Article by Kendall Darnell

Photos by Britney Spangenberg

Models: Kendall Darnell, Marie Reinbott

Barbie may have ruled the school back in the 2000s, but her fashion game and inclusivity were lacking. Picking up the slack in the form of crop tops, platform boots, and Hot Topic edginess with a more diverse cast were Bratz and Monster High dolls.

For those who listened to Fall Out Boy and whose parents didn’t think they were the spawn of Satan, Monster High dolls were everything we wanted to be. The most notable aspects of the aesthetic included chains, textures and patterns, knee high boots, and fun colored hair.

Bratz dolls, on the other hand, catered to the slightly more mainstream Y2K look. With low rise jeans, frosted makeup, tube tops, and the occasional messenger hat, Bratz dolls emulated what every Hollywood it-girl was being papped in.

It’s no coincidence that as Gen Z is establishing their style as teenagers and young adults, both doll lines from their childhood are experiencing revivals. Their resurgence has been a hit with the same generation who adored them as kids. 

Alt and Y2K are two of the biggest trends amongst the generation. Gen Z put their own spin on the original iterations of these styles. Today alt fashion staples are big boots, chains, and fishnets. Split dyed hair or chunky highlights and oversized eyeliner often complete the look. Meanwhile, the resurgence of Y2K is kicking high waisted bottoms to the curb. Things like wide legged pants, baby tees, and colorful accessories are commonly seen with this style. The trends have more crossover than you might think. Maximalism, chunky shoes, cropped tops, wide legged pants, and mini skirts are seen across the board.

The kids of the 2000’s style themselves just like the dolls they played dress-up with years ago, growing up into the cool girls they always wanted to look like. Not everyone could see themselves in Barbie, but Bratz and Monster High championed freedom of expression in every little kid who passed by them with starry eyes on the store shelf.