However polarizing, you can’t talk about 2000s style without mentioning everyone’s favorite hotel empire heiress—and Kim Kardashian’s then-boss—Paris Hilton. Seemingly joined at the hip with fellow socialite Nicole Richie for the better half of the era’s first decade, the pair were often photographed twinning (and glittering!) in sequins and bubblegum pink at some party or red carpet event. But some of their most iconic ensembles are from their days on The Simple Life, the duo’s joint reality show which saw the the 20-something’s ditching Los Angeles for a life of milking cows, fixing up cars, and working at Sonic—often with their heeled sandals and designer sunglasses still in tact.
With recent news revealing that the two are set to reunite on screens for a new reality TV project (whether or not it will bear semblance to The Simple Life remains under wraps), and Y2K-inspired fashion being firmly rooted in the zeitgeist, there’s never been a better time to revisit Richie and Hilton’s fashions of the time.
A personal favorite was when the multi-hyphenate pair demonstrated how to glam up a pencil skirt while filming in New York: Hilton opted for a sequined-out look while Richie paired a leather skirt with Balenciaga’s iconic City Bag for an edgier approach. Oversized shades were essential to completing the vibe. On another occasion, both donned brightly-colored spaghetti strap dresses—a notable early-aughts staple every fashion girl is still reaching for in their closets today.
Whether fashionably ready for work in a polished set or primed for a night out in an embellished minidress, channeling Hilton and Richie’s The Simple Life-era wardrobe is actually, well, simple— as proved by the six outfit ideas ahead.
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Pencils, Please
Here’s not one, but two outfits that make a case for wearing pencil skirts outside of the office more often. Sequins and fuzzy details (pups count!) are the only thing missing.
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Strapless Staples
If there’s one thing you can learn from Hilton’s party wardrobe, it’s to underestimate the versatility and styling power of a strapless dress. Whether slipping into a simple satin number or something more embellished, the style needs little more than a chic slingback and some jewelry to shine.
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Something Shiny and Short
The only thing more ubiquitous than logo handbags in Hilton and Richie’s The Simple Life wardrobe is the sequined mini, both in skirt and dress form. It proves a no fail-for almost any occasion, with hot pink accessories adding an extra dose of fun.
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Go With the Flow
Billowy, handkerchief hemlines are a classic noughties look, with many styles on the market right now looking like they were pulled straight from the The Simple Life’s wardrobe archives. For your next sultry summer night out, opt for a brightly-colored slip or halterneck style and finish off with glittery heeled sandals.
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Flirty Formal
Soft, powdery hues and floral elements add a rush of romance to the classic suit. Opt for a style with bold shoulders and a sleek pant for a bold, carpet-worthy silhouette.
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The Ultimate Combo
According to Richie, you can’t mess up with a tube top and midi skirt combo. To polish it off, a fun, vintage handbag with a pop of color—nose ring optional.
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