Kate Hudson was Y2K’s romcom queen. After making an unforgettable breakthrough performance as Almost Famous groupie Penny Lane, the actress became a staple of the 00s romcom renaissance, starring in a string of blockbusters including Alex & Emma and the iconic How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days. At the turn of the millennium, Kate’s style was just as flirty, sexy, and — well — romantic as her resumé. We’re talking ethereal lace bustiers, slinky, sparkly minidresses and Stella McCartney princess gowns, to name a few. Here, we look back at some of the actress’ most iconic outfits from Y2K.
At the MTV Movie Awards, 1999
A year before making her big break in Almost Famous — and at the cusp of Y2K — Kate Hudson attended the MTV Movie Awards wearing this angelic, lace-y two-piece set. In a career retrospective, Go Fug Yourself editors called the look “ridiculous”: “She looks like she’s marrying herself at a commune.” As if that’s a bad thing?
At the Vanity Fair Oscars Party, 2000
Kate was the epitome of Y2K high-fashion in this 2000 Oscars afterparty look. Think the kind of glitzy minimalism of Chloé by Stella McCartney, who, it just so happens, was (and to this day remains) a good friend of Kate’s.
At the premiere of Almost Famous, 2000
Here’s another one of Kate’s glitzy, slinky, very Y2K looks, this time worn to the premiere of her breakthrough movie Almost Famous. Sequins, cowl neck, handkerchief hem? They’re all there.
At the British Academy Film Awards, 2001
Kate Hudson or Penny Lane? The actress paid homage to her Almost Famous character at the 2001 British Academy Film Awards in this embellished shearling jacket, a red-carpet interpretation of Penny’s signature piece.
At the Golden Globes, 2002
After winning the Golden Globe for her breakout performance in Almost Famous, Kate returned to the awards show in 2002 wearing this megawatt Versace number, a dress befitting one of Hollywood’s newest stars.
In How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days, 2003
Every 00s romcom worth its salt had that one ‘takes-your-breath-away’ look. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days had Kate in this pale yellow Carolina Herrera gown, giving Matthew McConaughey the 360 spin to take in the look in its full, backless glory.
At the Met Gala, 2003
After an Oscars outing that landed Kate on the tabloids’ worst-dressed lists, Kate once again joined forces with designer and good friend Stella McCartney for the 2003 Met Gala. The result is this gorgeous white princess gown, topped with a sparkling Swarovski tiara: perfect for Hollywood’s romcom queen.