From overstatement, the 90s really had been a bold statement in fashion, and most of these trends are back today. Be it living this decade or only getting to hear about it from your favorite shows and movies, nobody can deny that 90’s outfits hold that special place in the fashion history of our times. Oversized silhouette, grungy vibe, laid-back attitude-just think of it all.
If you’re looking to channel your inner 90s fashionista (or simply want to bring a little nostalgic flair to your wardrobe), here’s how to wear 90s-inspired outfits with modern flair.
1. Iconic Denim
Throughout the 90s, denim was literally everywhere, and to say, it really isn’t a seasonal textile, but surely the cut and fit of denim were so different in those times than what it has become these days. Forget skinny jeans-this decade had been about loosened, easygoing fit.
- Key 90s Denim Styles:
- Baggy Jeans: Those really are like those infamous “mom jeans” or “dad jeans.” High-waisted and loose-fitting, all to give that little extra in the way of a comfortable fit. Throw in a cropped top or graphic tee for modern appeal.
- Denim jackets: The oversized denim jacket was really an absolute staple worn with everything from dresses to sweatpants. For maximum authenticity, find a boxy number with a little fading going on.
- Double Denim: Yeah, denim on denim was a bold 90s move. Bring this look into the day with a way more low-key pairing, like a classic denim jacket over a white tee with skinny jeans.
Denim is one of those fabrics: so versatile, yet still one of the keystones to most 90s-inspired outfits. It’s like it’s, literally, the easiest thing on earth you could throw on into your wardrobe and, voilà, in just one swift second, you get that back-to-the-future effect right.
SHOP DENIM
2. Grunge Style: A Nod to Seattle
Well, let me reiterate: the ’90s grunge movement was all about anti-fashion-messy and undone, with a very heavy focus on layering. Grunge style pulls from a much darker and more rebellious aesthetic, and it’s really an amazing way to give some ’90s edge to your outfits.
- Grunge Essentials:
- Flannel Shirts: Of course, the flannel shirt was the epitome of grunge. Of course, wear a flannel shirt over your band tee for that total “I just rolled out of bed” look. Or tie it around your waist.
- Band Tees: Think Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden. A well-worn band tee will add instant ’90s street cred to any outfit. Chuck on black skinny jeans or a pair of distressed shorts and complete the grunge/.
- Combat Boots: Many 90s grunge kids wore Doc Martens, and the footwear choice wasn’t different. Black leather or patent boots with thick soles complete the aesthetic: tough, cool, and inattentively stylish.
Grunge is all about attitude and not really about clothes. Nail that carefree whatever vibe, and automatically your look has attitude and swag going just right.
SHOP GRUNGE
3. The Slip Dress: Sensual Yet Casual
The slip dress came out in the 90s for those wanting femininity but at a minimal degree. It is just a simple silky garment that for the most part is combined with either sandals or sneakers because sleek and does not have too much fuss.
- How to Wear a 90s Slip Dress Today:
- Layer It: Throw a cropped sweater or even a long-sleeved tee under that slip dress for an undeniably cool, laid-back vibe.
- Chunky kicks really give this outfit the street style points it deserves, or add in some strappy platform sandals.
- Go Big with Accessories: Add in a choker or minimalist gold necklace for added touches of ’90s nostalgia.
Slip dresses could be so easily pulled from day into night and offered an underlying sexual suggestion but somehow in an entirely effortless way, which again makes the piece modern even by today’s standards.
SHOP SLIP DRESS
4. The Power of the Tracksuit
The 90s were also very much the golden era of the tracksuit-from the sporty street style to Spice Girl-esque ensembles, this piece was everywhere.
- How to Style a 90s Tracksuit:
- Styling Your 90’s track suit: Team them up with crop tops. Of course, the other iconic pairing would be that of a zip-up track suit jacket paired with a fitted crop top. Bright colors on an all-sporty attire with stripes or logo detailing would look great.
- Chunky Sneakers: super iconic, and this pair of bold-colored chunky sneakers will just seal the deal in a jiffy for your sporty ensemble.
- Matching: Of course, one of the most iconic takes on the 90s athleisure trend was obviously the matching tracksuit set. Today, think Adidas or Nike-think simple tee and bucket hat atop those.
Light, breezy, undeniably cool, but needed when pulling off the 90s style.
SHOP SNEAKERS
5. Plaid, Baby!
And plaid wasn’t just for grunge. It’s one of those prints that crops up time and again in different iterations throughout the 90’s-from punk-inspired to preppy.
- How to Wear Plaid Today:
- Plaid skirts: Ditch it for a real taste of that ultra-iconic 90s style with a simple white tee, a cropped sweater, or even a graphic T-shirt.
- Plaid Pants: High-waist plaid pants-three words that scream high fashion out loud. Of course, the modern interpretation of the aforesaid style is so chic: plaid pant teamed with a tee knotted into them or even a fitted sweater.
- Plaid Shirts: Like in the case of the aforementioned flannel shirts, even plaid button-downs can be very easily worn over basic tank tops or knotted at the waist.
Plaid is super easy to bring into modern wardrobes and still evergreen to add texture and interest to your outfit.
6. The Choker Necklace: 90’s Essential
No outfit from the 90s seems complete without a choker. Be it some plain black velvet band or something more elaborate and embellished, chokers were sported by one and all in the 90s-from celebrities to everyday teens.
- How to Style a Choker Today:
- A slip dress paired with a choker works in an effortlessly cool reeking of the 90s vibe.
- In the case of layered necklaces, layering a choker over some delicate and dainty necklaces works toward bringing in the modern perspective into the 90’s trend.
- Pair one up with a graphic tee-work a choker with either band tees or plain to give little edge to a usually casual attire.
Today, they are so relevant and worn either in a layering style or solo for that statement necklace.
7. Cargo Pants and Overalls
Cargoes and overalls were another breed of utility 90s fashion, which cropped up everywhere. Be it in need of them or the trends of these two different items speaking volumes of their own, everything reflected the laid-back attitude of this decade.
- How to Style Cargo Pants:
- POffset these with fitted tank tops or crop tops to balance the equation. Casually throw in some sneakers or combat boots that actually drive the casual feeling home.
- Neutral tones can be tried for the timeless feel, while bold and bright colors capture the vibe of the ’90s.
- Overalls: Oftentimes worn over a tee or striped long-sleeve shirt. For a modern take, swap classic overalls out for a denim jumpsuit.
Cargo and overalls shared the similarity that they are cut for comfort and ease, while it was rather easy to be rather creative in their styling as well. Either one could easily be carried today into your fashion scheme with added fashionable tops and shoes combined.
SHOP CARGO
Final Thoughts: Own the 90s Vibe
The ’90s were about comfort, individuality, and self-expression. Be it grunge, sporty athleisure, or slip dresses-minimalist-everyone has some kind of ’90s look in which they lean. Even better is how they can be updated with contemporary accessories and styling to fit today’s fashion scene.
Throw on your fave flannel, those chunky kicks, and get ready for that cool-and-couldn’t-care vibe: the 90s baby-you got this!
