Regardless of whether you intended it or not, at least one of your outfits from the past month definitely pays reference to the 90s fashion craze of yore. Vintage clothing has a sneaky way of infiltrating closets and gradually taking over, not with overtly vintage outfits but with isolated items. A few runs in a pair of combat boots, a velvet choker here, a pair of earrings there.
Before you know it, passersby will be complimenting you on how much you resemble Cindy Crawford (we can only dream). There are some fashion trends that come and go with each decade, never to be seen again. Yet when it came to micro style, eye-catching accessories, and tons of pockets, the 1990s were especially vibrant. Some of the most identifiable 90s fashion elements that beg to be revived are gathered here.
Slip-on outfits
No wedding event or club is complete without at least one dancer wearing a slip-dress. They are available in all sizes and colors, are attractive and comfy (a difficult combination to pull off), and come in all price points. The under-the-knee hem and spaghetti straps—which are frequently adjustable—define slip dresses. Although there are slip dresses that are shorter, the traditional styles skim the shin.
hefty headbands
When it comes to ’90s attire, headbands in general were a favorite, but there’s something about the thick style — typically braided — that has the fashionable masses in its grasp once more. We might also be able to thank Blair Waldorf for the resurgence, but either way, they’re back. Thick headbands are the perfect romantic addition to any dress, whether you have long or short hair.
Cycling shorts
They are no longer simply for the gym. Cycling shorts are surprisingly adaptable—you can wear them with a sports bra and a blazer or—like Princess Diana—with a crew-neck sweatshirt. And even though black bike shorts are currently the most common choice, they are nevertheless available in every hue under the sun. Yet, compared to a display of ’90s clothing, you won’t see as many neon pairs walking on the pavement.
Battle Boots
Although combat boots have been a staple of fashion for years, the ’90s grunge style was founded on footwear. Even while Doc Martens is the most well-known brand and is renowned for its wide range of boot styles, there are countless more options available. Traditional combat boots are fastened with laces, however, zippers are also an option. In any case, the military boots worn by soldiers during the war served as inspiration for the bulky shape.
Nail Clips
Consider going retro and gathering all of those strands with a hair claw for a classic ’90s appearance when a basic hair band won’t do. It is a simplistic plastic design that traps locks in place and is available in a variety of sizes and shapes. These were quick techniques to rapidly get the hair out of the face in 1990s casual attire. Today, you can find them everywhere, from farmer’s market strolls to wedding day hairstyles.
Vibrant Suits
In general, velvet played a significant role in 1990s fashion. It is becoming increasingly frequently utilized on purpose, especially in suits. The texture adds a whimsical touch to formalwear, whether it’s a velvet collar or a full-on demonstration of how velvet can entirely cover a person.
flannel shirts in plaid
Upon reflection, it’s likely that plaid flannel was never out of style. Flannel is an excellent option in a lot of (casual) circumstances; it’s great for going on hikes, shopping trips, relaxing at home, or going out with friends.
Baby shirts
When it comes to ’90s fashion trends, midriffs were huge. Baby tees, which are not quite crop tops, merely resemble a shorter version of a regular-length t-shirt. On the sleeves and neckline, they occasionally feature bright cuffs; other times, they don’t. However, they’ve returned and are achingly cute.
Belt bags
There’s a major difference in how fanny packs are worn today, compared to the 1990s. Instead of wearing them cross-body like a small easy-access pouch that is even simpler to put on and take off than looping them around the waist as they were intended to be worn.
Wide-leg jeans
Flare jeans are back, and this one is a touch of contentious. Even though the flare isn’t as large as it was thirty years ago, we don’t mind the tiny kick in the silhouette.
Hoops of Jewelry
The centerpiece of many jewelry boxes in the 1990s were big, chunky hoops. There are several antique alternatives available now, along with braided patterns, narrow hoops, big hoops, and squiggly hoops. A vast universe of hoops exists.
Scrunchies
Scrunchies were a fun way to spice up a straightforward hairdo, similar to hair claws. They were frequently bright and constructed from extra fabric, which caused them to fan out around the ponytail (or ballerina-style bun). Today, they’re spreading the same carefree mood to heads everywhere. Contrary to baby shirts, crop tops appear to be missing some of the shirts at the bottom, and we mean that in a fun, fashionable way. An outfit that features a crop top and high-waisted jeans might be considered forceful.
Sheer textiles
In the 1990s, sheer clothes had a major moment, whether it was a mesh dress with prominent appliques scattered throughout or see-through tops paired with a tube top. Even so, it’s still a ton of fun to experiment with, especially when your fit has tiny, sneaky hints of mesh.
colored eyewear
Extra points if you can locate a set of cat-eye glasses with colored lenses, and even more points if the shades don’t completely enclose your optical field. There are numerous directions this timeless motif can go, from rose and orange to blue and green.
Baggage Pants
If you wore combat boots and cargo pants, you could have easily entered any mosh pit-filled 1990s music event. Some styles had boot cuts, while others had drawstrings at the ankles for a parachute-like look. Both of these plus a whole lot more are available in stores right now.
Top Corsets
The corset top gained popularity in the early 1990s thanks in large part to the late fashion designer Thierry Mugler, so if you can find an original, you’re in for a real treat. The lace-up front, which comes in a wide variety of patterns and colors, is a genuinely retro design element that adds a feminine touch to any pair of jeans—or cargo pants.