Contents
- 90s Fashion For Women
- Fashion in the 1990s
- 90s Outfits
- Flared Jeans
- Chokers
- Hoop Earrings
- Crop Tops
- Overalls
- Scrunchies
- 90s Shoes
- 90s Hip Hop Fashion
- 90s Grunge Fashion
- 90s Celebrity Fashion
- 90s Hairstyles
- 90s Fashion Trends
- 90s Fashion: 90 Iconic Trends Marking the Decade
- 1 /90 90s Overalls – Straps Down
- GUESS & TOMMY HILFIGER 90s OVERALLS
- 2 /90 Nineties Bike Shorts
- GIORDANA, CASTELLI, DE MARCHI
- 3 /90 90s Headbands
- NIKE, ADIDAS, SERGIO TACCHINI
- 4 /90 Combat Boots
- DOC MARTENS, SERGIO ROSSI, MONCLER
- 5 /90 Bucket Hats
- KANGOL, LACOSTE, BURBERRY
- 6 /90 Cargo Pants in the 90s
- DICKIES, CARHARTT, WRANGLER, SKIDZ
- 7 /90 90s Tracksuits + Track Jackets
- ADIDAS, FILA, UMBRO, TOMMY HILFIGER
- 8 /90
- 1990s Sheer Dresses
- GUCCI, VERSACE, JEAN PAUL GAULTIER
- 9 /90 Baggy Jeans
- CARHARTT, WRANGLER, CROSS COLOURS
- 10 /90 High-Waist Mom Jeans
- LEVIS 501, GUESS, GITANO, JOOP
- 11 /90
- 1990s Slip Dresses
- LA PERLA, EMANUEL UNGARO, ARMANI
- 12 /90 Flannel Shirts
- CARHART, LEVI’S, WOOLRICH
- 13 /90 90s Velvet Looks
- GIORGIO ARMANI, YVES SAINT LAURENT, NEW LOOK
- 14 /90 1990s Tees Under Blazers
- NO FEAR, FRUIT OF THE LOOM, MOSCHINO
- 15 /90 Mood Rings
- BEWILD, LAGUNA
- 16 /90 90s Skate Tees
- NO FEAR, ALIEN WORKSHOP, TOY MACHINE, TRASHER, SPITFIRE
- 17 /90 90s Rollers Styles
- ROLLERBLADE, POLLY POCKET, ROOKIE
- 18 /90 90s Side-Stripe Jeans and Pants
- PARASUCO, RICHMOND, GLORY, NIKE, ADIDAS
- 19 /90 One-Leg Rolled-Up Pants
- THE ‘GHETTO LEG’ STYLE
- 20 /90 1990s Bleached Hairstyle
- ‘SUICIDE BLONDE’ HAIR COLOR
- 21 /90 Pedal Pushers & Capri Pants in the 90s
- 90s CALF-LENGTH TROUSERS
- 22 /90 Nineties Chain Wallets
- DICKIES, HARLEY DAVIDSON, LEVIS
- 23 /90 Neon Windbreakers
- OCEAN PACIFIC, REEBOK, NIKE
- 24 /90 90s Stripes Sweaters
- GUESS, MOSCHINO, HUGO BOSS, ICEBERG
- 25 /90 1990s Bandanna Style
- LEVIS, ELEPHANT, CAROLINA MFG
- 26 /90 Ripped Jeans
- PEPE JEANS, LEVIS, CALVIN KLEIN
- 27 /90 Unbuttoned Shirts in the 1990s
- CALVIN KLEIN, TOMMY HILFIGER, LEVIS, GUESS
- 28 /90 Hypercolored Tees
- GENERRA SPORTSWEAR
- 29 /90 Nineties Man Tanks
- MOSCHINO, VERSACE, CALVIN KLEIN, MUJI
- 30 /90 Discman Headphones
- SONY
- 31 /90 90s Piercings
- FROM RAVE TO POP CULTURE
- 32 /90 Lunchbox Bags
- RAVE SMILEY FACE, TOM CORBETT, PLANET OF THE APES
- 33 /90
- Tops & Tees with Stripes
- POLO RALPH, TOMMY HILFIGER, MOSCHINO
- 34 /90 White Pump Sneakers
- REEBOK, NIKE
- 35 /90 Nineties Turtlenecks
- POLO RALPH, TOMMY HILFIGER, TRIPLE FIVE SOUL
- 36 /90 Rayon Shirts
- VERSACE, GAP, FIORUCCI
- 37 /90 Color Blocks (With A Message)
- CROSS COLORS
- 38 /90 Rice Necklaces
- NOMINATION, MICHAEL KORS, VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
- 39 /90 Clipped Pagers
- MOTOROLA, NEC, PANASONIC, PHILIPS
- 40 /90 Pinned & Tagged Backpacks
- ELLESSE, HEAD, NIKE, ADIDAS
- 41 /90 Curtain & Middle-Parted Hairstyles
- 90s HOLLYWOOD HAIRCUTS
- 42 /90 1990s Earrings Styles – Large Hoops
- BVLGARI, CARTIER, CHOPARD
- 43 /90 90s Flat Top Haircut
- HAIRCUTS AS A FASHION TREND
- 44 /90 Bike Caps
- COLNAGO, BILLABONG, BROOKLYN
- 45 /90 Coogi Style Knitwear
- VERSACE, MOSCHINO, JENNY KEE, COOGIE
- 46 /90 Nineties Spiky Haircuts
- FROM PUNK TO POP CULTURE
- 47 /90 Wallabees Shoes
- CLARKS
- 48 /90 Slap Bracelets
- FRUIT OF THE LOOM, OM CLOTHING, GILDAN
- 49 /90 Backward Caps
- NEW ERA, STETSON, FUBU
- 50 /90 The Starter Jacket
- STARTER
- 51 /90 90s Basketball Kicks
- AIR JORDAN, CONVERSE, REEBOK, BRITISH KNIGHTS
- 52 /90 1990s Preppy Cardigans
- OLD NAVY, MICHAEL KORS, MARNI
- 53 /90 Knee Socks
- THIGH-HIGH SOCKS
- 54 /90 Leather Chokers
- H.SAMUEL, URBAN OUTFITTERS, HOT TOPIC
- 55 /90 Platform Sneakers
- SKECHERS, NIKE
- 56 /90 Platform Slides
- BIRKENSTOCK, H&M, STEVE MADDEN
- 57 /90 Claw Clips
- BARRETTE HAIR CLIPS
- 58 /90 Cat-Eye Sunglasses
- LE SPECS, LINDA FARROW, SAINT LAURENT, GUCCI
- 59 /90 Plaid Sets
- TOMMY HILFIGER, RALPH LAUREN, CHANEL
- 60 /90 Fanny Packs
- FILA, CARHARTT, LONGCHAMP
- 61 /90 90s Digital Watches
- CASIO, SEIKO
- 62 /90 Extra Wide-Leg Pants
- ECKO ULTD., LEVIS, DIESEL
- 63 /90 Hair Scrunchies
- BURBERRY, TED BAKER, CHAMPION
- 64 /90 Spaghetti-Strap Tops & Dresses
- REISS, MISS ANTOINETTE, AMERICA TODAY
- 65 /90 Animal Print Styles
- 90s LEOPARD PRINTS
- 66 /90 Blush Pink Takeover
- JUICY COUTURE, CHANEL, GUCCI
- 67 /90 Chainmail Styles
- PACO RABANNE, VALENTINO, VERSACE
- 68 /90 1990s Corsets
- VIVIENNE WESTWOOD, JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER, AGENT PROVOCATEUR
- 69 /90 The 90s Printed Leggings
- NAUTICA, NIKE, REEBOK
- 70 /90 Strappy Heels
- CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN, JIMMY CHOO, GIVENCHY
- 71 /90 Halter-Neck Tops
- EMILIO PUCCI, ZIMMERMANN, JIL SANDER
- 72 /90 Vests As Tops
- PACO RABANNE, VALENTINO, BALMAIN
- 73 /90 Nineties Oval Sunglasses
- OAKLEY, RAYBAN
- 74 /90 90s Tube Tops
- TOMMY HILFIGER, LOEWE, WOLFORD
- 75 /90 1990s Beanies
- POLO RALPH, MONCLER, STETSON, GUCCI
- 76 /90 Branded Baseball Caps
- NEW ERA, DICKIES, STUSSY
- 77 /90 Oversized Bottoms & Tops
- FUBU, KARL KANI, ROCAWEAR, WU-WEAR
- 78 /90 Tie-Dye Outfits
- VANS, FRUIT OF THE LOOM
- 79 /90 90s Oversized Knits
- JAROL, ICEBERG
- 80 /90 Cropped Tops
- TOMMY HILFIGER, BILLABONG, JUICY COUTURE
- 81 /90 School Bags
- JANSPORT, TUMI, DAKINE, NIKE
- 82 /90 Unisex Fragrances
- CALVIN KLEIN, TOMMY HILFIGER
- 83 /90 Cool Basics
- GAP, ABERCROMBIE & FITCH, MARKS & SPENCER
- 84 /90 Jorts – Short Jeans
- GUESS JEANS, VERSACE, MOSCHINO, CALVIN KLEIN
- 85 /90 90s Preppy Look
- NAUTICA, BENNETON, POLO, EDDIE BAUER
- 86 /90 Nineties Hip-hop Boots
- TIMBERLAND, LUGZ, KARL KANI
- 87 /90 Skateboard Sneakers
- DC, CSC, AIRWALK, MUSKA
- 88 /90 Wild Pants
- SKIDS, ZUBAZ
- 89 /90 90s Leather Jackets
- PELLE PELLE, AVIREX, 8-BALL
- 90 /90 Lit-Up Sneakers
- L.A. LITES
- Conclusion
- Weekly Newsletter
- Now it’s your turn…
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90s Fashion: 90 Iconic Trends Marking the Decade
Wu-Tang rapper Ghostface was the undisputed champion of Clark’s Wallabees, explaining the current collab between the two brands to release the classic Wallabee in three exclusive colorways.
90s Fashion For Women
- Ana Roberts
- May 29, 2023
The ’90s are making a comeback. Easy, casual and trendy, women are embracing ’90s fashion by mixing classic and modern looks to create unique everyday styles. From dresses, pants and tops to accessories, shoes and hairstyles, there are many ’90s outfits worth wearing this year. The trick to rocking the style is learning how to dress with complementary pieces without overdoing the nostalgia. If you’re finding it challenging to shop for cute clothes or pull off the attire of the decade, we can help you find the right look and show you how to wear it today. For new ideas and inspiration, check out our guide to all the best ’90s fashion trends to explore right now. Whether you’re trying to figure out what to wear to a 90’s theme party or just want to incorporate cool 1990s style clothing into your wardrobe, you’ll love these inspired outfit ideas for women!
- 1 Fashion in the 1990s
- 2 90s Outfits
- 2.1 Flared Jeans
- 2.2 Chokers
- 2.3 Hoop Earrings
- 2.4 Crop Tops
- 2.5 Overalls
- 2.6 Scrunchies
- 2.7 90s Shoes
Fashion in the 1990s
Like history, fashion has a tendency to repeat itself, recycling old styles with new twists to create the latest trends. Recently, ‘90s fashion trends like chokers, crop tops, platforms, and mini backpacks are coming back. Influential celebrities like Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa have recently been spotted wearing ‘90s inspired outfits.
Colorful crop tops, matching pants and square heels accessorized with small rectangular sunglasses have inspired modern fashion. To make these styles effortlessly cool, we’ve compiled a list to of the most popular ‘90s style trends worth wearing today.
90s Outfits
This decade marked a distinct era in women’s fashion that was heavily influenced by artists such as Britney Spears, Destiny’s Child, and No Doubt. These styles ranged from preppy to bohemian and urban to grunge, and were based on a rebellious approach to fashion. Using different materials, unique print patterns, and dazzling metallics, ‘90s outfits offered bold looks that fit perfectly with the cultural aesthetic of the times.
Flared Jeans
While flared jeans are often associated with the hippy movement of the 1970s, this wide-leg denim trend also dominated the 1990s. Before skinny jeans became the style, oversized and loose pants were popular.
To make this look trendy while maintaining a ‘90s vibe, pair flared jeans with a black satin cowl neck tank top with matching square toe heels. Complement your jeans with a cotton rib tank top and accessorize the outfit by adding rectangular sunglasses, a choker necklace and a mini bag.
Chokers
Chokers were the quintessential ‘90s accessory. Popularized by celebrities like Christina Aguilera and Gwen Stefani and eventually adopted by Hollywood’s “it” girls, choker necklaces provided an edgy yet sexy style. Tight around the neck, these collar-like necklaces boasted various designs. Some were made of stretchy fabric and came with charms, beads, and jewels.
Chokers are versatile and suitable for any occasion. If you are seeking a work appropriate choker, opt for a dainty gold choker. If you are attending an outdoor music festival and want to achieve a grunge look, choose a leather choker adorned with a crystal of your choice.
Hoop Earrings
While hoop earrings were trending in the ‘90s, this chic accessory is timeless. However, women who have never worn hoops may be intimidated to try them out. These ring-shaped earrings come in different styles and sizes, and which type of hoop you choose will determine the amount of attitude, flair, and cuteness you’re going for. From huggies to large hoops , this jewelry works with most ‘90s casual outfits.
If you find yourself gravitating to an edgy and sexy style, put on a pair of big gold hoops. However, if you prefer to accessorize your style with a hoop that is not gold, you can pair your outfit with cool silver or tortoise shell hoop earrings.
Crop Tops
Women in the ‘90s had an affinity for wearing crop tops with low-rise pants. These cute revealing midriff baring tops come in various styles, including the cropped halter, short sleeve, and cami. On-trend again, you can wear this ‘90s style with low or high rise jeans.
If you’d like to add flair, you can pair a plain crop top with a patterned maxi skirt with an alluring thigh slit and platform sandals. A favorite of celebrities and street style fashionistas, crop tops are an essential fashion piece for the summer.
Overalls
Overalls offer an effortless and casual style that can be worn in a variety of ways. Worn by men and women, these sleeveless denim jumpsuits were considered a wardrobe staple in the decade. Comfortable and cool, there were many ‘90s overall outfits to try, and it all depended on the fashion statement you wanted to make.
For a classic look, wear a fitted white T-shirt underneath denim overalls with a flannel tied around your waist and low top Converse sneakers. As for accessories, you can add a quartz crystal choker. For an edgy outfit, wear black linen overalls paired with a matching turtleneck and Doc Marten combat boots. To accessorize the look, get a mini leather backpack.
Scrunchies
Scrunchies were all the rage throughout the ‘90s. As a favorite fashion item that could complete any cute casual outfit with a pop of color, scrunchies were a major women’s hair accessory. From bright colors to satin fabric to velvet styles, hair scrunchies come in many different designs.
To modernize this accessory, you can choose scrunchies in neutral muted hues like white, gray, black, beige, brown, navy blue, emerald and maroon. You can also experiment with different materials for your scrunchie such as silk, velvet and sequin.
Once you have selected a style that complements your outfit, you can add a scrunchie to your hair by styling it in a messy ponytail or high bun.
90s Shoes
Platforms, sneakers, combat boots, and square toe heels were popular fashion trends in ‘90s shoes. Simple and bulky footwear styles were fashionable, making Doc Martens boots, Steve Madden slip-on platforms, Birkenstocks , and FILA or Adidas tennis shoes a common look.
If you are going for a grunge vibe, you can wear a long black maxi dress, with a leather jacket and Doc Marten combat boots. You can also switch out the military boots, and find boots with a huge platform to add to that edgy style.
If your outfit consists of a colorful matching crop top and skirt or a lavender cowl neck slip dress, wear platforms or strappy heels.
For a fashionable urban style, pick outfits that have a basic cropped or ribbed top with jogger pants. With styles like these, you can look effortlessly chic with FILA, Adidas Superstar shoes, and Converse’s Chuck Taylors.
Unique and stylish for the times, the most popular shoes in the ‘90s will allow you to experience a range of styles and looks.
90s Hip Hop Fashion
Hip hop had a strong influence on ‘90s fashion. For example, colorful overalls became popular after members of TLC wore them. Artists like Aaliyah and Destiny’s Child added their flair to urban styles for women. During this time, popular street style brands like FUBU began to emerge, making hip hop fashion even more mainstream.
If you like Aaliyah’s sporty hip hop style, you’ll want to pick pieces that are low-maintenance. An iconic look inspired by this artist would include a bandana, athletic windbreaker, Calvin Klein sports bra, black joggers, and white Adidas. For an outfit inspired by Destiny’s Child, wear a Tommy Hilfiger logo top, low-rise jeans, and white sneakers.
The top hip hop fashion brands of the ‘90s included Calvin Klein, Guess Jeans, Tommy Hilfiger, and Polo. Luckily these brands and all the same styles are still available in stores today so you can recreate the attire easily.
90s Grunge Fashion
Grunge fashion was inspired by icons like Courtney Love, Gwen Stefani and Kim Gordon. Ultimately, 1990s grunge fashion for women can be summed up as feisty, edgy, and authentic. Outfits that feature flannel shirts and distressed jeans are equally comfortable and cool.
One version of grunge style consists of wearing a mini slip dress with fishnets and leather boots. For a modern twist, you can wear a leopard mini dress with fishnets and ankle boots. For more attitude, some women prefer wearing ribbed tops with patterned cargo pants and platform boots. Style this outfit with a crop tank top, low-rise jeans and suede creepers while styling your hair in space buns.
Styling grunge outfits should be effortless and almost anti-fashion. For instance, another authentic look to try is a black dress with a flannel tied around your waist paired with combat boots, Mary Janes or Vans sneakers. You can also accessorize with a choker necklace and studs to complement this classic grunge style.
90s Celebrity Fashion
As with every decade, the 1990s had its fair share of celebrity fashion icons. Some of the top ‘90s celebrity fashion trends came from Hollywood stars like Christina Applegate, Jennifer Aniston, Winona Ryder, Kate Moss, Lisa Bonet, Madonna, and Britney Spears. Each of these celebrities had uniquely different styles.
Christina Applegate’s style was simple. You could replicate her look by wearing a crop top and high-rise jeans with a choker and boots. Jennifer Aniston’s style was chic and minimal. Recreate her iconic style by wearing basic pieces like a slip dress, crop top, high-rise denim and midi skirts with square-toe heels. Winona Ryder’s style reflects ‘90s grunge, and her look can be captured by wearing a leather jacket, basic shirt, turtleneck and high-rise jeans with combat boots. Beyond this, Britney Spears was the queen of crop tops, while Lisa Bonet rocked bold patterns on the red carpet.
From musicians to actors, models, and designers, the best ‘90s celebrity outfits are timeless and cute. However, while most ‘90s celebrity fashion eventually made its way into mainstream pop culture, there were obviously a number of fashion styles that flopped.
90s Hairstyles
The best ‘90s hairstyles for women were cute, playful, and stylish. One of the most popular ‘90s hairstyles was Jennifer Aniston’s “The Rachel” haircut on Friends. However, this cut and style was not the only trendy hairstyle of the decade.
Others loved the longer choppy pixie cut with minimal bangs, similar to Winona Ryder’s haircut in the 1994 rom-com Reality Bites. Other trendy styles included a bob with baby bangs, sleek straight hair styled with a deep middle part, pigtails, and half-up half-down hairdos.
From messy high buns with strands of hair framing the face to high ponytails and braids, ‘90s hair was never boring. These styles can be accessorized with scrunchies, colorful or patterned barrettes and butterfly clips.
Hair styling products include hairspray to keep the style fresh, mousse for a wavy finish, a crimp iron for an undone braid look, and a blow dryer to add volume. Feminine and sexy, women’s hair in the decade was always on-point.
90s Fashion Trends
Wearing ‘90s fashion trends in the modern day can be a little tricky. Women will need to rework the best outfits with modern styles in mind to keep the looks relevant and trendy. Like any other decade, it’s important to have a fresh spin on the vintage look.
The best way to ensure that your wardrobe doesn’t look aged is to mix quintessential ’90s pieces with more current items. Classic Superstars with cute Lululemon leggings or Everlane jeans and a crop top can be hot.
Furthermore, a chic twist for a slip cowl neck dress can be adding a strappy heel with gold hoops and a high ponytail. Crop tops can be worn with skinny or boyfriend jeans, while sporting cute pumps and a messy high bun with a scrunchie. While athleisure is cool and casual, pair a crop top with black joggers, sneakers and two braids for a relaxed ‘90s look.
Regardless of the style you choose, feel free to experiment with various 1990s fashion trends for women while adding a modern touch for a refreshing style. Youthful, fun and carefree, embrace the look and have fun.
Ana Roberts
Ana Roberts is the chief editor of Top Trends Guide and a former women’s style editor. With a passion for everything fashion, beauty and decor, Ana created this website to help readers look and feel their best. From popular trends to cute outfits, she is dedicated to producing inspired copy. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family, cooking, hiking and meeting friends for brunch.
90s Fashion: 90 Iconic Trends Marking the Decade
Keep up with the latest in fashion, beauty and style!
With unique aesthetics, character, and style, the 90s fashion is often regarded as the golden decade of fashion.
The confluence of analog with digital, cell phones, portable CD players, and game consoles granted the nineties fashion styles a very distinct look.
The 90s fashion decade was also influenced by the emergence of supermodels, TV celebrities, and A-listers who rocked the 90s latest looks on the red carpet, in the movies, and in music clips.
The 90s fashion history books remind us of headbands, scrunchies, tube tops, capri pants, spiky and dyed hair, and chained wallets, as worn by Lady Diana, Andre Agassi, La Toya Jackson, Run-DMC, and Spice Girls.
There was also The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Nirvana, Beavis and Butthead, Juice, MTV, SNICK, Power Rangers, TGIF, and Wayne’s World.
In this article, I’ll introduce you to the 90 most iconic 90s fashion looks, trends, and ideas.
Without further ado, these are the MAIN 90s fashion looks & styles.
1 /90
90s Overalls – Straps DownGUESS & TOMMY HILFIGER 90s OVERALLS
Overalls in the nineties were super popular, showcased in movies, music clips, and on stage by supermodels.
The classic 90s overalls style was rocked with one strap or both straps down, and even without a shirt underneath – Jodeci style.
2 /90
Nineties Bike ShortsGIORDANA, CASTELLI, DE MARCHI
Introduced by celebrities like Madonna and Jane Fonda, 90s spandex bike shorts were ideal for wearing in or out of the gym.
But, the most iconic moment of the 90s bike shorts style was reached when Princess Diana rocked an iconic pair of orange biker shorts from De Marchi.
The royal beautifully matched the orange bike shorts with an oversized sweatshirt in navy blue branded Virgin Atlantic, gifted to her by Sir Richard Branson.
The bike shorts of the 90s trend is now back, thanks to Kim Kardashian, Off-White, and Naomi Campbell.
3 /90
90s HeadbandsNIKE, ADIDAS, SERGIO TACCHINI
Popularized by tennis stars, 90s thick headbands became a must-wear hair accessory that permeated the catwalk scene.
Headbands were seen everywhere, from colleges – paired with preppy clothes – to movies and music clips on MTV.
4 /90
Combat BootsDOC MARTENS, SERGIO ROSSI, MONCLER
Initially popularized by the 80s post-punk bands, Goth fashion, and grunge scene, the nineties-style combat boots were the footwear everyone wanted to have – in particular, Dr. Martens brand.
In the 90s, the look was popularized by the ‘Tank Girl’ devotees, fictional characters like Daria Morgendorffer, and celebs like Mel B. from Spice Girls.
5 /90
Bucket HatsKANGOL, LACOSTE, BURBERRY
Popular in the late ’80s thanks to Jam Master Jay and LL Cool J, the bucket hat style continued into the nineties as a hip-hop style.
90s bucket hats were worn by Dennis Rodman, Ghostface Killah, and Rakim, just to name a few 1990s celebs that sported the style.
In the past couple of years, we see bucket hats returning, worn by Rihanna, All Saints, Justin Bieber, and Naomi Campbell.
6 /90
Cargo Pants in the 90sDICKIES, CARHARTT, WRANGLER, SKIDZ
In the 90s, cargo pants and military-style khaki pants became a key part of mainstream fashion, thanks to hip-hop artists like Notorious B.I.G., Busta Rhymes, and movie stars like Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt.
90s cargo pants had a multi-pocket construct and were ideal for carrying a large number of accessories teens used to have in those days, such as Gameboy consoles, pagers, cell phones, wallets, keys, and so on.
7 /90
90s Tracksuits + Track JacketsADIDAS, FILA, UMBRO, TOMMY HILFIGER
The 90s tracksuits and jackets were bright, sporty, loud, and colorful, worn by everyone, from hip-hoppers to British footballers and from basketballers to rockstars, movie celebrities, and even grandpas.
The trend of nineties tracksuits was so popular that the style permeated into the realm of high-end designer labels, topping the 90s fashion magazines and catwalks.
8 /90
1990s Sheer Dresses
GUCCI, VERSACE, JEAN PAUL GAULTIER
Babydoll shaped, with thin spaghetti straps, the sheer dress style became a global fashion trend after Kate Moss’s iconic appearance in 1993 – pictured above – a trend etched in the fashion movies and books forever.
9 /90
Baggy JeansCARHARTT, WRANGLER, CROSS COLOURS
There is no discussion about 90s fashion without talking about the hip-hop style baggy jeans, as the baggier they were, the higher the prizes and respect.
Launched by stars and hip-hoppers of those times, the trend was quickly picked up by teenagers and worn at school, discos, and even at home.
Another important aspect of the baggy jeans that made them fashionable in the 1990s was the brand name – it had to be recognized to be appreciated by your peers.
Baggy jeans had a big comeback in 2023 and are one of the trending jean styles of this year.
10 /90
High-Waist Mom JeansLEVIS 501, GUESS, GITANO, JOOP
1990s high-waist jeans became a fashionable wardrobe item, thanks to a smart campaign conducted by Levis – namely, the Spike Lee commercial.
Guess followed up the right way with high-waist jeans for women, and mum jeans became a 90s thing.
Three decades later, nineties mum jeans are still holding strong as one of the most demanded casual denim streetwear styles in 2022.
11 /90
1990s Slip Dresses
LA PERLA, EMANUEL UNGARO, ARMANI
The slip dress became popular towards the end of the nineties decade, initially as a garment part of the ‘underwear-as-outerwear’ so popular in the 90s fashion looks.
Made from layered chiffon, polyester satins, or charmeuse and trimmed with lace, 90s slip dresses exemplify the minimalist and relaxed vibe of those times.
12 /90
Flannel ShirtsCARHART, LEVI’S, WOOLRICH
With the help of grunge rockers – who wore flannel shirts as part of their trademarked low-key looks – flannel shirts reached peak popularity in the mid-90s.
From here, 90s flannel shirts spread like wildfire amongst rock and country music fans to become a mainstream fashion style, eventually becoming a fashion staple for many generations to come.
13 /90
90s Velvet LooksGIORGIO ARMANI, YVES SAINT LAURENT, NEW LOOK
In the 90s, anything made from velvet was a must-wear by the fashion icons of those times – the best example is Gwyneth Paltrow’s red velvet suit and red shoes, making her fade away while walking on the red carpet.
Some of the coolest velvet clothes of the 90s comprised a blend of classic style and cool-girl vibe, a combo that many contemporary designers try to replicate as their own fresh 90s looks.
From all 1990s velvet looks, it is Batsheva’s Victorian necklines and YSL structured cuts with a gathered waist that stand out as the epitome of 90s fashion styles.
14 /90
1990s Tees Under BlazersNO FEAR, FRUIT OF THE LOOM, MOSCHINO
‘Tees under Blazers’ became a thing in the early 90s, thanks to movie stars promoting the look as a quick smart casual style to be worn at the office, going out, and even on a relaxed dinner date.
By the mid-90s, labels like Moschino, Versace, and Calvin Klein started to create high-end tees and blazers combos in various colors and styles.
However, the ’90s tees under blazers’ look were cemented by affordable streetwear labels like Fruit of the Loom and No Fear, with skater and band tees that worked with blazers, suit jackets, and jeans.
Nowadays, ‘Tees under Blazers’ is a popular way to style a blazer.
15 /90
Mood RingsBEWILD, LAGUNA
Color-changing jewelry or mood rings first became popular in New York City in the 70s.
The 70s fashion was the flower-power times when people began to explore ways of showing their feelings.
However, it was the 90s when the mood rings gained peak popularity, as people wanted to show their peers how they feel without words.
The classic 90s mood ring contained a temperature-sensitive liquid crystal encased in quartz that changed color according to one’s skin temperature – supposedly triggered by blood flow and emotions.
In 2023, mood rings are back with a twist. Known as anxiety rings, they come with rotatable bands or beads that you can spin with your fingers
16 /90
90s Skate TeesNO FEAR, ALIEN WORKSHOP, TOY MACHINE, TRASHER, SPITFIRE
In the 90s, the global street skateboarding culture leads to an explosion of ‘mall rats,’ for example, teenagers rocking hand-made graphic tees with skate logos and similar slogans.
The trend was quickly commercialized by brands like Alien Workshop, Hook-Ups, Toy Machine, Thrasher, No-Fear, and Spitfire, and the rest is skatewear history books.
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90s Rollers StylesROLLERBLADE, POLLY POCKET, ROOKIE
In the 90s, skateboarding was slowly taken over by the youth culture and used ways to compete or protest.
In response, inline skating – initially seen as a close competitor but later seen as a form of alternative fitness and dance, gained adoption by the mature market.
The fitness and disco dancing aspect sought by rollers resulted in a different fashion vibe, similar to the 80s fashion fitness days with leg warmers, bike shorts, and neon tights.
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90s Side-Stripe Jeans and PantsPARASUCO, RICHMOND, GLORY, NIKE, ADIDAS
In the 90s, pants and jeans with two stripes from waist to ankle were designed to show you had the cash flow of the rappers who rocked them at the time.
This trend spilled over into the tracksuit pants of those times.
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One-Leg Rolled-Up PantsTHE ‘GHETTO LEG’ STYLE
The “ghetto leg” style consisted of rolling up a pant’s leg to prevent it from getting stuck in the bike’s chain during life-threatening ‘ghetto activities.’
This was a functional approach that later translated into hip-hop music and beyond as a means of saying: “Don’t mess with me.”
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1990s Bleached Hairstyle‘SUICIDE BLONDE’ HAIR COLOR
INXS introduced the term “suicide blonde” to describe a misunderstood, complex person on the verge of collapsing.
Thanks to celebrities like Eminem, Drew Barrymore, and Gwen Stefany, the bleached blonde hairstyle became representative of the 90s fashion decade.
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Pedal Pushers & Capri Pants in the 90s90s CALF-LENGTH TROUSERS
The name ‘pedal pushers’ recalls pants worn by cyclists who avoid long pants that can catch in bicycle chains.
The style was the female reflection of the ‘Ghetto Leg’ style – part of the teenage clothing looks of the 90s
Not to confuse ‘Capri pants’ and ‘pedal pushers’ with shorts or cropped kick flares.
Pedal pushers follow the calf-length trousers style of the 50s and 60s fashion.
Often cuffed and worn tight to the skin, the style is sometimes referred to as ‘clam diggers.’
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Nineties Chain WalletsDICKIES, HARLEY DAVIDSON, LEVIS
Wallet chains were used in the 50s by bikers performing exhibitions on motorcycles as a way to secure their wallets.
The trend resurfaced in the 90s as a trifold or bifold leather wallet anchored at the fold with a sturdy chain (single or double) that hangs out on the side of the leg.
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Neon WindbreakersOCEAN PACIFIC, REEBOK, NIKE
The brighter, the better; the ‘Neon Windbreaker’ style was hot among kids and parents alike.
The Neon Windbreakers style emerged in the 80s and reached full maturity in the 90s, thanks to the TV shows and school culture worn by the coolest kids ‘on the block.’
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90s Stripes SweatersGUESS, MOSCHINO, HUGO BOSS, ICEBERG
From Kurt Cobain to Freddie Krueger, stripes sweaters were a prevalent 90s fashion style, powered by an era of grunge fashion, Friends, and Nightmare on Elm Street.
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1990s Bandanna StyleLEVIS, ELEPHANT, CAROLINA MFG
Seen as a very trendy head accessory of the 90s, bandanas were tied around the head to showcase which rapper you were siding with.
Later on, wearing bandannas shifted from being a gang-related accessory to signaling sexual inclusivity – see the Handkerchief Code for more info.
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Ripped JeansPEPE JEANS, LEVIS, CALVIN KLEIN
Seen as a political statement, ripped jeans were trendy in the 90s to showcase one’s anger towards society.
Kurt Cobain and Madonna are two of the many celebrities that popularised the trend, shifting it from a form of protest into a fashion trend that still reigns supreme.
CALVIN KLEIN, TOMMY HILFIGER, LEVIS, GUESS
Unbuttoned shirts were the antidote to the 90s fashion styles pushing toward tailored men’s looks via high-end designer labels’ advertising.
Shirts and ties were seen as a trend for older people, where showing skin was all about subverting or breaking the idea of tailoring conformity.
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Hypercolored TeesGENERRA SPORTSWEAR
Hypercolor was a line of clothing manufactured by Generra Sportswear and marketed as Generra Hypercolor, Generra Hypergrafix, or Global Hypercolor.
The line comprised mainly T-shirts and shorts that changed color via a thermochromic pigment made by Matsui Shikiso Chemical of Japan, one color when cold and one when warm.
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Nineties Man TanksMOSCHINO, VERSACE, CALVIN KLEIN, MUJI
Worn by action hero men of the 90s, man tanks become popular among women thanks to music and movie by female celebrities.
Supertight man tanks were all the rage on the bodies of stars like Jean-Claude Van Damme and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Big, muscly bodies were the standard physiques of the 90s heroes, and no garment was more suitable for showing off their six-packs and overinflated pecs.
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Discman HeadphonesSONY
A status symbol of the 90s fashion trends, Discman was Sony’s brand name for portable CD players.
With the 1st Discman device launched by Sony in 1984 as D-50 or D-5, Discman was the perfect example of the love-hate relationship every music lover had in the 90s.
While the tracks would always skip, the looks you got from having a $100+ player on your belt were worth all the stress.
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90s PiercingsFROM RAVE TO POP CULTURE
From rave outfits to pop and skater cultures, piercings were the must-haves of the 90s fashion trends.
The ’90s were the prime time for piercings; nose, lips, tongues, ears, belly buttons, nipples, and piercings were conquering places suitable enough to poke a needle through.
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Lunchbox BagsRAVE SMILEY FACE, TOM CORBETT, PLANET OF THE APES
Popularized by grunge, goth, metal, and other hardcore alternative celebrities like Marilyn Manson and Gwar, the lunchbox was a top handle bag ideal for stowing essentials and signaling your tribe affiliation.
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Tops & Tees with Stripes
POLO RALPH, TOMMY HILFIGER, MOSCHINO
Striped tops were made by every 90s fashion brand from Tommy Hilfiger, Eddie Bauer, and Polo.
Ill-fitting horizontal or vertical block stripe tops were the rage of 90s fashion trends, rocked by celebs everywhere, from holidays to the red carpets.
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White Pump SneakersREEBOK, NIKE
Basketball pump sneakers hit the 90s fashion scene on the feet of royals and athletes like Lady D., Dominique Wilkins, and Michael Chang.
Made by Nike and Reebok, ‘Pump sneakers’ were mesmerizing and versatile, pointing to streetwear clothing styles we only now begin to understand.
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Nineties TurtlenecksPOLO RALPH, TOMMY HILFIGER, TRIPLE FIVE SOUL
Turtlenecks were a staple of the 90s fashion styles.
Suitable for the wintertime, 90s turtlenecks came in two varieties: extra-thick for sensitive souls, and close-cut, ribbed for the badass ones.
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Rayon ShirtsVERSACE, GAP, FIORUCCI
A byproduct of 19th-century bomb-making, rayon shirts were one of the most fly things of the 90s trends.
The soft, light, and spongy materials made it popular in hot countries.
Initially adopted by South American drug dealers, the rayon shirts style made it into Holywood and the LA casual-wealthy pop culture.
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Color Blocks (With A Message)CROSS COLORS
Carl Jones and T.J. Walker set to create the “Clothing Without Prejudice” label to boost social awareness of AIDS and racial discrimination.
Infused with African motifs and colors, the American label has become a beacon of inspiration for good, sported by celebs like Arsenio Hall, Kriss Kross, and Jamie Foxx.
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Rice NecklacesNOMINATION, MICHAEL KORS, VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
The vials are made of glass comprising a grain of rice as glass makes the rice look bigger, and the writing can be read more easily.
Most inscriptions contain a name, date, a rose, or a short text like “I love you.”
Rice writing originated in ancient Anatolia, Turkey, and India.
Many rituals and rites use rice as a medium with the idea that those who receive them would become luckier and wealthier.
In the 90s fashion, rice necklaces with your lover’s name were the ideal accessory to make a cult-ish, religious almost, statement of love.
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Clipped PagersMOTOROLA, NEC, PANASONIC, PHILIPS
There were not many smartphones in the 90s, but pagers were the norm.
Pagers could receive messages, were lightweight, had long battery life, and were very cheap.
There was no transmitter inside the pager, and there was no physical possibility of sending any response.
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Pinned & Tagged BackpacksELLESSE, HEAD, NIKE, ADIDAS
Emerged as a way to rep your crew or fav bands, the trend continues to the current times as laptop decals and smartphone covers.
Inspired by the backpack carried by the American soldiers in the Vietnam War, the 90s backpack tags were initially symbols of power and love that quickly transitioned into ways of showcasing one’s musical affiliations and taste.
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Curtain & Middle-Parted Hairstyles90s HOLLYWOOD HAIRCUTS
The curtain haircut is characterized by a long fringe parted in the middle or side.
The hairstyle was introduced by ’90s grunge bands such as Nirvana and popularised by Hollywood heartthrobs like Brad Pitt and Leonardo Dicaprio.
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1990s Earrings Styles – Large HoopsBVLGARI, CARTIER, CHOPARD
Emerging from Africa (notably Egypt and Sudan), hoop earrings symbolize cultural identity, rank, and protection.
The style made its way to Rome via pirates, and in the 90s fashion times, hoop earrings returned as a symbol of style and rebellion over the status quo.
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90s Flat Top HaircutHAIRCUTS AS A FASHION TREND
A “flattop” is a short haircut where the hair on the top of the head is usually standing upright and cut to form a flat-appearing deck.
The flattop was popular in 1950s fashion but faded in popularity with the emergence of longer hairstyles in the late 70s, resurfacing in the early 1990s thanks to popular TV shows, music, and basketball celebrities.
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Bike CapsCOLNAGO, BILLABONG, BROOKLYN
A casquette (from French’ cap’) is a peaked cotton cap traditionally worn by road cyclists.
However, Colnago and Brooklyn’s pieces were tweaked by the 90s hip-hop celebrities who flipped up the brim to create a unique look that took over the pop culture of those times.
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Coogi Style KnitwearVERSACE, MOSCHINO, JENNY KEE, COOGIE
In the 90s, rappers started endorsing designers in their songs, and fans followed the brands.
Notorious B.I.G. began peppering brands like Coogi in his lyrics – see “One More Chance – Stay with Me (Remix)” launched in the summer of 1995.
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Nineties Spiky HaircutsFROM PUNK TO POP CULTURE
In times of rising hard-rock bands, post-Cold War fashion styles, and rebellious punk hairstyles, all blending and forming the 90s pop culture, the spiky haircut was a ‘must-have.’
By the end of the 90s decade, spiky haircuts began to morph with bleached hair and piercings into a unique and characteristic style of the nineties decade.
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Wallabees ShoesCLARKS
The crepe-soled shoes were equally cool in urban and prep circles, the hallmark of a good ’90s fashion trend.
Clark’s Wallabees enjoyed renewed popularity during the 1990s thanks to Wu associations.
Wu-Tang rapper Ghostface was the undisputed champion of Clark’s Wallabees, explaining the current collab between the two brands to release the classic Wallabee in three exclusive colorways.
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Slap BraceletsFRUIT OF THE LOOM, OM CLOTHING, GILDAN
Wrist-slapping bracelets were fun in the 90s, coming in all the craziest prints.
Slap bracelets (or snap bracelets) were invented by Wisconsin teacher Stuart Anders in 1983 and sold originally under the brand name “Slap Wrap.”
Made from a flexible stainless steel spring band covered with printed silicone or plastic, these bracelets were affordable to showcase one’s tastes in movies, music, and so on.
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Backward CapsNEW ERA, STETSON, FUBU
The trend to wear hats backward started with Ken Griffey Jr., a famous baseball player in the 1990s.
Backward hats were quickly adopted by Dr. Dre, Will Smith, Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., NAS, and even Janet Jackson.
The backward hats trend spread like fire throughout the 90s hip-hop community and beyond, as a trend worth the 90s fashion history books.
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The Starter JacketSTARTER
Starter Jackets were the apex of 90s clothing styles, from athletes to movie stars.
Created by a Starter, a premium athletic brand established in 1971, this jacket style pioneered the fusion of sports clothing with popular culture by forging partnerships.
The jacket was designed to represent your favorite team with the brightest and shiniest colors.
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90s Basketball KicksAIR JORDAN, CONVERSE, REEBOK, BRITISH KNIGHTS
From Air Jordan to Rebook and BK, basketball sneakers are one of the most representative moments of the 90s fashion trends.
With the understanding that Michael Jordan won SIX championships in the ’90s, everyone felt that wearing a pair of Air Jordans bestowed them with magic powers.
Each pair of Jordans kicks released during this decade was an absolute banger, and every pop culture icon of the ’90s rocked a pair of basketball kicks.
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1990s Preppy CardigansOLD NAVY, MICHAEL KORS, MARNI
90s fashion cardigan style appeared everywhere, from TV shows like Jawbreaker, Fresh Prince, & Friends, to Cameron Diaz’s iconic 90s fashion moment on ‘There’s Something About Mary.’
There was nothing more stylish than a cardigan to throw over your shoulders if your spaghetti straps or slip dress got a little chilly, and the updated cardi version looked equally chic and worn as a top.
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Knee SocksTHIGH-HIGH SOCKS
The 90s school-girl knee socks look made famous by Cher Horowitz’s (Alicia Silverstone) appearance in the ‘Clueless’ TV show.
High-fashion brands like Prada quickly picked up the style, and the sheer socks with loafers style were born, a look that resurfaces time and time again.
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Leather ChokersH.SAMUEL, URBAN OUTFITTERS, HOT TOPIC
Chunky leather and chain chokers were the ideal forms of punk expression during the 90s fashion styles.
There were also more sophisticated versions with crosses, skulls, flowers, and hearts.
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Platform SneakersSKECHERS, NIKE
Platform sneakers were trendy in the 90s, with many brands (Skechers) making skate shoes, Air Max 95-like trainers, and the half-dressy, half-sneaker hybrids.
Some other popular platform shoes of the 90s were ‘Flatforms,’ ‘Lace-Up Platforms,’ ‘Sneaker Platforms, ‘ and ‘Foam Flip-Flop Platforms.’
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Platform SlidesBIRKENSTOCK, H&M, STEVE MADDEN
With the platform shoe style taking over the 90s women’s footwear, platform variations emerged, from platform sneakers to more relaxed styles such as the Slide platform.
In the ’90s, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who didn’t own at least one style of platform slides, from Thong Sandal Platform to Strappy Platform Sandal and even Platform Flip Flop.
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Claw ClipsBARRETTE HAIR CLIPS
Claw clips were, in the ’90s, the ultimate chic hair accessory, promoted by Jennifer Aniston’s character Rachel Greene in ‘Friends Over and over again.’
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Cat-Eye SunglassesLE SPECS, LINDA FARROW, SAINT LAURENT, GUCCI
Cat-eye sunglasses and oversized cat-eye style glasses frames peaked in the ’90s as excellent accessories for girls who wanted to have fun.
Modern throw-back cat-eye frames are often associated with the celebrities and royals of those days.
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Plaid SetsTOMMY HILFIGER, RALPH LAUREN, CHANEL
Here’s another 90s fashion trend attributed to Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) and her iconic preppy style yellow plaid blazer and skirt set from the Clueless TV show.
The plaid set outfit sees a resurgence in 2023, worn as a plaid cardigan and tank combo to create a modern preppy look.
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Fanny PacksFILA, CARHARTT, LONGCHAMP
Fanny packs bore the brunt of many fashion jokes, but in the ’90s, they were revered as a brilliant way to carry all your stuff hands-free.
Nowadays, waist belt bags are back with a vengeance, spotted on everyone from fashion influencers to Kendall Jenner.
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90s Digital WatchesCASIO, SEIKO
Digital watches were the 90s attempt at wearable technology and the smartwatches we have today.
Techy watches were all the rage in those days, and CASIO’s watches – from classic to G-Shock line – catered to all, from office to techwear fashion lovers.
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Extra Wide-Leg PantsECKO ULTD., LEVIS, DIESEL
As a successor of the booming 70s fashion trend sparked by Palazzo Pants, the wide-legged pant style caught attention thanks to denim houses reinventing the look.
Palazzo Pants also drew inspiration from the wide-legged cuffed pants worn by avant-garde fashionistas in the 30s and 40s, such as Katharine Hepburn, Greta Garbo, and Marlene Dietrich.
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Hair ScrunchiesBURBERRY, TED BAKER, CHAMPION
Neomi Campbell, Britney Spears, Demi Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Madonna, Paula Abdul
In 90s fashion, hair scrunchies hold the synonym of getting ready for elementary school.
Wearing scrunchies in the 90s felt fresh and ready for a fitness session; nowadays, it feels romantic and luxurious.
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Spaghetti-Strap Tops & DressesREISS, MISS ANTOINETTE, AMERICA TODAY
Most 90s spaghetti-strap tops and dresses were worn to elegant soirees – see Gwyneth Paltrow’s 1999 Oscars outfit.
But, there was another more casual version of the dinner spaghetti straps, with branded prints and matched with denim, ideal for going out with friends.
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Animal Print Styles90s LEOPARD PRINTS
Started by catwalk models like Naomi Cambel and taken to stardom by celebs on MTV like Spice Girl’s Mel B, in the 90s, animal prints were everywhere.
You’d see them on midi lengths in snakeskin fabric and full-body outfits printed in leopard patterns; animal print styles were definite signs of luxury taste.
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Blush Pink TakeoverJUICY COUTURE, CHANEL, GUCCI
In the 90s fashion world, the blush pink and red carpet combo has created some of the most iconic looks.
Soft-pink gowns and dresses were worn with cowboy boots and white heels, in perfect contrast to the red carpet.
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Chainmail StylesPACO RABANNE, VALENTINO, VERSACE
The chainmail-style fabric was brought back to life after Gianni Versace created a wearable dress that took the 90s fashion scene by storm.
Chainmail is a type of flexible armor made of metal rings linked together in a well-defined pattern to form a mesh, also used as a military robe between the 3rd century BC and the 16th century AD in Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
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1990s CorsetsVIVIENNE WESTWOOD, JEAN-PAUL GAULTIER, AGENT PROVOCATEUR
Owning and wearing lots of corsets was a thing of the 90s fashion.
Available in various styles and constructs, such as corset bodices, ribbon corsets, pipesets, front-laced corsets, waspies, and Guepiere corsets, the 90s corsets went great with fancy skirts.
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The 90s Printed LeggingsNAUTICA, NIKE, REEBOK
The trend of printed leggings started in the 80s, with the help of Olivia Newton-John and her ‘Let’s get physical’ clip and workout outfits, and went well into the late 90s fashion days.
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Strappy HeelsCHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN, JIMMY CHOO, GIVENCHY
Once the go-to red-carpet shoe for 90s It-girls, from Jennifer Aniston to Kate Moss, the strappy heels are no longer reserved solely for evening engagements.
Strappy heels of the 90s fashion days were paired with dinner dresses or office trousers, nowadays with jeans and blazers.
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Halter-Neck TopsEMILIO PUCCI, ZIMMERMANN, JIL SANDER
Introduced as a new sleeveless style, similar to tank tops but with straps tied behind the neck, halter necks became the official tops of the 90s trends, usually paired with boot-cut jeans.
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Vests As TopsPACO RABANNE, VALENTINO, BALMAIN
Made from a wide range of materials – from leather to velour and silk, 90s vests were worn as independent pieces rather than as a suit combo and matched with skirts and jeans.
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Nineties Oval SunglassesOAKLEY, RAYBAN
While fashionable women of the 90s rocked the cat-eye sunglasses style, men went for the oval glass frame – such as that Kurt Cobain wore at the MTV Video Music Awards in 1993.
The shape was more suitable for the general grunge aesthetic vibe, and we see the form returning to the latest sunglasses trends of 2022.
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90s Tube TopsTOMMY HILFIGER, LOEWE, WOLFORD
Tobe tops were the ultimate fashion and comfort pieces in the 90s, seen as a must-have for any respectable wardrobe girl.
Usually accessorized with an oversize necklace, the strapless tops came in colors and materials.
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1990s BeaniesPOLO RALPH, MONCLER, STETSON, GUCCI
While the name sounds strange, beanies are nothing but a knit cap of simple, tapering constructions.
Worn by the movie stars, athletes, and rappers of the 90s, beanies came in various styles, materials, and materials.
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Branded Baseball CapsNEW ERA, DICKIES, STUSSY
The baseball cap is so ubiquitous in American culture that it could be called America’s national hat.
Made of a soft cap and stiff visor, it is typically adjustable at the back thanks to velcro, plastic, or elastic band.
But what made the baseball cap so famous was Jay-Z’s debut album, Reasonable Doubt, in 1996, where he appeared on the cover hidden under a fedora and scarf fit for a mafia don.
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Oversized Bottoms & TopsFUBU, KARL KANI, ROCAWEAR, WU-WEAR
The 90s fashion style also stands out thanks to a unique blend of street, skater, and hip-hop cultures, reflected in a wide array of oversized jackets, cargo shorts, hoodies, and T-shirts, in a style that carries to modern days as the streetwear trend.
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Tie-Dye OutfitsVANS, FRUIT OF THE LOOM
In the 90s, everyone wore a tie-dye T-shirt, sweater, or jacket.
Tie-dyeing was simple, often done at home, and consisted of folding and twisting the fabric of a garment, binding it with strings or rubber bands, and immersing it in various dyes to achieve unique patterns of colors.
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90s Oversized KnitsJAROL, ICEBERG
Coming in all colors, materials, and styles, 90s perfection knits had one thing in common: oversize.
Worn everywhere, from school to the gym and TV, the knits paired with skinny joggers were ‘the bomb’!
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Cropped TopsTOMMY HILFIGER, BILLABONG, JUICY COUTURE
After Tommy Hilfiger launched an aggressive campaign promoting cropped tops, every stylish girl wanted to wear one and look like Aaliyah.
There were even models for guys who wanted to be like Grand Puba or Puff Daddy.
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School BagsJANSPORT, TUMI, DAKINE, NIKE
The 90s were also the years when branded school bag trends started to rise, with labels like JanSport holding the top spot.
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Unisex FragrancesCALVIN KLEIN, TOMMY HILFIGER
Androgynous chic was not just a look but a lifestyle.
The unisex fragrances CK1’s unisex fragrance made you think you, too, belonged in the androgynous Calvin Klein ad campaigns.
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Cool BasicsGAP, ABERCROMBIE & FITCH, MARKS & SPENCER
The idea of ‘Cool Basisc’ originates in the 90s, after A&F and Gap launched lines of affordable pocket tees, anoraks, chinos; you name it, they had it, in every color and style you hoped for.
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Jorts – Short JeansGUESS JEANS, VERSACE, MOSCHINO, CALVIN KLEIN
In the 90s, denim shorts (also called ‘jorts,’ a ‘portmanteau of jeans,’ ‘shorts,’ or ‘short jeans’ were worn by both genders.
The most popular style of the 90s fashion was above-knee, with the ends rolled up twice or styled with a high-rise straight fit and long fray hem.
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90s Preppy LookNAUTICA, BENNETON, POLO, EDDIE BAUER
The uniforms of old private Northeastern colleges and preparatory schools reached peak popularity in the 90s fashion stage, commercially driven by the advent of Polo and Hilfigers’ stylish looks.
Also, the preppy style with prep jackets, shirts, shorts in bright colors, and equestrian aesthetics was embraced by urban culture in the 90s.
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Nineties Hip-hop BootsTIMBERLAND, LUGZ, KARL KANI
Hip-hop boots matched with sagged, baggy jeans and chains – Notorious BIG and Tupac.
Nothing was fresher than sporting a fresh pair of 6-inch Timberlands or Lugs, and you were a pro if you cleaned them with your pencil eraser.
While Timberland was already popular in the 90s, Lugz made the connection to the hip-hop world.
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Skateboard SneakersDC, CSC, AIRWALK, MUSKA
There was a silent battle in the 90s grade schools between Airwalks and Vans’ skate sneakers.
Skaters were fiercely loyal to their brands, as the ultimate supremacy of skate shoes was at stake, a war eventually won by Vans.
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Wild PantsSKIDS, ZUBAZ
Nowadays known as sweatpants, Wild Pants were introduced to the 90s fashion scene by rappers like Hammer and Vanilla Ice.
Made of soft, breathable fabrics suitable for dancing, these loose-fitting pants came in various colors and prints, with a drawstring closure and taper at the leg.
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90s Leather JacketsPELLE PELLE, AVIREX, 8-BALL
The strong influence of the first generation of supermodels turned the classic leather jacket into a fashion trend in the 90s.
From mid-length to waist-cropped jackets in snakeskin prints and preppy tag-on, leather jackets became the uniform of the ’90s style icons such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, and Cindy Crawford.
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Lit-Up SneakersL.A. LITES
Short-lived but making 90s fashion history, the Lit Up Sneakers were a unique pair of high-tech smart kicks with lights in the heel.
Lites were awesome for stunting around with your friends in middle school but horrible when trying to escape the cops at night.
Conclusion
This compilation of 90s fashion moments is a gold mine for the 1990s nostalgic ones and those seeking some 90s outfit inspo.
From the rare-fashion moments of the 1990s to the most-wanted looks of the nineties decade – that endure today – and from cropped cardigans and kitten heels to slip dresses, these are the best.
The nineties fashion shaped how we understand and wear fashion, from backward baseball caps to bucket hats, knee socks, fanny packs, spaghetti straps, to celebrity footwear collabs, which are so relevant right now.
These iconic 90s fashion looks resurface decades later, inspiring the latest fashion trends.
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Now it’s your turn…
Which one of these 90s fashion looks is your favorite and why?
Are there any other ICONIC 90s fashion ideas you know and want to add to this list?
Ana Escalante
With a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) focused in Journalism with a Concentration in Marketing from the University of Florida, Ana Escalante is an award-winning journalist with powerful reporting in fashion, beauty, pop-culture, and the current editor-in-chief Rowdy Magazine. Ana’s articles covering fashion, media, and digital culture, focusing on emerging communities, have been published on Glamour Magazine, The VOU, Harper’s Bazaar, PAPER Magazine, StyleCaster, Teen Vogue, ELLE UK, CR Fashion Book, and more.
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8 COMMENTS
Great coverage of the 90s fashion days, can you recommend an article that covers how to dress like 90s, or 90s Party Outfit Ideas to re-create with clothes we all have in our wardrobes?
I grew up in the 90s, and this article brings back so many beautiful memories.
Oh headbands bring back a lot of memories, my mom used to wear them all the time and I have a whole album of pictures of her wearing them.
Great list! You forgot ultra low jeans and the whale tail lol. And the most 90s facial hair trend for men: goatees !
Yes I agree about the low jeans. As far as I remember the high waisted jeans ‘rolled over from the 80’s but nineties brought in the low waisted and ultra low jeans, which of course were also in the seventies, correct? In my opinion a lot of the hippie style and way of life from the seventies was brought back in the nineties, i.e w
as low pants/jeans and very grungy – like the nineties. Also the scrunchies were more 80’s, I think. Started to fade early 90s. . That’s how I remember it anyway. Loved the headbands in the nineties.And over plucked super skinny eyebrows on women- mine are still trying to grow back lol
I think the most obvious fashion trends for the 90’s in the UK was the crop top worn with combat trousers or ripped jeans, with maybe a beanie hat, bandana or cap on backwards, for both men & women. Skimpy clubbing & raving clothes for women were made of hunza or maybe neon padded gilet over a boob tube with pvc mini skirt, or a satin slip worn as a dress, also as said the leopard print dress. Guys were also in baggy jeans or multi coloured trackies with key chains & a tight fitting vest, or opted for the smart casual tee under a box jacket Don Johnson look in pastel colours. Hope this helps as a summery for the UK.
SO was looking for an outfit to wear at a 90s party and came across this article. I must say, I loved the walk down the 90s memory lane. It brought back so many long-lost beautiful memories, this is something money can’t buy