The early 2000s were not the best time for celebrity fashion. It was the era of the infamous denim duo made up of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake, and a time when newsboy caps of all hues and textures were considered the perfect cherry on top of a special occasion outfit. Also, fedoras were worn by both genders without irony.
In 2002, you could see the dreamiest heartthrobs wearing the same Claire's Accessories-inspired jewelry that every jerk in your grade rocked on a daily basis. And oh, the fringe. So much fringe. But there is comfort to be had by remembering the scary outfits of red carpets past — since you can hold your head up high, and say with confidence, "I look so much more fashionable than basically any movie star." Just mumble the, "...in 2002" part. Click ahead to cringe.
Selma Blair and Reese Witherspoon remind you there was a time when mixing and matching applied to the thickness of tank top straps.
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Kirsten Dunst rocking the "come hither in grandfather's sweater" look.
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Justin Timberlake reaches peak surfer vibe with manly chokers, and tops the outfit off with the hat you knit for your American Girl doll.
Photo: MATT BARON / BEI/REX Shutterstock.
Remember Britney Spears and her inept attempt to dress as a sexy law enforcement agent-old school elevator operator. Because when we forget, history can repeat itself.
Photo: ERIK C PENDZICH/REX Shutterstock.
Gwen Stefani always had a unique fashion sense, but even ska style can't support so many conflicting patterns.
Photo: Stewart Cook/REX Shutterstock.
That time Christina Aguilera wrapped her boobs in a skinny scarf.
Photo: ERIK C PENDZICH/REX Shutterstock.
Nicole Kidman in a newsboy cap and skinny scarf — in 2002, they simply could not be stopped.
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That silky sheet is attempting to consume Alicia Silverstone.
Photo: Stewart Cook/REX Shutterstock.
Ashton Kutcher is responsible for making trucker hats an acceptable accessory, and we should continue to hold that against him.
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When a simple canvas bucket hat wasn't enough, Alyson Hannigan knew the way to really hit peak 2002 style was to make said bucket hat fuzzy.
Photo: Peter Brooker/REX Shutterstock.
Alyssa Milano considered accessorizing with a poncho, but decided to go with the remains of a fishing net instead.
Photo: A RODRIGUEZ / BEI/REX Shutterstock.
Scarlett Johansson can't really be faulted for this quintessential 2002 outfit—basically every high school girl in America had it.
Photo: Matt Baron/BEI/REX Shutterstock.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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