The years 2000 to 2010 – otherwise known as the “noughties” – seem like ages ago, and a trip down memory lane proves that this decade is truly a bygone era. Not only was it a spectacularly bad time for fashion thanks to Ed Hardy, low-rise everything, capri pants, and lots and lots of strange denim, but it was also a time when all of these tragic pieces ended up on the red carpet of all places.
Looking back at these relics of the past is both nostalgic and horrifying – mainly because we used to think these celebrities were really stylish and actually wanted to emulate them. What were we thinking? What were they thinking, for that matter?
Join us in reliving some of the most cringeworthy celebrity looks of the decade to make sure we aren’t doomed to repeat them.
What could be more “noughties” than this Barbie-pink velour tracksuit worn by Paris Hilton?
Back when #couplestylegoals meant shiny vinyl trousers and peach newsboy caps.
Does anyone have Sienna Miller’s number? We still have so many questions about this look.
Mariah Carey boldly embodies her song “Butterfly” in a themed top and low-rise jeans.
Should we talk about how misguided that cropped jacket is or just leave this one for future humans to baffle over?
We almost didn’t recognize the Disney-star-turned-pop-princess-turned-twerker-turned-California-songbird.
There are some familiar codes here, like the lace-up neckline details of Britney Spears’ top, but the rest of this look is as off-putting as Kevin Federline’s rap career.
While admittedly similar to Spears’ look, Jessica Alba’s baggy jeans introduced us to new levels of sartorial horror.
Here, we see Jessica Simpson in the traditional double fringed-denim look preferred by the early noughties’ native popstar species.
We actually count it as a blessing that Kim Kardashian’s style has evolved away from ensembles such as this.
The Simple Life stars Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie are really going the extra mile with these matching rust-washed denim suits.
When it comes to terrible noughties looks, Jennifer Lopez had us spoilt for choice. However, nothing could top this Puerto Rican flag crop top and suspenders combination.
Lindsay Lohan, one of the reigning queens of tragic noughties style, might just take home the prize for this velour tracksuit and knit scarf look.
The scarf-as-belt look has come a long way since Kelly Clarkson’s early American Idol days.
Mandy Moore really goes for it with a star-spangled tube top and matching hot-pink trousers, but we’re guessing she now wishes she hadn’t.
We’re so confused by ScarJo’s look here. Her hair says “1980s pack-a-day smoker who goes to motorcycle rallies on the weekends”, her shirt says “1960s California dreaming”, and her Ugg boots say “twee noughties celebrity”. At least her footwear got the era right.
