Fashion

The Absurd Things Celebrities Wore In 2002

by Miki Hayes

Celebrity fashion is always fun to follow. But as much as we might enjoy lusting after chic, designer outfits, sometimes it's even more fun to see all of those "what were they thinking?!" moments. And the only thing better than absurd things celebs wear now, is all of the absurd things celebs wore in 2002. For reference, 2002 was the year Spider-Man, Ice Age, and the second installments of The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, and Star Wars were released; Avril Lavigne hit the scene with "Complicated;" and Alicia Keys won "Best New Artist" at the Grammy's. Are we old? Because that year, and generally the late 1990s and early 2000s, were years of some seriously questionable fashion risks. And I don't know about you, but I remember them all too well.

All of the spaghetti straps, ridiculously low-rise jeans, whale tails, platform flip-flops, newsboy hats, and more that were willingly donned will never be forgotten— mostly because we can't afford for those trends to cycle back around (even if we can now wear them without having to get our parents' permission). So let's take a little scroll down memory lane and play Fashion Police, shall we? Here are 15 of our favorite celebs wearing some seriously questionable numbers from 2002.

1. Britney Spears' Newsboy Hats

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There is nothing OK about Britney's matchy-matchy newsboy cap, mini-dress, and knee-highs. And clearly Justin had not yet learned about the magic of an iron.

2. Destiny's Child's Laced Up Suede

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I won't lie: I had pants like Michelle's. But why did everything need to be laced up instead of properly sewn? And why did there have to be a yard of excess string hanging? Just, why?

3. Hilary Duff's Canadian Tuxedo

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I honestly can't tell if those star-shaped elbow patches are really cute or really offensive.

4. Alicia Keys' Leather Bustier

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As much as 2002-me loves that glitter eyeshadow and those flared sleeves, the leather bustier is just so out-of-place.

5. Jennifer Lopez's Nude Tracksuit

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Even though J.Lo can do no wrong, she did fall for the monochromatic tracksuit trend — complete with bedazzling and unnecessary zippers.

6. Christina Aguilera's Non-Shirt

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...At least she really committed to the whole "Dirrty" thing.

7. Alicia Silverstone's Scarf Shirt

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But Christina wasn't the only one who did the whole "a scarf is totally a shirt" thing.

8. Avril Lavigne's Tie

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I'll always give props to Avril for coming on the scene with a look all-her-own. But I can't get over those superfluous, oversized ties.

9. Pink's... Vest?

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Props to the DIY-er who made this outfit out of gauze.

10. Christina Applegate's Tunic

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Why oddly-proportioned dresses over jeans were a thing, I'll never know.

11. Brandy's Dress Over Pants

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Really...why was this a thing?

12. Heidi Klum's Red Leather Suit

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Because the best way to make sure your outfit matched, was to have everything made from the same material — shoes and clutch included.

13. Nelly Furtado's Disco Flares

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I spy some sort of flared, neon jumpsuit paired with a mesh top? But I'm not even mad because that neon eyeliner is everything.

14. Gwen Stefani's Multiple Crop Tops

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Yes, three crop tops were necessary.

15. Lil' Kim's Sexy Racing Gear

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Naturally, one pairs a cropped tuxedo shirt with a bejeweled belt.

But as hot as these outfits were in their time, perhaps they're best left in 2002.

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