Why is Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake's denim total look so often copied

Worn in 2001 at an event, the matching outfits of the celebrity couple have become iconic, albeit kitschy. However, 22 years later, it's clear that they are making a strong comeback.

On the occasion of the release of her memoir "The Woman in Me," Britney Spears reflects on a historic moment in pop culture, as well as in fashion. In 2001, while she was in a relationship with singer Justin Timberlake, the duo appeared at the American Music Awards wearing matching 100% denim outfits: a maxi dress with a corseted bodice and diamond jewelry for her, and a cowboy hat-accented suit for him. It was a bold fashion statement for the time, which was ridiculed in the aftermath. This iconic pop culture moment has since been parodied and imitated numerous times, notably by Katy Perry and rapper Riff Raff on the red carpet at the VMA Awards in 2014. In her book, the singer acknowledges the "eye-catching" aspect of the look, even though she considers it "great in its own way." Time can turn situations around, and what was once considered outdated, the all-denim combo seems to be more fashionable than ever now.

From ridiculous to trendy

While Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake's matching look is now 22 years old, it hasn't disappeared from the fashion scene. In addition to becoming a popular Halloween costume, it includes many elements that are in vogue today. Corseted bustiers, oversized denim blazers, cowboy hats, and even mini-bags are all part of it. Just last spring, searches for cowboy hats increased by 381% according to Stylight, a specialized platform. These silhouettes can be linked to the fashion codes of the 2000s, which have been making a comeback in the fashion scene since the pandemic.

In 2018, Britney Spears told Grazia magazine that beyond their matching outfits, their look remained memorable "because it was different." This uniqueness is now a fashion statement embraced by both celebrity couples and the fashion industry. We can recall Rihanna and A$AP Rocky at Pharrell Williams' first Louis Vuitton fashion show on June 20, 2023: he wore an embroidered denim jacket, and she sported a printed denim ensemble, making a sensation in the front row. Earlier in the year, Kanye West and Julia Fox, invited to the Kenzo show, appeared in all denim: the rapper in a baggy jacket and pants of the same color, while the actress donned a conical-chested jacket and top-stitched jeans, both designed by Schiaparelli. Is being considered outdated (but matching) the key to style?