Back in 2007
In 2007 this was the Thoughts page, the blog of the original Dear website.
Welcome to the Dear Journal, our Y2K fashion blog and little online diary. This is where we share baby tee sizing help, outfit ideas, 2000s trend notes and the story behind the Dear name. Grab a pink gel pen and settle in ♡
Start here: our most helpful reads
New to Dear or to baby tees? These are the posts we’d read first.
Baby tee sizing and fit guide
How should a baby tee fit? Should you size up? How do you measure yourself? Our baby tee sizing and fit guide answers all of it, step by step, so your tee fits the way you want it to.
How to style a baby tee
From baggy jeans to pleated minis, cargos to blazers, how to style a baby tee is our full guide to wearing the most iconic shirt of the 2000s in a way that feels fresh now.
The original Dear line, 2007–2008
Where did the name come from? Our fact-checked look back at the original Dear line, sold at Steve & Barry’s, covers what was in the collection and why it ended.
What we write about
Fit and sizing
Fitted tops need a little more thought than a regular tee. We cover measuring, length, stretch, fabric and how to choose between two sizes.
Styling and outfit ideas
Outfit formulas, seasonal layering, color pairings and how to keep Y2K looking modern, not costume. For quick visual inspo, see the Dear Lookbook.
Y2K trends and vocabulary
What’s a shrug? What’s a baguette bag? Why is everyone talking about micro-rib? Our Y2K glossary is the dictionary, and the Journal is where we dig into why the trends matter.
Care guides
How to wash, dry and store fitted knits so they keep their shape and color. Short version: cold wash, inside out, air dry.
Behind the brand
Notes on making our first piece, the heart-and-star baby tee, and the road to launch. Official announcements live on Drop News.
Coming soon to the Journal
Here are some of the topics we’re working on next:
- Y2K trends that are still going strong, and which ones to skip
- Baby tee vs. crop top: what’s the difference?
- How to build a tiny Y2K capsule wardrobe around one tee
- Pink outfit ideas for every season
- How to care for micro-rib knits
- A beginner’s guide to layering like it’s 2003
Want something covered? Join the Dear Club and you’ll be the first to read new posts.
Y2K fashion in a nutshell
If you’re just discovering the 2000s look, here’s the quick version. Y2K style usually means the fashion of the late 1990s and early 2000s: fitted baby tees, low-rise and baggy jeans, mini skirts, cargo pants, velour and zip hoodies, tiny shoulder bags, butterfly clips, tinted sunglasses and plenty of pink, glitter and shine. The modern revival keeps the fun and mixes it with today’s fits and fabrics.
The easiest way to try it? Start with one key piece. A baby tee with jeans you already own is a Y2K outfit, no costume required.
Journal tips for wearing Y2K today
- Two throwback pieces per outfit keeps things current.
- Balance proportions: fitted on top, relaxed on the bottom (or the other way around).
- Choose quality basics so the look feels intentional.
- Add one sparkly detail: a clip, a glossy lip, a shiny bag.
- Have fun. That was always the point of the 2000s.
Journal FAQ
What is the Dear Journal?
It’s our blog: style guides, sizing help, Y2K trend notes and stories from Dear.
How often do you post?
We post when we have something genuinely useful or fun to share. Join the waitlist to hear about new posts.
Is Y2K fashion still in style?
Yes. Y2K pieces like baby tees, baggy jeans and small shoulder bags have settled into everyday wardrobes, and the baby tee in particular has become a true basic.
What’s the difference between a baby tee and a crop top?
A baby tee is a specific kind of fitted tee with short, snug sleeves and a slightly shorter body, usually ending near the waist. “Crop top” is a broader term for any top cut above the waist, and many are much shorter. See the Y2K glossary for more.
Where can I ask a question?
Check the FAQ first. For everything else, join the waitlist and stay tuned.
Do I need to buy new clothes to try Y2K style?
Nope. Start with what you own: baggy or straight jeans, a mini skirt, a zip hoodie. Add one fitted baby tee and one fun accessory, and you’ve got a 2000s-inspired outfit. The Journal is all about remixing, not overbuying.
More from Dear
Learn more about Dear and see what’s new on Drop News.
How to read a Y2K trend (without buying everything)
Trends move fast online, and the 2000s revival has produced a lot of them. Before you add something to your cart, ask yourself three quick questions:
- Will I wear it with things I already own? A baby tee goes with nearly everything. A very specific novelty piece might not.
- Is it a silhouette or a detail? Silhouettes like the fitted baby tee or baggy jeans tend to stick around. Tiny details like a certain clip or bag come and go, and that’s fine, they’re cheap ways to play.
- Does it make me happy? Honestly, the best reason to wear anything.
Reading list by mood
“I need help choosing my size”
Start with the baby tee sizing and fit guide, then check the fit questions in our FAQ.
“I want outfit ideas right now”
Go straight to the Lookbook for nine ready-made looks, then read how to style a baby tee for the why behind each one.
“I want the backstory”
Read the original Dear line, 2007–2008 and our About page.
“Tell me when it drops”
Join the Dear Club and keep an eye on Drop News.
Join the Dear waitlist ♡
Be first to know when the heart-and-star baby tee drops in spring 2027, and when new Journal posts go live.