How to Party—and, More Importantly, Dress—Like It’s ACL 2004

The year is 2004. Myspace has more than one million users, and “Yeah!,” by Usher, is blasting on repeat on the radio. The Frost Bank Tower was just completed, making it the tallest building in Austin. You might not have a cellphone, and if you do, it takes the blurriest pictures you’ve ever seen. Life is good—so good, in fact, that you might even throw a tank top on over your bathing suit and head down to Zilker Park to catch Sheryl Crow at the third-ever Austin City Limits Music Festival. Don’t forget your chunky sunglasses! 

It’s hard to believe that in the olden days of yore, festival outfits were rarely a priority for concert attendees. (With the number of “festival fashion” press releases we journalists get, it’s a challenge to remember that people once went to music festivals for the music.) Even though bubble braids, glittery-fringe jackets, and wearable lingerie dominate the scene today, ACL has always been full of fashionistas—there are cathedrals everywhere for those with the eyes to see. With Y2K styles reemerging in fashion today, we looked to the early years of the fest for ACL 2024 outfit inspiration. We found baggy shorts, halter tops, and questionable accessory choices—some things never change. 

Given that fashion trends are cyclical, we can only hope and pray that—gulp—skinny jeans don’t make an appearance next.

Authentic Y2K fashion was both cute and practical, as evidenced by singer-songwriter Rachael Yamagata’s choice to pair a brown halter top with a simple visor. Baggy shorts with pockets will keep your hands free, and simple accessories mean less fuss in the heat. Don’t get us wrong—we love busting out our most elaborate cowboy boots, but it’s nice to keep it simple from time to time.

Liz Phair’s denim miniskirt–and–pink tank top combo could have been plucked straight out of a 2024 Depop listing, but the flower embellishment and ombre sunnies really add a je ne sais quoi to the ensemble. Y2K styles come and go, but it’s kind of hard to believe this look isn’t from last year’s Coachella.

Jersey Shore–era Snooki would likely approve of this bold cheetah-print belt and metallic gold, purple, and turquoise color combination. 

Early festivalgoers understood the true meaning of cowboy casual. Straw cowboy hats were the top Western accessory, and you could even buy them on festival grounds. If anyone knows where to get Lucinda Williams’s studded choker, our DMs are open.

While Gen Z loves to play with Juicy Couture sweat suits, cheeky baby tees, and the tiniest of miniskirts, true Y2K fashion had many more-confusing elements. We can’t imagine wearing full-length jeans or scarves under the Texas sun, but to be fair, it has gotten a lot hotter in Texas over the past twenty years.