The 1990s were a decade of unending fashion. Style could mean whatever and everything you desired, as long as you threw in the occasional choker and some butterfly clips.
This explains why the 1990s were a period in fashion history that some people would prefer to forget. This was the era when Jennifer Aniston’s ‘Rachel’ hairdo became legendary, MAC’s infamous ‘Spice’ lip pencil was all the rage, and Tamagotchis were the pinnacle of technological advancement. Conversely, it served as a prelude to Indie Sleaze, launching mainstream fads like ripped jeans, plaid shirts, and grunge essentials.
Glamour and grunge came together magnificently. Leading the Y2K glitz were Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, who popularised pop princess style for the general public with slogan baby shirts and chunky trainers. “Logomania,” as pioneered by Levi’s and Calvin Klein, began when logos were flung around like glitter at a dance.
Kurt Cobain and the Britpop boys became symbols of quintessential Britishness for others. The longline trench and flattened ‘do of Liam Gallagher became emblematic of the mid-1990s look, and The Matrix (1999) by The Wachowski brothers followed suit. A long cry from the classic Union Jack minidress and white go-go boots worn by Geri Halliwell.
The Big Six were dominating the catwalk during this decade, which has come to symbolise the beginning of some of our all-time favourite fashion moments. As such, the library of 90s fashion photos offers some quite entertaining watching. A new breed of runway star was made possible by the likes of Christy Turlington, Claudia Schiffer, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, and Cindy Crawford, who were all highly bookable names in the industry.
Let us not overlook Kate Moss, who single-handedly introduced the contentious ‘heroin chic’ fashion with her edgy leather jackets, barely-there slip-ons, and petite 5’7 frame. Fashion’s first “it” couple was born when she paired up with Johnny Depp, giving Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow a serious competition.
Popular 90s Fashion
For what length of time do you have? Many significant trends emerged in the 1990s, which were best encapsulated by the most famous films of the time, including 10 Things I Hate About You, Clueless, She’s All That, and SATC. Among many other items, the decade was defined by chokers, scrunchies, baby tees, jelly shoes, and bandeaus.
The preppy style, which ruled the previous decade among affluent US teenagers, took cues from hip hop fashion, combining pleated miniskirts, ballet flats, cricket sweaters, and sweatshirts with baseball coats and slouchy socks. An example of that? Princess Diana’s classic outfit for the gym, complete with cycling shorts and an enormous jumper.
Grunge took off, and a sort of “anti-fashion” attitude emerged. Ripped tights, band T-shirts, damaged jeans, leatherette coats, and combat boots were popular accessories for the slouchy, dishevelled look.
Is 90s fashion still trending?
Many manufacturers are drawing inspiration from the 1990s this season. The spaghetti straps were worn with zigzag hairbands at Helmut Lang, while cargo pants were back at The Attico and JW Anderson, among other places.
Getting specific, scrunchies are back and more popular than ever. Independent firm Good Squish, beloved by it-girls, has won over the Instagram crowd with its adorable XXL accessories made from deadstock. ‘Clean Girl’ fans continue to be devoted to the claw clip.
How we chose:
- Style and 90s appeal: Style, of course, is everything. All of our wardrobe selections have a decidedly 90s vibe while yet being trend-relevant.
- Price: We have a sentimental piece in your budget, whether you want to splurge or score a deal. We’ve picked the best of this season, from high-end designer labels to high-street names.
Slip Dresses
The translucent slip dress worn by Kate Moss is a unique piece of fashion history. At the age of just 19, the freckled ingénue attended the Elite Model Agency Look of the Year party and was somewhat taken aback when she saw the results the following day. She later told Vogue, “I had no idea why everyone was so excited.” “In the darkness of Corinne [Day]’s Soho flat the dress was not see-through!”
Claw Clips
The banana clip was the popular choice in the 1980s, while the claw clip was the most popular in the 1990s. These days, the piece feels perfect for the ‘Clean Girl’ look, especially on days when off-duty style is the only acceptable option.
Dungarees
Throughout the 1990s, hip-hop and R&B celebrities gave the denim classic a second lease on life by frequently wearing them open and favouring extremely baggy fits. If you’re in the market for a pair yourself, consider those from denim experts like 7 For All Mankind, Frame, SLVRLAKE, and others.
Plaid Skirts
We are eternally thankful to Alicia Silverstone for catapulting the plaid skirt into the stratosphere of fashion in her portrayal as the famous Cher Horowitz from Clueless. Pleating paired with a tiny length is a winning combo for modern wearability, with a whimsical preppy edge.
Velvet
Velvet is opulent and rich, with an undeniably opulent appeal. A favourite for party wear, velvet was all over the catwalk in the 1990s. Winona Ryder and Sarah Jessica Parker were also partial to a bit of velvet, although Gwyneth Paltrow’s iconic red Gucci suit comes to mind. I adore how 2024’s devoré texture adds complexity to an otherwise traditional flower design.
Platform Flip Flops
We’re here for the resurgence of the iconic 90s footwear style: platform flip flops. If you’re ready to invest, check out models by Balenciaga and Coperni, which offer soft comfort, fun and a significant height boost. If not, the high street has a tonne of affordable and bright options.
Cargo Pants
When it comes to cargo pants, everyone wants to join in on the trend. The trend of practical trousers has been popular among celebrities, like Bella Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski, and Hailey Bieber, and has become a street style icon in the modern era. The 1990s were characterised by low-rise waistlines and baggy fits, but this season, I’m very enjoying denim versions with broader, more relaxed leg silhouettes.
Cycling Shorts
Upon thinking of “Princess Diana style,” vivid cycle shorts might not be the first thing that come to mind—after all, she had so many remarkable formal fashion moments. She was excellent in many areas, including informal attire, as seen by her ability to pull off brightly coloured cycling shorts and graphic oversized hoodies.
Corset Tops
When Thierry Mugler’s structural corsets adorned the runways and made a case for the super-snatched silhouette, waist-cinching reached a whole new level. One more outstanding instance of 90s corsetry? Madonna’s extravagant pink conical gown, designed by Jean Paul Gaultier.
Platform Heels
The 1990s saw a steady increase in the popularity of platform heels, and we’re all about the height boost. Shoes like mules, mary janes, and loafers were all acceptable, but hip hop artist Lauryn Hill’s strappy sandals? A need rather than a desire.
Bucket Hats
The rise of bucket hats can be attributed largely to the Manchester music scene. Once a Britpop mainstay, ideal for battling the rainy weather in the north, the unusual shape has evolved into a festival favourite, worn by rave enthusiasts and It-girls alike.
Leather Blazers
The height of style longevity are leather coats. The genderless style, which gained notoriety in the 1990s when worn by seasoned leather enthusiast Gwyneth Paltrow, is still a very adaptable winter wardrobe staple. While The Matrix promoted Neo’s famous longline cut, Winona Ryder and Kate Moss preferred shorter silhouettes.
Band Tees
Blur and Oasis weren’t the only acts born out of the grunge scene. Wearing band tees became a sign of great taste in music, worn by both cool chicks and bay lads. A cult favourite, the graphic throw-ons were worn by everyone from Johnny Depp to Winona Ryder.
Pedal Pushers
Look familiar? Right now, pedal pushers are seeing a comeback thanks to companies like Reformation and Mango. Victoria Beckham, who frequently wore the knee-skimming bottoms, was a particular fan of the cropped trousers.
Halterneck Tops
The epitome of the 1990s party girl was a halterneck shirt. Popularised by sought labels like Miss Sixty, the usually embroidered, backless crop tops gained popularity and were adored by Jennifer Lopez and Melanie C. Preferable are sequins and shimmering flower embroidery.
Kitten heels
The ever-cute, ever-kitsch kitten heel, a personal fave, adorned the feet of catwomen who liked girly accessories. The diminutive pumps, popularised by taller wearers like Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer, were popular in the 2000s. Despite their divisive nature, Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton, and the Olsen twins eventually popularised kitten mules.
Waistcoats
Nothing attracted a wider range of customers than the waistcoat. Wearing the genderless button-down, which was popularised by Nineties icons like Elle Macpherson, Patrick Dempsey, Brian May, and Will Smith, helped mainstream tailoring.
Oval Shades
Do you need some inspiration for Nineties style? Investigate Jennifer Aniston. Presenting a nostalgic look with a cropped top, red cargo pants, flatforms and oval shades, the actress transformed herself into a living example of fashion history. Her thin shades transitioned from a café to a club, becoming a must-have item. Notable admirer Kurt Cobain was another.
Plaid Shirts
Plaid shirts were something of a conundrum in the Nineties, as seen here on a young Leo. The casual throw-ons were also a preppy favourite among American high school students, and were worn by stars such as Johnny Depp. They were yet another hero piece in the rock-grunge realm.
Chainmail
Thanks to Gianni Versace and the supermodels, everything chainmail made a spectacular return to the scene. Mini silhouettes combined with cowl neck designs created the perfect party items for a glamorous after-hours look.
