Are you the 90s generation? If so, we guess that you’ll likely be familiar with plaid flannel shirts, bomber jackets, vest tops, and even bucket hats, which became your dream fashion in the past. With various models, influences, and interesting subcultures, the 90s fashion trend now makes a comeback with various additional, more interesting elements in it.
Well, it couldn’t be denied that the evolution of fashion occurs so fast, but one thing is for sure: the new fashion trends that you find today are a modification of old fashion trends. However, the majority of Gen Z is unaware that fashion, which is currently popular and has become a trendsetter, actually adapts 90s fashion, just like retro and vintage.
Since the 90s fashion trends have very distinctive characteristics that make them different from other decades’ fashion trends, it’s not surprising if the newest generations try to dress up in 90s style. So, if you want to look fashionable with a touch of nostalgia, you can take a peek at some 90s fashions that are still catchy to wear today and still make a statement in today’s wardrobe or we call it as the “retro fashion trends resurfacing”. Let’s check them out below!
From Glam to Grunge: Uncovering the Vibrant History of 90s Fashion
There is no doubt that 90s fashion is really hard to pin down. However, the clash of trends that occurred is very interesting to discuss. If we talk about 90s fashion, the obsession with celebrity, designer, and public figure clothing became a very strong influence at that time, giving rise to the 90s fashion trend.
If 1980s fashion was all about volume, like padded shoulders, puffy jackets, and big hair, styles in the early 90s were simpler, that is, they didn’t require much maintenance. We take the example that the slip dress is considered one of the most enduring fashions of the 1990s, whose influence persists to this day in terms of fashion modification.
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The history of 90s fashion cannot be separated from the huge influence of grunge, an alternative rock genre and subculture that emerged during the mid-1980s in the U.S. state of Washington.
In 1993, Marc Jacobs, an American fashion designer, showcased unstructured clothing on the catwalk in a Perry Ellis show featuring granny dresses, Doc Martens, and plaid shirts. However, he was extremely criticized, but the collection finally became one of the most important turning points of the decade in the world of fashion.
In the spring of 1994, Chanel also hit the streets, dressing models in skate shoes and baggy boy shorts equipped with rapper chains. Meanwhile, Tom Ford—in his first show for Gucci—reinvented the Italian brand and showed off velvet trousers and sexy satin shirts endorsed by Madonna at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards. In the late 1990s, Alexander McQueen featured models in a variety of metal restraints, of which spring 1997’s La Poupée (The Doll) was perhaps the wildest.
For a generation of teens raised on MTV and by the fictional lives of their fellow teens at the time, they defined fashion as a mix of preppy clothing (plaid miniskirts, knee-high boots, and duster coats) paired with baggy cardigans, ripped jeans, and snapback hats.
Throughout this decade, the girl who was called fashionable was the person who looked elegant by wearing a blazer and double-breasted vest, or a matching head-to-toe look. While men’s fashion at the time seemed somber, as we saw with Jared Leto, Brad Pitt, and Johnny Depp, where their disheveled looks featured casual wear with a penchant for leather jackets, white t-shirts, and minimal tailoring,
Well, the history of 90s fashion is a fascinating topic that reflects the changes and trends of the decade. We must say that Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen are the two designers who pioneered the grunge style and took inspiration from gritty streets.
Why is the Retro Fashion Trends Resurfacing and 90s Still Gorgeous to Wear Now?
Since the 90s fashion trends represent various styles, influences, and subcultures that appeal to different tastes and preferences, it is no wonder that the 90s fashions are still catchy to wear nowadays. Of course, it doesn’t just happen; it is also followed by various factors.
After conducting some simple research, we finally found some interesting facts that became indicators of how strong the influence of 90s fashion is today. Here they are:
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The Influence of Pop Culture
It’s been found that 90s fashion was influenced by music, movies, TV shows, and celebrities, which are still relevant and nostalgic for many people.
We can take some examples, like how grunge fashion was inspired by bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, while hip-hop fashion was influenced by artists like Tupac and Biggie. Films such as Clueless and The Matrix also introduced iconic clothing and accessories that are still imitated today.
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Comfort Matters
Many argued that 90s fashion felt comfortable and casual, reflecting a relaxed attitude. Loose shirts, flared jeans, hoodies, and sneakers are examples of 90s fashion staples that prioritized comfort over formality. Sure, this kind of clothing is still easy to wear and style for everyday events.
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Good Combination in Colors and Patterns
In the 1990s, fashion was considered experimental and fun, combining different colors, textures, patterns, and materials. From denim to leather, from neon to plaid, from crop tops to overalls, 90s fashion offered many options and combinations to express one’s personality and mood. In the 1990s, fashion also used accessories like hoop earrings, chokers, sunglasses, and belts to add style to any outfit.
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A Powerful Era to Express the Art of Fashion
The 90s fashion was rebellious and edgy, challenging the norms and conventions of previous decades. Dyed hair, piercings, tattoos, and torn clothes were some of the ways 90s fashion expressed individuality and defiance.
Of course, those elements remain attractive to those who want to stand out with their fashion choices.
Top 10 of the Retro Fashion Trends Resurfacing That We’re Obsessed to Wear Today
Whether you still wear them or not, at least one of the clothes in your wardrobe is a 90s fashion trend, right? Before you know it, the clothes you keep now can become an interesting throwback that livens up your current fashion style.
You may agree that the 1990s were a very bright time for micro style, bold accessories, and lots of pockets. If you want to try exploring and adopting iconic styles like Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, and the Spice Girls, the 90s fashion trends that we show can make your style more fashionable.
Let’s take a look!
1. Bucket Hats
From the 90s until now, the popularity of bucket hats cannot be ignored. Historically, bucket hats were initially worn by fishermen and farmers in Ireland and Scotland in the early 20th century. But in the 1980s and 1990s, these became popular after hip-hop artists and rappers such as LL Cool J and Run DMC wore them.
Thanks to the resurgence of Y2K styles and the influence of celebrities such as Rihanna, Edward Enninful, and Brad Pitt, bucket hats have made a comeback in recent years. Made of various fabrics and patterns, bucket hats are now trending and can be a vintage fashion accessory that never dies.
2. Slip Dresses
Popularized by Kate Moss, the slip dress comes as a minimalist dress with thin straps. No matter what decade we’re in, slip dresses will become a phenomenon in various styles and occasions. Nowadays, slip dresses with floral patterns have started to adorn 90s fashion, delivering a fresh impression.
Halle Berry is one of the actresses who was seen wearing the black slip dress to the Ninth Annual Soul Train Awards. With her black slip dress, she looked elegant, stylish, and super minimal.
3. Crop Tops
Crop tops are a must-have if you want to wear the 90s look in 2023. For a good reason, like people who wear it can look slimmer and can show off the midriff area confidently, these are still popular today.
Of course, this chic combination has actually become a favorite of celebrities and street style figures. Janet Jackson was seen wearing crop tops when attending the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards. To look modern with a crop top, you can combine it with a sweater, tank top, and flared jeans.
4. Baby Tees
Keep in mind that baby tees are not quite crop tops but rather smaller versions of regular-length T-shirts. They often have colorful cuffs on the sleeves and neckline and sometimes feature cute graphics or slogans. They are perfect for showing off your midriff and pairing with high-waisted jeans or skirts.
5. Flared Jeans
Flared jeans were highly favored during the 1990s, thanks to their silhouette, which can make people’s legs look taller. These are a perfect choice for your daily fashion that you can combine with crop tops or baby tees.
It is known that flared jeans have made a comeback in recent years since they are flattering for many body types and can create a retro-chic look. According to some sources, flared jeans can become one of the biggest jeans trends of 2023.
8. Overall
The overall fashion trend never seems to die, right? If you lived through the 1990s, the chance of wearing these sleeveless denim jumpsuits is bigger. These were no longer just farmers; the 90s made this fashion a casual and comfortable wardrobe staple. You can also try to pair a pair of classic blue overalls with sneakers and a crop top to deliver the look in pure 90s style.
Celebrities are the ones who popularize this type of fashion. Will Smith is a figure who is synonymous with this style. In 1997, actress Alyssa Milano was also seen wearing black overalls to the premiere of The Lost World: Jurassic Park.
9. Tie-Dye Shirt
Clothing with tie-dye motifs, both shirts and dresses, seems to have found its own way to become popular again. In fact, tie-dye shirts have made a comeback in recent years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Reportedly, many people have turned to tie-dying their shirts since this activity could also be therapeutic and relaxing.
Keep in mind that 90s fashion trends were full of colorful hats, t-shirts, and oversized dresses, including the color-coordinated looks of Destiny’s Child. Tie-dye shirts were initially popular in the United States in the 1920s; these went back popular in 2020 and 2021 after many influencers embraced the tie-dye styles.
10. Combat Boots
For decades, combat boots have become a fashion mainstay that bring a rugged appearance—Doc Martens may be the most popular brand. The heavy design of these boots was inspired by military boots, which are usually worn by the military.
Since these are sturdy and durable boots, they are ideal for adding a strong impression to yourself. These can also keep your feet warm and comfortable. To rock your style, you can wear it with jeans, dresses, skirts, or even suits. With the large variety of fabrics, you can choose from different styles, such as leather, patent, or suede.
11. Flannel Shirts
We must say that everyone in the 90s was wearing flannel shirts, from Kurt Cobain to Screech on Saved by the Bell. Initially, flannel shirts were invented as protective clothing for workers in the 17th century in Wales, where the climate was cold and damp. In the 1920s, these became popular in the United States and were used to decorate clothing and home items.
This fashion trend actually represents the popularity of grunge culture. Well, this vintage style will become a trend again this year. Today, you can easily find flannel shirts at clothing stores and vintage shops. To recreate the casual, cozy style, you can only mix and match a flannel short with a t-shirt or tie it at the waist.
12. Sheer Fabrics
Wearing clothes with see-through materials called “sheer fabrics” is not a new trend. In fact, these have a long history and have been popular in different periods and cultures. Sheer fabrics were popular in the 1960s as a form of protest art and pop fashion, and these were influenced by the hippie movement, anti-war sentiment, and psychedelic culture.
In 2020 and 2021, sheer fabrics have made a comeback, and many celebrities have embraced the sheer style. Sheer fabric is a great option to wear, bringing the body’s silhouette look of the 90s. Of course, you can style it in various ways to maximize your appearance and give it a unique impression.
Okay, those are the top 10 nostalgic and timeless 90s fashions that can suit your current style to deliver the look of the 90s. Of course, there are still many 90s fashions that made a comeback—including rayon shirts, bike shorts, neon windbreakers, sweaters with stripes, corset tops, layered clothing, bandana headbands, and many more—but we only show you some of the best ones.
AUTHOR BIO
On my daily job, I am a software engineer, programmer & computer technician. My passion is assembling PC hardware, studying Operating System and all things related to computers technology. I also love to make short films for YouTube as a producer. More at about me…
