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Fashion

The Micro-Mini Skirt Was A Celebrity Favorite In The Early 2000s

Another Y2K fashion revival is underway.

by India Roby
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

The early 2000s is steadily making its return into our closets and wish lists, and similar to the comeback of Balenciaga’s coveted City Bag, it was only a matter of time before we saw the rise of the micro-mini skirt once again, with its revival better than ever.

The mini skirt first gained popularity during the late ’60s and ’70s as a “risqué” garment that defied societal norms at the time, and the garment got even shorter by the early aughts. The carefree attitude of the noughties birthed some of the most experimental trends in fashion history, with an overflow of excess leg and midriff exposure dominating pop culture.

For instance, Christina Aguilera’s look at the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards made a major fashion statement when she donned a micro-mini skirt paired with a scarf-like halter top. Britney Spears was also known for sporting the super tiny skirt during the early 2000s both on stage and on the red carpet. Plus, we can’t forget some of the biggest reality television stars of that era, including Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie, who both were often seen wearing the micro-mini skirt, especially on The Simple Life.

As revenge shopping and going-out fashion continues to rise, we’ve also been ditching our comfy sweats and cozy silhouettes for all things skin-baring and ultra-mini. Most recently, the micro-mini skirt has emerged on the catwalks, as seen from luxury fashion houses like Miu Miu and Blumarine, as well as on some of our favorite stylish celebrities, including Bella Hadid, Rihanna, Willow Smith, Megan Fox, and more.

If you’re looking for some fashion inspiration from the past to help inform your future micro-mini skirt purchase, see how our favorite stars wore the early-2000s trend back in the day, ahead.

Jessica Simpson, 2000

Jessica Simpson during 2000 U.S. Open - Arthur Ashe Kids Day - August 26, 2006 at USTA National Tenn...
KMazur/WireImage/Getty Images

Right at the start of the decade, singer and then-reality star Jessica Simpson arrived at the 2000 U.S. Open in a blue studded micro-mini skirt, which she paired with a white tank and white knee-high boots.

Devon Aoki, 2000

(Original Caption) Devon Aoki. (Photo by Steve Azzara/Corbis via Getty Images)
Steve Azzara/Corbis Entertainment/Getty Images

Supermodel Devon Aoki was spotted in an ultra-short leather skirt with a yellow short sleeve top and metallic sandals.

Eve, 2001

Eve during The Event To Prevent: A Benefit Concert to Launch The Candie's Foundation at Roseland Bal...
KMazur/WireImage/Getty Images

Eve wore the micro-mini skirt in 2001 along with a leather short-sleeve jacket, a white asymmetrical top, and patterned gladiator sandals.

Paris Hilton, 2001

384788 04: Model Paris Hilton arrives for a party January 24, 2001 at the Sundance Film Festival in ...
Michael Smith/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

It isn’t an early-2000s throwback without Paris Hilton. The model and television personality arrived at the Sundance Film Festival donning a plaid mini skirt with slits on the side. She paired the style with a black jacket, a baby tee, fishnets, platform shoes, and leg warmers.

Halle Berry, 2001

Halle Berry (Photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage)
Jim Spellman/WireImage/Getty Images

The micro-mini skirt was seen on actress Halle Berry back in 2001, with a matching top, dazzling belt at the waist, strappy heels, and a jacket.

Mary J. Blige, 2001

MTV EUROPE MUSIC AWARDS 2001 (Photo by Stephane Cardinale/Sygma via Getty Images)
Stephane Cardinale - Corbis/Sygma/Getty Images

Mary J. Blige rocked the micro-mini skirt trend, too, as she wore a leather corseted top with a black long sleeve top underneath, fishnets, and thigh-high boots to the 2001 MTV EMAs.

Tara Reid, 2001

Tara Reid during 2001 MTV Movie Awards - Backstage at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, ...
KMazur/WireImage/Getty Images

American Pie star Tara Reid wore a shiny black micro-mini skirt with a draped halter top adorned and platform sandals at the 2001 MTV Movie Awards.

Brittany Murphy, 2002

Brittany Murphy (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage)
Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage/Getty Images

Actress Brittany Murphy shined in a silk embellished mini skirt with a cropped tank, velour jacket, and gold sandals.

Christina Aguilera, 2002

Christina Aguilera (Photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage)
Jim Spellman/WireImage/Getty Images

In 2002, Christina Aguilera made VMAs red carpet history when she paired a wrap-around halter top with a sightly distressed low-waisted denim skirt, pointed boots, and a slouchy white hat.

Christina Aguilera during Motorola Hosts Fourth Annual Holiday Party - Arrivals at The Lot in Hollyw...
Christopher Polk/FilmMagic/Getty Images

The pop star was also seen rocking the micro-mini skirt while attending Motorola’s holiday party in Hollywood, wearing a black version with zippers and chains, along with a green sleeveless top, sporty socks, and heeled boots.

Christina Aguilera during Maxim Hot 100 Party - Arrivals at Yamashiro in Hollywood, California, Unit...
Michael Caulfield Archive/WireImage/Getty Images

Continuing her mini-skirt streak in 2002, Aguilera attended a Maxim party wearing a denim mini with a red cutout top and black leather jacket.

Paris & Nicky Hilton, 2003

HOLLYWOOD - JANUARY 13:  Model Paris Hilton and her sister Nicky attend the 2003 Teen People and Uni...
Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

The Hilton sisters dominated the early 2000s, especially when it comes to fashion. In 2003, the duo were seen on the red carpet rocking micro-mini skirts paired with black mesh tops and strappy sandals.

Kelly Rowland, 2003

Kelly Rowland during Kelly Rowland, Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson Visit MTV's "TRL" - February 5, 2003...
Theo Wargo/WireImage/Getty Images

During her appearance for MTV's TRL in 2003, Destiny Child’s Kelly Rowland was seen wearing a denim mini skirt with a frayed hem. She also wore a see-through black top and pointed black boots.

Ashanti, 2003

Ashanti (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage)
Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage/Getty Images

R&B singer Ashanti was spotted on the red carpet in 2003 donning a glittery micro-mini skirt, which she paired with a black blouse showing off her midriff and bejeweled white sandals.

Cindy Crawford, 2003

Cindy Crawford at the party for the launch of CIROC Vodka. (Photo by L. Cohen/WireImage)
L. Cohen/WireImage/Getty Images

Supermodel Cindy Crawford was undoubtedly one of the biggest trendsetters of this era. In 2003, she was seen wearing an embroidered denim mini skirt with a leather brown jacket, a white top, and brown pointed boots.

Kate Moss, 2003

LONDON -  APRIL 30:  Kate Moss attends the "White Tea And Diamonds Party" at Claridges on April 30, ...
Dave Benett/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Kate Moss looked casual yet chic at a party in London back in 2003, as the supermodel was seen wearing a long-sleeve top with a mini black skirt and white heels.

Christina Milian, 2003

Christina Milian during "The Matrix Reloaded" Premiere at Mann Village Theatre in Westwood, Californ...
Gregg DeGuire/WireImage/Getty Images

In 2003, performer Christina Milian attended The Matrix Reloaded premiere in a bleached denim mini skirt, paired with a sheer white blouse and pointed blue heels.

Britney Spears, 2003

Britney Spears during MTV Bash - Carson Daly at Hollywood Palladium in Hollywood, California, United...
Christopher Polk/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Britney Spears has always experimented with fun looks. The pop star attended a 2003 MTV Bash event in a black micro-mini skirt, which she paired with a cropped white tee, pop-art leggings, and black kitten heels. She also accessorized with a fedora hat and a white bowtie.

Gisele Bündchen, 2003

Gisele Bundchen (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage)
Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage/Getty Images

Supermodel Gisele Bündchen was seen on the red carpet back in 2003 donning a mint green mini skirt, along with a crystal embellished asymmetrical top and strappy metallic heels.

Venus & Serena Williams, 2003

Venus Williams and Serena Williams during 2003 MTV Video Music Awards - Arrivals at Radio City Music...
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Tennis champs Venus and Serena Williams essentially birthed the tenniscore trend even in 2003, wearing pleated micro-mini skirts with their pink and black tops, with Serena in sneakers and Venus in heels.

Pamela Anderson, 2003

Pamela Anderson (Photo by Gregory Pace/FilmMagic)
Gregory Pace/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Baywatch star Pamela Anderson wore a black leather mini skirt on the red carpet in 2003, with a white tank and pointed black heels.

Monica, 2003

SANTA MONICA, CA - NOVEMBER 20:  Singer Monica attends the Vibe Awards:  Beats, Style, Flavor at the...
Vince Bucci/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Monica opted for a denim mini skirt at the 2003 Vibe Awards, pairing the micro style with a sheer tank, fur-and-leather jacket, and thigh-high boots.

Mya, 2003

Mya during Mya Visits MTV's "TRL" to Promote Her New Record "Mood Ring" - July 22, 2003 at MTV Studi...
Theo Wargo/WireImage/Getty Images

While visiting TRL to promote her album Mood Ring in 2003, singer Mya wore a statement tank with a hot pink plaid skirt and silver pumps.

Scarlett Johansson, 2003

Scarlett Johansson (Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage for FHM Magazine - USA)
Gregg DeGuire/WireImage/Getty Images

At an FHM Magazine in 2003, Johansson wore the ultimate indie sleaze look with an upcycled top, denim mini skirt, and colored toe-cap heels.

Mischa Barton, 2003

Mischa Barton at the Hermosa Beach Pier / Sharkeez Bar in Hermosa Beach, Ca (Photo by Ray Mickshaw/W...
Ray Mickshaw/WireImage/Getty Images

Actress Mischa Barton was spotted in a very OC-inspired look, wearing a denim mini skirt with a scallop white top and mint green sandals.

Mischa Barton during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2004 - Anna Sui - Front Row at Bryant Park in...
Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage/Getty Images

For a front-row appearance at New York Fashion Week, Barton wore a dressier, suit-inspired mini skirt paired with a boatneck sweater and silver heels.

Raven-Symoné, 2003

Raven-Symone during 2003 Teen Choice Awards - Arrivals at Universal AmphiTheater in Universal City, ...
Christopher Polk/FilmMagic/Getty Images

At the 2003 Teen Choice Awards, Raven-Symoné rocked a tiered black mini skirt and an off-the-shoulder jersey blouse, paired with a Betty Boop handbag and strappy black heels.

2004

Raven-Symone during Raven-Symone and Amber Tamblyn Visit MTV's "TRL" - November 15, 2004 at MTV Stud...
Theo Wargo/WireImage/Getty Images

In 2004, she paid a visit to TRL, matching her pink plaid mini skirt with her trench coat, paired with a black top and knee-high boots.

Nicole Richie, 2003

Nicole Richie during Nick Kang and Activision Along with Puma Celebrate The Launch of True Crime Str...
Donato Sardella/WireImage/Getty Images

The Simple Life star Nicole Richie was also in on the micro-mini skirt trend. In 2003, she rocked a denim mini skirt with a loose-fitted blue sweater, leg warmers over her shoes, and a blue hat.

2004

Nicole Richie during GQ Magazine - 2004 NBA All-Star Party - Arrivals at Astra West in West Hollywoo...
Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage/Getty Images

She also wore a green mini skirt to the 2004 GQ NBA All-Star Party, paired with a black tank, her trusty pair of leg warmers, and ballet flats.

Beyoncé, 2004

HOUSTON - JANUARY 30:  Singer Beyonce Knowles poses for photos at a press conference to announce pre...
Frank Micelotta/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Beyoncé was seen rocking a brown embellished mini skirt, along with a tailored jacket and cream-colored UGG boots.

Fergie, 2004

(EXCLUSIVE, Premium Rates Apply) Fergie of Black Eyed Peas (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage for NARAS...
KMazur/WireImage/Getty Images

Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie opted for a green ruffled mini skirt, paired with a sheer cropped blouse, black leg warmers, and pointed black pumps.

Mila Kunis, 2004

Mila Kunis (Photo by E. Dougherty/WireImage)
E. Dougherty/WireImage/Getty Images

Actress Mila Kunis was seen sporting a purple striped tiered mini skirt with a slouchy black sweater and tie-around heels.

JoJo, 2004

NEW YORK - JULY 22:  (U.S. TABS OUT)  Pop singer Jojo poses for a photo on stage during MTV's Total ...
Scott Gries/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Then 14-year-old pop star JoJo was seen at MTV’s TRL in New York City wearing a red-and-black mini skirt paired with a matching asymmetrical top and black sneakers.

Foxy Brown, 2004

NEW YORK - OCTOBER 14:  Rapper Foxy Brown arrives at the Playstation 2 And The Hip-Hop Summit Presen...
Fernando Leon/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

In 2004, rapper Foxy Brown arrived on the red carpet sporting an ultra-mini skirt with a wrap-around purple top and brown booties.

Rihanna, 2005

Rihanna (Photo by John Sciulli/WireImage for Future Mainstream Productions)
John Sciulli/WireImage/Getty Images

Rihanna was also a fan of the micro-mini skirt trend. In 2005, the singer wore a denim mini skirt paired with a green-and-white lace top and gray cowboy boots.

Naomi Campbell, 2005

Naomi Campbell during Move Against AIDS - December 3, 2005 at Manhattan Center in New York City, New...
Djamilla Rosa Cochran/WireImage/Getty Images

In 2005, Naomi Campbell attended the “Move Against AIDS” event in New York City wearing a black mini skirt with a white tee and black knee-high boots.

Mariah Carey, 2005

Mariah Carey during Mariah Carey In-Store Appearance at HMV in London - December 4, 2005 at HMV Oxfo...
Fred Duval/FilmMagic/Getty Images

While making an appearance in London back in 2005, Mariah Carey rocked a military green mini skirt with a sleeveless white top and puffer jacket, paired with knee-high black boots.

See more Y2K fashion moments from Destiny’s Child, Devon Aoki, and Kimora Lee Simmons.

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