Are you ready for a fashion ‘meet cute’? This year we’re romanticizing our closets with slip dresses, tube tops, cargo pants and claw clips. All inspired by our favorite romantic comedies from the 2000s. Pinterest alone has seen a 235% increase in searches for ‘2000s girl’, and ‘Romantic Comedy Outfit Inspiration’, 2023s newest fashion trend. Let’s jump right into this RomCom Core trend.

From the quirky charm of “Legally Blonde” to the classic love story of “The Notebook”, the fashion of these 2000’s romantic comedies is just as memorable as the films themselves. One of the defining trends of the 2000’s was the rise of the “boho-chic” style which was heavily influenced by the hippie and bohemian movements of the 1960s and 1970s. This style was prominently featured in films like “Bridget Jones’s Diary” and “Elizabethtown” with oversized sunglasses, chunky jewelry and flowing, feminine dresses. 

But the real look we’re going for this year with RomCom Core is an updated modern “girl-next-door” look. This was characterized by more simple and casual outfits and popularized by films like “13 Going on 30” and “The Holiday”. 

And of course, some of our absolute favorite looks from films like “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” and “Legally Blonde” where the main characters are dressed in fun and quirky outfits to perfectly match their personalities. 

Are you ready to find your ‘main character’ energy? I’m going to help you put together your closet with essentials for RomCom Core and help you find Romantic Comedy outfit inspiration. 

RomCom Fashion

1. Plaid Skirts

We have Gretchen Weiner as inspiration for this emerging trend. She rocked the plaid mini skirt look on more than one occasion in Mean Girls and this iconic look is definitely a staple for your 2000s RomCom Core closet. 

Plaid skirts are great because you can wear them all year round. I usually wear them most in the fall and winter. But there are a ton of options for the spring and summer.

2. Cargo Pants

We’ve already seen a huge increase in low rise jeans coming into play and that trend has brought with it the rise in cargo pants. Cargo pants are a style that 2000s celebrities wore often, and it’s coming back. 

I used to wear cargo pants in the 2000’s and I’m happy to see the trend coming back because it is one I definitely am hopping on.

3. Slip Dresses

One of the most beloved RomComs of the 2000s is definitely 13 Going on 30. A film with so many iconic looks. One thing featured in a lot of Jenna Rink’s outfits was silk slip dresses. We saw these everywhere in the RomComs of the 2000’s – with 13 Going on 30, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and Failure to Launch. But the most iconic is Jenna’s Versace number that she wears to her 80’s themed party. I don’t know about the 80s, but this dress just screams 2000s. 

For an updated slip dress look, my absolute favorite slip dress is from ASTR the Label.  I have the Gaia dress in multiple colors. I have worn them to brunch, weddings, date nights.

4. Tube Tops

Along with low rise jeans, tube tops have been coming back into fashion for a couple of years now. And, they’re an essential part of our 2000s RomCom core. They’re a big player in the simple yet girly “girl next door” look that we know and love. 

This is also an absolute must have for the summer. I often take long walks on the beach when I’m on vacation or even just around my neighborhood. Tube tops are excellent for a casual outfit that won’t give you those pesky tan lines.

5. Snakeskin pants

Snakeskin pants are a bold statement. It may be intimidating to wear but done right, they can look very elegant. Personally, when wearing a snake print pant, I will usually keep everything else simple from the hair, to the bag, to the accessories. That way, the focus is on the pant.

Now, we’re going to wrap up this post with a couple of accessories you need to recreate your favorite Romantic Comedy Outfits. 

RomCom Core Trend: Accessories

6. Hair Clips

The casual girl next door always seems to have her hair pulled back in the perfect claw clip. These clips are great for when you don’t feel like doing your hair but want to look chic.

7. Bold Belts

The 2000s RomComs were full of iconic and over the top belts. From studs to rhinestones, if you’re going for a truly 2000s RomCom core, a bold belt is most definitely an accessory to go for.

While the fashion in 2000s romantic comedies was diverse and varied, one thing that remained consistent was the emphasis on character development and personal expression through fashion. The fashion choices in these films were carefully crafted to reflect the characters’ personalities and the themes of the films themselves.

I never thought I’d see the day where 2000s RomCom Core was becoming the fashion! How will you put your spin on these iconic looks? Follow along on Pinterest where I’ll be sharing more style inspo for this RomCom Core trend. 

Want more iconic trends for 2023? Check out the latest obsession: Fringe Dresses! In this post, I’ve rounded up fringe for every occasion and every budget.