Britney Spears’ 2001 AMA performance
Dave Hogan/Getty Images
Perhaps one of the most iconic performances of the early 2000s was when Britney Spears sang and danced with a live snake. You can pull off a Halloween costume sans the real reptile; don’t worry! A white tank top and short shorts plus a fake Burmese python ought to convey the feeling of arguably the pop star’s most memorable moment on stage — unless you count the disaster that was “Gimme More” at the 2019 VMAs.
Juicy Couture Tracksuits
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Juicy Couture (@juicycouture)
When Amy Poehler wore a Juicy Couture tracksuit in the 2004 film “Mean Girls,” we loved the ironic nod to the outfit of the moment, given that her character, Mrs. George, desperately wanted to be more like her daughter Regina and her friends. Even though this ensemble is back and bigger than ever almost 20 years later, the look would still make for the perfect 2000s-inspired Halloween costume (via Harper’s Bazaar).
‘Alias’
YouTube
When many of us first fell in love with Jennifer Garner, she was playing Sydney Bristow on “Alias.” Until we get a definite green light on a reboot, which the actress said she was game for, pay homage to one of the greatest TV characters from the early 2000s on Halloween (via People). Try donning a red wig and an all-black outfit and maybe some boots capable of kicking some serious butt — in theory of course.
Paris Hilton
Dave Benett/Getty Images
As W Magazine reports, decades after reality star Paris Hilton celebrate her 21st birthday in 2002, “The Simple Life” star’s ensemble still has us talking. The skimpy, chainmail frock was designed by Julien Macdonald and was paired with an equally-flashy choker and strappy shoes. The look is easy to duplicate for a Halloween costume. In fact, her sister Nicky dressed up like Paris for Halloween in 2018 (via Harper’s Bazaar).
‘Lady Mamalade’
Christina Aguilera was feuding with Pink the whole time, but we still adore the song “Lady Marmalade,” which paired those two powerhouse pop stars with Mya and Lil’ Kim. If you too know every word of this song, which came out in 2001 (yeah we can’t believe it was that long ago either), go can-can this Halloween. Watch the video for inspiration and because it still holds up 20-plus years later.
Green Day
Fox/Getty Images
“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” came out in 2004, off the band’s album “American Idiot” (via Ultimate Classic Rock). Bring punk rock back this Halloween and go a little Billie Joe Armstrong. Spiked hair, eyeliner and an all-black ensemble (bonus points for skinny jeans) add up to a nostalgic costume your friends will love.
‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Remember when Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston were married? Yeah, it seems like a vague memory to us as well. Meanwhile, a “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” costume is so 2005, when the movie debuted, as did Pitt’s insta-relationship with Angelina Jolie. A buzzcut and a smart suit transforms you into Mr. Smith, while a sleek black evening dress is what Mrs. Smith was most associated with. Don’t forget the smoky eye makeup!
Everett Collection/Shutterstock
By Melissa Willets/Sept. 26, 2022 7:37 pm EST
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. The 2000s weren’t that long ago, and yet, many of the pop culture moments from the early years after the turn of the century already seem iconic. From Britney Spears’ unforgettable moment performing live with a, gulp, snake, to Jennifer Garner’s inspiring turn as Sydney Bristow on “Alias,” we heart eyes this decade.
Halloween offers up the perfect opportunity to pay tribute to the most quintessentially-2000s pop culture phenomena, like when Brad Pitt ditched Jennifer Aniston for Angelina Jolie, and how Paris Hilton was far more obsession-worthy than Kim, um, who?
We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.
Halloween offers up the perfect opportunity to pay tribute to the most quintessentially-2000s pop culture phenomena, like when Brad Pitt ditched Jennifer Aniston for Angelina Jolie, and how Paris Hilton was far more obsession-worthy than Kim, um, who?
Britney Spears’ 2001 AMA performance
Dave Hogan/Getty Images
Perhaps one of the most iconic performances of the early 2000s was when Britney Spears sang and danced with a live snake. You can pull off a Halloween costume sans the real reptile; don’t worry! A white tank top and short shorts plus a fake Burmese python ought to convey the feeling of arguably the pop star’s most memorable moment on stage — unless you count the disaster that was “Gimme More” at the 2019 VMAs.
‘Twilight’
YouTube
Juicy Couture Tracksuits
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Juicy Couture (@juicycouture)
When Amy Poehler wore a Juicy Couture tracksuit in the 2004 film “Mean Girls,” we loved the ironic nod to the outfit of the moment, given that her character, Mrs. George, desperately wanted to be more like her daughter Regina and her friends. Even though this ensemble is back and bigger than ever almost 20 years later, the look would still make for the perfect 2000s-inspired Halloween costume (via Harper’s Bazaar).
A post shared by Juicy Couture (@juicycouture)
View this post on Instagram
View this post on Instagram
‘Alias’
When many of us first fell in love with Jennifer Garner, she was playing Sydney Bristow on “Alias.” Until we get a definite green light on a reboot, which the actress said she was game for, pay homage to one of the greatest TV characters from the early 2000s on Halloween (via People). Try donning a red wig and an all-black outfit and maybe some boots capable of kicking some serious butt — in theory of course.
Paris Hilton
Dave Benett/Getty Images
As W Magazine reports, decades after reality star Paris Hilton celebrate her 21st birthday in 2002, “The Simple Life” star’s ensemble still has us talking. The skimpy, chainmail frock was designed by Julien Macdonald and was paired with an equally-flashy choker and strappy shoes. The look is easy to duplicate for a Halloween costume. In fact, her sister Nicky dressed up like Paris for Halloween in 2018 (via Harper’s Bazaar).
‘Bring It On’
Jennifer Lopez’s Versace dress
‘Lady Mamalade’
Christina Aguilera was feuding with Pink the whole time, but we still adore the song “Lady Marmalade,” which paired those two powerhouse pop stars with Mya and Lil’ Kim. If you too know every word of this song, which came out in 2001 (yeah we can’t believe it was that long ago either), go can-can this Halloween. Watch the video for inspiration and because it still holds up 20-plus years later.
Green Day
Fox/Getty Images
“Boulevard of Broken Dreams” came out in 2004, off the band’s album “American Idiot” (via Ultimate Classic Rock). Bring punk rock back this Halloween and go a little Billie Joe Armstrong. Spiked hair, eyeliner and an all-black ensemble (bonus points for skinny jeans) add up to a nostalgic costume your friends will love.
‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Remember when Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston were married? Yeah, it seems like a vague memory to us as well. Meanwhile, a “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” costume is so 2005, when the movie debuted, as did Pitt’s insta-relationship with Angelina Jolie. A buzzcut and a smart suit transforms you into Mr. Smith, while a sleek black evening dress is what Mrs. Smith was most associated with. Don’t forget the smoky eye makeup!