How Sydney Sweeney's MTV Awards Look Influenced A Controversial Trend

Though the Y2K fashion revival is different from actual 2000s fashion, Tik Tok has blown up the Y2K hashtag, and searches for "Y2K outfit ideas" increased by 230x on Pinterest, per a 2021 study. Of course, those who lived through the pre-Gen-Z era will have favorite trends and the collective may dread some of the most hated Y2K fashion trends making a comeback.

With the cultural reset that HBO's "Euphoria" created — from shimmering eyeshadow and artistically-inspired makeup looks to the steal-worthy looks better suited for a nightclub than a high school — it's no surprise that the show's cast is also trendsetters in their own right. Sydney Sweeney plays Cassie, who came into Season 3 with an experimental perspective on her relationships and tried out a range of beauty and style concepts— including an intensive beauty routine starting at 4 a.m. before school — hoping to catch resident bad boy Nate Jacob's attention. 

But it was Sweeney's look for the MTV Movie and TV Awards that had fans going wild for a classic Y2K trend with an update, thanks to her collaboration with designer Miu Miu and her stylist Molly Dickson, per Cosmopolitan.

Actress Sydney Sweeney dazzled on MTV's red carpet, rocking a pink miniskirt glittering with crystals, complemented by her matching bra and heels, complete with crystals and rhinestones, respectively, per Cosmopolitan. The skirt's thigh slit and belt buckles were conceived by Miuccia Prada, Miu Miu's creative director. This wasn't Sweeney's first time wearing the high-fashion brand, which she rocked at Vanity Fair's Oscars party, per Nylon. Now she's the official face of Miu Miu's Wander Bag and posted one of her shoots on Instagram. 

Though Sweeney is no stranger to a short pink minidress or a midriff-bearing look, the low-rise cut was a departure for the actress, and it set the stage for a full Y2K style revamp. Will Sweeney's Euphoria character Cassie Howard follow suit, grabbing her Juicy-era best? Or will she continue dressing like Maddy Perez, her love interest's ex-girlfriend played by the inimitable Alexa Demie? Watching "Euphoria" Season 4 will be the only way to know for sure. Thankfully, Sweeney was in full "Euphoria" mode at the MTV Movie & TV Awards, and she came away from the night with more than just a winning look. 

Pictured holding three of the four MTV Movie & TV Awards "Euphoria" snagged, Sweeney represented the cast and their show to perfection. "Euphoria" was one of the biggest winners of the night, taking home awards for Best Show, Best Actress in a Show for Zendaya's jaw-dropping performance, and the Here For the Hookup Award. But Sweeney's true moment to shine came when she accepted the award for Best Fight for Cassie vs. Maddy, the on-stage brawl that took "Euphoria high school" by storm.

Sweeney took the stage in her shimmery ensemble and platform heels. She then told the audience that she wished Alexa could attend the event and accept the award with her but ended her speech with a witty allusion to their characters' iconic feud. "Maddy might have gotten the last punch, but Cassie has never, ever been happier." Sweeney later posted to Instagram to commemorate their win for Best Fight, and, of course, her internet-breaking Y2K-inspired look.