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Call us biased, but the aughts were arguably the best time to be a teenager in Hollywood. From Britney to Christina to Lauren Conrad — back when she was known as LC, of course — pop culture was overrun with young celebrities who were more stylish than ever. And each time they dropped a new music video on TRL (RIP), these stars delivered fresh, accessible fashion inspiration for days.
Sure, we couldn't fully relate to the lyrics of the Destiny's Child hit "Bills, Bills, Bills" at the time, but we could certainly understand the appeal of the Texan girl group's coordinating outfits. Plus, since the teen icons of the 2000s didn't yet have Balmain, Dior, or Louis Vuitton endorsements to uphold, us mere mortals could actually replicate their looks ourselves.
My, how things have changed. Today's reigning starlets — many of whom are now in their 20s — are as glammed-up as it gets. The Selenas and Demis of this time could never hit an event in cutesy clothes that matched their fans'.
Now, they have access to the world's most famous designers, including plucked-from-the-runway pieces that aren't yet available in stores. They certainly don't shop like normal folks, either — and thanks to social media, their conspicuous consumption is made available for all to see (and like, and comment upon).
Check out the gallery above to see just how high the style bar has been raised since the age of Juicy Couture tracksuits and ultra-low-rise jeans.