We would never have guessed.
The modosphere has a love-hate relationship with the 2000s that is surprising. As hated as they are adored, they nevertheless set the pace for fashion trends for many decades later. Thus, the thunderous return of the “Y2K” aesthetic that took place in the 2020s has no end yet. For at least six years, the key pieces from this distant time have returned to the fashion world with enthusiasm. After skater Bermuda shorts, boxer-style lace-up high-top sneakers, message t-shirts (called “slogan tees”) or even bohemian mesh hats, it’s the turn of a forgotten pair of sneakers to come back to haunt stylish girls… Far from going unnoticed, they are linked to the imagination of a cultural subgroup with well-marked aesthetic codes.
Unisex, they are worn by both women and men. Hint: at the time, they were spotted on the feet of music stars like Avril Lavigne. In March 2026, the Vans Classic Old Skool therefore recorded an increase in searches of 109% compared to last month according to Lyst. “Demand for the unisex style began to pick up in the spring, and Lyst now sees over 18,000 searches per day for the monochrome skate shoe.”explains the platform. Long forgotten, the label of board sports enthusiasts itself recorded an increase in interest of almost 38%.
A fashion revival which is obviously linked to the sacrosanct Couture, and in particular to a great Italian house which has brought the brand up to date. At Paris Fashion Week in March 2025, Valentino thus reinvents several iconic pairs of the label made in California: Vans Classic Slip-Ons, Vans Classic Old Skool, Vans Authentic.
On some models, the iconic checkerboard print Vans is accompanied by the Signature VLogo of the Italian brand, while other pairs are embellished with colorful and fanciful floral prints. A trend on the runway which then appeared on the feet of celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence or Zoë Kravitz.
So how to wear Vans Old Skool without falling into cliché? As at Valentinowe can wear it with pleated pants, a small shirt and a sailor’s cap, just to break up the street side. Far from wanting to depart from its skater imagination, fashionistas can also pair it with straight jeans, but without the oversized side typical of the 2000s so as not to fall into the outdated side. For a casual airport look, opt for a jogging set. Finally, with spring having sprung its nose, you can also combine it with a summer dress and a denim jacket to give it a more girly touch.
