The nostalgic style that evokes leading characters from early 2000s flicks is gaining in popularity this year.

This year, people want more looks from entertainment in the early aughts.

That’s according to fashion industry outlets like Harpers Bazaar, which calls “rom-com core” the year’s most romantic trend.

Taking its cue from romantic comedy and drama films from the early to mid-2000s, the styles pay homage to main characters with confident personalities – like Julia Stiles in Save the Last Dance, Rachel McAdams in Mean Girls and Jennifer Garner in 13 Going on 30. It incorporates a soft, feminine look (think a touch of balletcore) while adding strong character energy.

What’s behind the return of 2000s fashion? Nostalgia hearkens back to a simpler time and rom-coms also provide welcome predictability during a time of upheaval, which has certainly characterized the past several years.

“The genre, known for happy and predictable endings, for finding love, [as well as] its light-hearted nature and mood-lifting capabilities, found itself back in demand throughout the height of the Covid-19 pandemic as it offered escapism for an audience who (let’s be honest) needed somewhere to escape to,” wrote Shona Hendley for Harpers Bazaar.

Hendley added that digital analytics from Pinterest reveal that consumers’ searches for “2000s girl” are up 235% this year, along with “pink mini skirt outfit” (145%), “cool girl aesthetic outfits” (140%) and “rhinestone dress” (90%).

The popular “cool girl” look relies on simple basics related to rom-com core – think white tank top (regular or cropped), high-waisted mom jeans and claw hair clip – paired with bold accessories like large hoop earrings, chunky platform shoes, graphic T-shirts, fishnet stockings, butterfly clips, bandannas and grommet belts.

“It’s more than just an aesthetic,” Marta Topran, Pinterest’s fashion and beauty creator, told the Huffington Post. “Beneath their candy-colored clothes and impeccable hair, [these characters] were strong, self-assured ladies.”