, and bright, happy colors to create a look that was vibrant and edgy at the same time.

A touch of hyper-color glitz can pull an early 2000s look together, but if hot hues aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other millennial styles to channel including JanSport’s new tattoo-inspired prints—a nod to when Ed Hardy prints were a big deal. Here’s how to achieve Y2K vibes in your everyday look with a variety of versatile accessories from backpacks to fanny packs, and even lunch bags.

Hot Holographics

Have fun with the retro stylings of the Superbreak Plus with this holographic-inspired cow print, that feels like a futuristic throwback perfect for hitting that Y2K aesthetic. The purplish-white background works beautifully with the deep gem green of the cow spots. It’s also super practical too with its 15’’ padded laptop sleeve—something they didn’t need in Y2K, a water bottle pouch, and a front pocket with organizer panel.

Black, But Make It Iridescent 

If you’re looking for a more subtle yet equally impactful take on the trend, the psychedelic dotting of this Big Break Lunch Bag will give your outfit that little extra punch. With its mesmerizing night sky effect, the design is still trippy enough to dazzle onlookers, while not making vibrant color the main attraction. The Big Break Lunch Bag also has a great pocket on the front, perfect for stashing quick items that you may need to grab quickly.

Popping Pastels 

This Main Campus Backpack in Pastel Skyline looks like a big puffy cloud made of watercolors. Giving a nod to that Lisa Frank-inspired color palette, the swirling contrast of the deep pink and vibrant turquoise is brought out by a hint of yellow and is a perfect fit for any cheerful early-2000s inspired look. The Main Campus backpack itself is great for daily use with multiple compartments and compression straps on the side.

Tattoo Inspo

Channeling Y2K vibes doesn’t just have to be about mega-watt color splashes, it’s also about the style of the pack too and nothing speaks to the era more than the mini backpack—Clueless anyone? Score a two-in-one trend with this millennial mood tattoo-themed print Half Pint Mini Backpack. Super easy to stash your essentials in and head out the door, this one-compartment backpack will add a pop of cool to any look.

Flash Floral

Another tattoo-inspired bag, this Flash Floral pattern looks extra cute on the pint-size Lunch Break bag, which has an insulated interior to keep your food warm or cold, and an exterior pocket for utensils. The highly stylized roses look super classy and retro when set against the neutral cream-colored background.

Get Butterflies 

Butterflies were a super popular motif in the early 2000s, and perfectly encapsulate embracing the unapologetic femininity of the time. Fanny packs were also a big deal back then too so nail both trends with this Fifth Avenue Fanny Pack in the Pretty Wings print. Mostly black and gray, it’ll go with any look you put together, but the holographic blue and purple butterfly decal provide enough statement to let everyone know you’re throwing it back to the early 2000s.

Pretty In Pink

If you need a backpack to fit an active lifestyle, but still want to feel like a pop star, the Ski N Hike backpack is where it’s at in Vintage Pink. In a desaturated bubble gum pink, the red zipper adds an eye-catching color clash in all the right ways. And, the statement, unconventional shape of the backpack with its wide, square bottom and narrow, rounded top, also gives it a unique futuristic feel.

What’s your Y2K style vibe? We want to see! Tag us on social media with #LifeUnzipped