The Most Early 2000s Dress From The ACM Awards

Red carpet fashions are often thought to be both classic and timeless. Unless you were famous in the early 2000s, of course. In that case, your red carpet style was probably a little questionable, as demonstrated by the fashion from the American Country Music Awards. These looks were of varying hemlines, peculiar color choices, and some of the strangest cuts known to the sartorial kingdom. Amongst all the early chaos, however, there was one look that remains the most early '00s look of them all.

My choice for the most early Millennium outfit from any American Country Music Awards ceremony is a throwback to 2004. Let's all tip our metaphorical hats to country star LeAnn Rimes.

The thing about early 2000s style is that it was the style of my childhood: A time when Beyoncé could've been wearing three belts, a tunic, and fluffy boots and I'd still think she was the most stylish woman alive. Looking back on these early '00s looks is one part nostalgia, one part regret, and one part hilarity. Unlike the '90s, these threads just haven't come back into vogue yet. But if and when they do, Rimes will be amongst the celebrities who can celebrate doing them first.

The singer of karaoke hit "How Do I Live" graced the red carpet at the 2004 ACM Awards in a tie dye, pastel maxi dress: The kind you'd likely find in a thrift store and debate buying for ages. It's kind of cool, and even kind of beautiful. But looking back, it's definitely dated, too.

With rough-looking edges along the almost patchwork dress, paired with deep red lipstick and nail polish, this outfit screams early '00s for all its shabby chicness. It's emblematic of the "I just threw this on" casual vibes that were everywhere in the early '00s. But, IMO, that should never have been brought to a red carpet. The whole outfit kind of reminds me of that Clueless quote: "It's a total Monet. From far away, it's OK, but up close, it's a big old mess."

Thankfully, the ensemble has given me a few things: A new appreciation for the OTT glitz and glamour that current celebrities have to put themselves through come the red carpet, as well as a reminder of what an awesome singer Rimes is. I'm writing this while making my way through her best hits and feeling all those early nought feelings.

I'm sure that Rimes has much better things to be doing in 2016 than reminiscing about her early '00s red carpet looks and cringing. Personally, I'm glad that I've found this trippy dress. Yes, I'm unsure as to whether I'd ever wear it myself — but that uncertainty was kind of the beauty of early '00s fashion, no?

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