The Who What Wear Podcast: Lauren Conrad on the Laguna Beach Reunion, Millennial Nostalgia, and Her Favorite 2000s Fashion Trends

In this nostalgic episode of the Who What Wear podcast, Hilary Kerr sits down with Lauren Conrad to reflect on the 20th anniversary of MTV's Laguna Beach, a show that defined a generation's coming-of-age experience and left an indelible mark on early 2000s fashion. Conrad shares candid insights into the show’s authenticity, the pressure of being on camera at 18, and the surprising emotional weight of the reunion, which she helped produce. She discusses how her personal style—rooted in simplicity, thrifted finds, and self-expression—inspired a generation, while also revealing her own insecurities and the evolution of her identity beyond the screen. The conversation also touches on her career pivot at 24, her long-standing Kohl’s fashion line, and the bittersweet joy of watching her younger self on screen with adult perspective. Conrad reflects on the cultural moment of Y2K fashion, the return of trends like Ugg boots and oversized sunglasses, and the lasting impact of shows like The OC and Gossip Girl that shaped her own style. She expresses gratitude for the opportunity to create nostalgia for others, while emphasizing that her journey was never about perfection—just being real. As she looks to the future, Conrad reveals she’s open to a Hills reunion, seeing it as a meaningful way to bookend her television career with the same group of friends who shaped her early life. The episode is both a heartfelt tribute to millennial nostalgia and a testament to the power of authenticity in media.