Chances are, you’ve worn at least one outfit that pays homage to 90s fashion trends of the past month – whether you intended to or not. There’s a sneaky way that vintage fashion finds its way into closets, not completely taking over but element by element. There are a couple of romps in combat boots, an earring, and a velvet choker. It won’t take long for strangers to tell you that your outfit has major Cindy Crawford vibes (we can only dream).
It is the same with fashion trends in each decade. Some are here for a while, and others are gone for good. Yet the ’90s were a particularly vibrant time for micro style, bold accessories, and pockets. A few iconic 90s-style elements have been gathered together, ripe for repurposing.
Bucket Hats
90s fashion is only complete with the bucket hat. Finding them in many different styles, fabrics, colors, and designs is now possible. Style influencers pair them with various outfits, including casual denim jumpsuits, chic summer sundresses, and sporty athleisure looks.
Baby Tees
Fashion trends during the ’90s centered around midriffs. Baby tees are not quite crop tops, but they resemble regular tees in smaller sizes. The sleeves and neckline of these shirts sometimes have colorful cuffs; sometimes, they don’t. However, they’ve made a comeback and are painfully adorable.
Slip Dresses
You’ll find at least one slip dress on the dance floor at any wedding reception or club. The best part is they’re available in all colors, they’re sexy and comfortable (a complex combination), and they’re available in all sizes and price ranges. Slip dresses have two main characteristics: spaghetti straps (usually adjustable! ) and under-the-knee hems. Although slip dresses are available in shorter lengths, the classics skim right at the shin.
Thick Headbands
When it comes to ’90s outfits, headbands were a staple, but the thick style – usually braided – has the stylish masses in its grasp once again. We can also thank Blair Waldorf for the resurgence, but either way, they’re back. Whether you have long or short hair, thick headbands are an elegant addition to any outfit.
- Bike Shorts
Gyms aren’t the only places they’re helpful anymore. If you pair bike shorts with a sports bra and blazer or throw on a crew-neck sweatshirt, you’ll look like Princess Diana. Today’s most famous bike shorts are black but come in all rainbow colors. However, you will find fewer neon pairs on the sidewalk than you would on a rack of ’90s clothing.
Combat Boots
Combat boots have dominated fashion for decades, but grunge fashion was built on them in the ‘90s. There are many different styles of boots on the market, and Doc Martens may be the most popular brand. Traditionally, combat boots are secured with laces, but zippers are also available. In either case, the shoes are modeled after military boots worn by soldiers during combat.
Claw Clips
For a perfect ’90s look, consider taking a step back and collecting all those strands with a hair claw. There are a variety of sizes and designs available, and the design is a straightforward plastic one that secures locks. The ’90s saw them as a quick way to remove hair from one’s face while wearing casual clothing. Whether at the farmers market or on your wedding day, you can find them everywhere today.
Velvet Suits
In general, velvet played a significant role in 90s fashion. Especially in suits, it’s used more intentionally today. The velvet texture adds a playful touch to formalwear, whether a collar or a full-body suit.
Plaid Flannel Shirts
Considering the trend train, plaid flannel may never have disappeared. There are a few situations (casual) when flannel isn’t a good choice: hiking, grocery shopping, lounging at home, or going out with friends.
Fanny Packs
Fanny packs are worn very differently today than they were in the 1990s. Instead of looping them around the waist, they’re worn cross-body like a little easy-to-access pouch that’s easier to put on and take off. In the 1990s, Jan Sport was the leading provider of fanny packs, but there are plenty of other options today, including leather ones.
Flared Jeans
No doubt flare jeans are back, but they’re a bit divisive. We don’t mind the slight kick of the flare, even if it isn’t as big as it used to be in 90s fashion.
Hoop Earrings
In the 90s fashion, large, thick hoop earrings dominated jewelry boxes. Plenty of vintage options are available today, as well as braided designs, thin hoops, massive hoops, and squiggly hoops. Having hoops around is a beautiful experience.
Scrunchies
Scrunchies were a fun way to spice up a simple hairstyle, much like hair claws. A ponytail (or ballerina-style bun) was usually made with colorful excess fabric that formed a fan around the ponytail. Their playful vibe is now being brought to heads around the world.
Crop Tops
The thing about crop tops is that they look like there’s no shirt at the bottom, but in a fun, stylish way. Pairing a crop top with high-waisted pants can create a powerful look.
Sheer Fabrics
In the 90s fashion, sheer clothing saw a big moment, whether mesh dresses with bold appliques or see-through tops paired with tube tops. There are still places in your fit where you can peek at the mesh, making it fun to play with.
Colored Sunglasses
You’ll earn bonus points if you can find a pair of cat eye sunglasses with colored lenses – and even more points if they only partially cover your eyes. All kinds of directions can be taken with this everlasting trend, from orange and rose to blue and green.
Cargo Pants
You could have been in any mosh pit-filled 90s music venue if you wore combat boots and cargo pants. Several designs had drawstrings at the ankles for a parachute-like look, while others were bootcut. The two items listed above – as well as many, many others – are available in stores today.
Corset Tops
In the early 90s fashion, Thierry Mugler popularized the corset top, and if you can find an original, you’re in for a real treat. The lace-up front is a throwback design detail that adds a feminine touch to any pair of jeans or cargo pants.
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