Y2K Nostalgia Core: The Tell Me Lies Season 3 Style Guide

Early Aughts Classroom Casual 

Every millennial had a puffer jacket with a faux-fur hood in the early aughts, and they’ve never really gone out of style. Functional, yet fashionable, they’re warm, make a statement, and even borrow just a little bit from streetwear style. Lucy’s look is also a good reminder that not everything has to be trendy; her v-neck sweater is classic and timeless, and it’s one of the more mature pieces she wears throughout the season so far. And, who says you can’t wear white after Labor Day? Her studded hobo shoulder bag may scream Y2K, but it’s also the envy of Gen Z and Gen Alpha who strive to copy this nostalgic style.

Jeans and a Going Out Top

No outfit says 2005 quite like jeans and a ‘going out top.’ The go-to outfit formula for parties, dates, dancing, and just about any other occasion that warranted getting dressed up was built around a sexy, slinky top and a perfect-fitting pair of jeans. On chilly nights, you’d add a jacket— just like Lucy does for every party in Tell Me Lies, especially the third season. 

Lucy’s silver sequinned camisole straddles the line between lingerie and a tank top, and that’s precisely the point: it’s flirty and feminine, showing a hint of skin without being overly provocative. The faux fur jacket turns Lucy’s jeans and going out top outfit in a full on style moment, and her playful hairstyle feels straight out a Delia’s catalogue in all the right ways. Recreating her millennial-coded look is as simple as breaking out your skin-tight skinny jeans. And, while you’re at it, don’t forget to grab your Urban Decay eyeliner pencil and tightline your eyes before you hit the town.

Leaning Into Layers

One of the most quintessential aspects of Tell Me Lies-era fashion is layering: tees on tanks, tees on tees, long-sleeve tees under short sleeve tees — you get the gist. For college kids, tees and jeans are a staple, but it’s the cuts and fits that change over time. To wear a lace camisole under a low-cut baby tee was the epitome of 2000s “it-girl” style, and that rings true to Lucy’s character. Her low-rise jeans, a fit that is back with a vengeance in 2026, offer up the chance to show just a hint of skin around the midriff for a touch of femininity to the otherwise casual outfit. In fact, the only tell that Lucy isn’t actually in 2008 is her middle part — side parts had all of us in a chokehold throughout the early aughts.

Bundle Up With Bomber Jackets

Bomber jackets have never truly gone out of style, but they were everywhere in 2008 — including in Bree and Pippa’s closet. What’s interesting is not that they both have them, but how they each style them: Bree’s paired hers with a tee, jeans, and scarf for a laid-back look that gains all of its edge from the jacket, whereas Pippa’s bomber plays up the drama of her black leather skirt, black leather boots, and snakeskin hobo bag. Are the jackets warm? Not so much — especially not in the winter when this episode takes place. But, they’re an effortless wardrobe staple that instantly levels up any otherwise basic outfit. And, let’s be real: a coffee cup is the truly timeless fashion accessory in this season three snapshot.