Y2K Barrettes Are The Biggest Hair Accessory Trend For Fall 2023

If you've been following the latest trends, you know that everything Y2K is seriously back in style. From Y2K-inspired charm necklaces to the infamous layered top, all the quirky fashion of the early '00s is hitting the streets once again, and we aren't mad about it. Maybe you've already incorporated some nostalgic styles into your streetwear, but even if you have, have you thought about taking your hairstyles back to the early aughts?

Hairstyles in the early '00s loved to exude a little bit of maximalist quirk. It wasn't uncommon to see hair being held together by some combination of colorful ties and clips that you probably bought at Hot Topic. Since we're giving our hairstyles a nostalgic twist, it only makes sense that we incorporate an iconic Y2K hair accessory: barrettes. Barrettes are back in all their glory, and while they're definitely being used to exude some retro glam, they're also being incorporated into more subtle styles to give them a modern twist. Whether you typically wear your hair down, braided, in a messy bun, or pinned back, you should definitely consider giving it an aughts touch with some of the era's best barrette styles. 

If you persistently sported the Barbiecore fashion trend after the release of the box office hit, you're far from alone — and you'll probably love this Y2K barrette style. Just grab a few hot pink barrettes and clip them in your hair to pin back your bangs, or purely for some decoration. These accessories make for an especially striking look if you're sporting Barbie-blond hair.

Have you been going wild trying to copy Lizzie McGuire's iconic Y2K hairstyles? If so, we hope you already have an array of small colorful claw clips in your collection of hair accessories. Use a rainbow array to pin back small sections of your hair for a style that screams effortless Y2K glam. 

If you're a minimalist at heart but you're still dying to capitalize on some barrette-inspired hairstyles, do yourself a favor and reach for your trusty claw clip. Though there are loads of easy claw clip styles to choose from, the above is one of our favs: Simply sweep back your locks and secure them to the back of your head with a claw clip. 

No, your barrettes don't always need to serve a purpose — it's perfectly okay to wear them just to accessorize. No matter what hairstyle you're rocking today, why not pin a couple barrettes on top of your head? The classic accessory can add some visual interest to your look, and it'll let everyone know you're down for a good time. 

Of course, we'd be remiss not to bring up one of the queen accessories of the early aughts: the classic butterfly clip. Colorful butterfly clips are a staple accessory for every gal thirsting after the Y2K aesthetic, and they can be used functionally or decoratively. Wear just one for a subtle nod to ages gone by, or deck yourself out in them if you're feeling particularly nostalgic. 

Don't be fooled — your Y2K-inspired hairstyle doesn't need to be ultra-colorful to get the message across. If your glam is more minimalist than anything, it may be a good idea to incorporate some nostalgic hair accessories in neutral colors. Gold and silver barrettes or butterfly clips can help you stay super on-trend while effortlessly complementing your minimalist appeal. 

Are you the type of girl whose go-to hairstyle utilizes quirky space buns? If so, it's easy to incorporate Y2K accessories into your favorite hairstyle. Simply grab a few of your favorite butterfly clips and pin them into your space buns. Will they help hold the buns together? Probably not, but they'll be cute nonetheless. 

Maybe you're a braids gal: You love to keep your locks secured away from your face, and braids are the easiest way to do it. We applaud you. The next time you're wanting to deck out your braids for an outdoor concert, give them a bit of a face lift with some shiny butterfly clips. 

Any gal with bangs knows that keeping them out of your eyes can be a daunting task. And coming up with a stylish way to do it sometimes seems impossible. If this is a problem you face on the daily, barrettes may be the perfect solution. Sure, you could grab barrettes in neutral colors so they blend in seamlessly, but why not use the opportunity to add some pops of color into your hair?

Believe it or not, there's an easy way to meld together quirky and glam aesthetic. The best way to do it with your hairstyle is to adopt hair accessories that are elegant but also stand out. Take the above hairstyle, for example: The pearl-sheen butterfly clips stand in stark contrast to dark hair, making them seriously noticeable without being too playful. 

Do simple barrettes and butterfly clips still seem a bit too mainstream for you? When this is the case, opt for a barrette in a shape other than the standard. We love how the gold star-shaped barrette in the photo above adds a perfect accent to the hairstyle without overwhelming it. Find silver or gold fun-shaped barrettes to add some playfulness to your otherwise elegant styles. 

If you're someone who prefers to stand out on the daily, you may be in the market for super bright and colorful hair accessories. Opt for barrettes in contrasting color to make your hairstyle the centerpiece of your look and, as always, feel free to use them either functionally or purely for decoration.