What’s Working in India Right Now: Y2K Tops, Beauty Trends & Why Gen Z Loves Them

More than just being trend driven, Y2K has become the face of the Indian Gen-Z and Millennial across all mood boards. The massive resurgence currently happening includes everything from butterfly crop tops to shiny lips and shimmering eyes  a modern-day version of what dominated fashion in the early 2000s and is being searched/recommended through creators in fashion marketplaces, like Myntra, Ajio, Nykaa Fashion, etc., and beauty marketplaces such as Nykaa Beauty.

This article provides you with a complete overview of current trends, what consumers are purchasing, and what creators are wearing right now for your Takefluence followers!

1. Y2K Fashion Is Back — Here’s Why It Works in India

The Y2K revival draws inspiration from:

Nostalgia and comfort.
Affordable pieces that have an upscale look when photographed on camera.
Trendy silhouettes that are popular with Gen Z content creators for creating Instagram reels.
The most aesthetically pleasing outfits to share on Instagram.

Currently, there is a significant demand for items that are a balance of being cute, practical, and somewhat avant-garde, which is exactly what most Indian consumers desire.

2. Y2K Tops That Are Trending on Myntra, Ajio & Nykaa Fashion

Below are the categories that have been rated the top overall most saved, wishlisted and created/worn:

a) Butterfly Print Tops

This is the quintessential Y2K item. They can easily be incorporated into reels and can be worn with wide-leg jeans.

b) Lace Trim Camisoles

Soft, feminine, easily styled, very 2000s coded.

c) Ruched Crop Tops

Looks great on camera, provides definition to the waist, and is very popular for creators.

d) Corset-Inspired Tops

Very modern, but has a retro look. Works well for a night out, dinner, and events.

e) Satin Halter Tops

Have a high shine and give off a high-quality look in photography. Use in “Get Ready with Me” reels.

f) Baby Tees (graphics or solids)

Currently the largest group of casual Y2K items (affordable + aesthetic).

3. What’s Performing Best on Short-form Video?

According to data collected from Takefluence’s creator network, the content that creators are getting the most engagement or “traction” from include: 

• 1. Colourful Crop Tops and Low-Rise Trousers
• 2. Oversized Jeans and Tiny Tops
• 3. Monochrome Pastel Outfits 
• 4. White Tee and Cargo Pants  
• 5. Satin Cropped Tops and Mini Skirts
• 6. Denim-on-Denim (Think of all those Britney Spears Y2K Looks)

Common video formats that are performing well include:

• 1. Try-On Hauls 
• 2. “Pinterest Outfit Inspo”
• 3. “Fits Under ₹999 from Myntra/Ajio”
• 4. “Recreate Y2K Looks”
• 5. Before/After Transition Outfits

4. Complementing Beauty Trends from Nykaa Beauty

The style of Y2K beauty is characterised by a high gloss/shiny finish and playful, fun looks. Within these categories, we see enormous growth:

a) Lip Gloss and Lip Oil

Glossy lips are one of the hallmarks of the Y2K look and are very popular with Generation Z.

 b) Shimmer Eyeshadow and Frosted Eyelids

As a result of many creators showcasing their ability to recreate looks from the 2000s, frosted white eyelids have made a comeback.

c) Coloured Eyeliner

Pastel blue, lilac and metallics are among the favourite colours for eyeliner.

d) Blush Overload Look

The increasingly popular viral phenomenon of ‘sun-kissed blush’ fits perfectly into the Y2K look.

e) Dewy Skin

There is a growing trend for dewy skin and this will be achieved with products including glowy primers, hydrating foundations and highlighters.

f) Chrome Nails and Pastel Nails

The huge number of saves and shares on Takefluence illustrates how popular nail content is.

Why Y2K works for Indian creators

Ideal for the camera

Gloss, satin and shimmer will always look good on camera, whether shot outside in natural light or in-doors.

 Low-cost to reproduce

Most products are available on Myntra and Ajio for a price of ₹999 to ₹1499

Endless style combinations

An easy way to achieve the maximum amount aesthetic with the least effort socially.

High rate of saves

People will save looks as long as they are easy to reproduce.

Combines with Beauty Products

Glossy makes up with vintage-style clothes to create a viral aesthetic.

6. Shopping Categories That Perform Well on Takefluence

The categories that are converting well at this time are–

Fashion categories (Myntra/Ajio/Nykaa Fashion):

• Y2K crop tops
• Lace camis
• Corset style tops
• Satin halters
• Baby tees
• Ruched tops
• Sparkly tops
• Cargo pants
• Low-rise denim
• Mini skirts

Beauty Categories (Nykaa Beauty):

• Lip Gloss
• Lip Oils
• Blush Sticks
• Highlighters
• Shimmer Eyeshadow Palettes
• Dewy Base Products
• Colored Eyeliner
• Nail Lacquer

7. Colour Trends India Is Loving in 2026

The colours of pastels (baby pinks, lilacs, mints, and butter yellows), metallics (silver is currently popular), classic black Y2K; cherry red (for both make-up and clothing), and denim blue (which is always in style) are considered to drive high amounts of reel and photo post engagement.

What to Recommend: Creator-Friendly Picks

If You’re a Takefluence user, you can highlight these:

✔ Best Value (under ₹999)

✔ Y2K pastel outfits

✔ Glossy make-up combinations

✔ Satin tops for evening events

✔ Outfits from only one brand (Myntra/Ajio etc.)

✔ Replicate a Pinterest outfit for under ₹1500

✔ Most popular Nykaa beauty products.

9. Final Take

Along with more creators posting simple aesthetic retro outfit images with equally stunning vibrant makeup that align perfectly with our predominately camera-first society, there is strong growth in the Y2K trend in India.

If you want to find trendy yet affordable options for this look, then your best places to shop Y2K-inspired fashion would be through these retailers:

– Myntra

– Ajio

– Nykaa Fashion

– Nykaa Beauty