Christina Aguilera’s Futuristic Twist on Her Iconic Y2K Throwback

It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since Christina Aguilera wore her iconic bikini top and chaps outfit for the Dirrty music video. It’s even harder to believe in 2022 that it sparked massive outrage among parents. The video caused a slew of petitions asking for its ban from television.

But she didn’t care. As a strong advocate for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, Christina Aguilera has always been known to push the envelope and champion for those that don’t have a voice. In 2002, it was much more shameful for a woman to be proud of their sexuality and body.

While there’s still a lot of work to do, there’s no doubt that Aguilera’s outfits, ranging from short mini skirts to leather dresses, gave other women the confidence to dress as they pleased.

Now, Aguilera, along with the rest of the fashion world, is returning to their Y2K roots. As a pioneer of the Y2K aesthetic, Aguilera continues to turn heads with her stunning looks that are more on trend than they’ve ever been. It’s clear that her fashionista status continues to this day.

Christina Aguilera’s 2002 vs. 2021 Yellow Dirrty Outfit

Whether you’re getting Christina Aguilera news on Inquisitr, Billboard, or Vogue, the 2021 People’s Choice Awards was a big deal from the moment her photographs leaked online.

For years, Christina Aguilera’s Dirrty look was referenced whenever we needed to point to an iconic or definitive look. Aguilera’s yellow, gray, and black striped bikini top, black and yellow chaps with black shorts, and black and blonde braided hair are synonymous with the 2000s.

So it was no surprise that Aguilera’s 2021 update dropped jaws and sparked cheers. With the Y2K trend in effect, Aguilera made the right fashion move when she appeared in yellow and black bell-bottom chaps, a sleeved black, white, and yellow corset, and a blond high-ponytail.

Christina Aguilera – Todd Williamson: NBCUniversal: NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

It’s clear to see the inspiration for the 2021 outfit when you see the Dirrty look next to it. When Christina Aguilera went to accept the award that evening, she said:

“My artistry has always been for the fighters in this world, for those who face adversity, for those wanting to evoke change; my music is for you. Believing in yourself is often the biggest obstacle of all, and throughout the years, I’ve heard your stories about the impact of songs like ‘Beautiful,’ ‘Fighter,’ ‘Can’t Hold Us Down,’ and yes, even ‘Dirty. Thank you for your stories.’” – Christina Aguilera, 47th People’s Choice Awards

Her impact on fashion is just as clear to see during the beginning of Y2K’s fashion resurgence.

Christina Aguilera’s Impact on Modern Fashion

Fashion influencers in 2021 and 2022 take a lot of inspiration from Christina Aguilera and her other fashion contemporaries of the era. Halter tops, claw clips, baby tees, low-rise jeans, tube tops, cardigans, popcorn tops and mini skirts are super trendy, and there’s no end in sight.

The spirit of 2000s fashion is about having fun and layering items that don’t go together. While most early 2000s looks could only be described as “rough,” modern Y2K actually works.

Aguilera’s scarf top was difficult to pull off, even for the most fashion forward. In 2022, scarf tops flow around the hips and include elegant sleeves. Trucker hats, another staple of the 2000s, aren’t as boxy as they used to be. Plus, there are more color and fit options available.

Christina’s fourth studio album, Stripped, just had its 20th anniversary in October 2022. To honor it, she wore other iconic looks from that era and is pictured with the black and blond hairstyle.

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About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.