Wednesday’s 90s Fashion Trends Still Worn Today (and Do)

Chances are, at least one of your outfits from the past month pays homage to the ’90s fashion trends of the past, whether you wanted it or not. Throwback style has a sneaky way of sneaking into a closet, not completely taking over with that screaming vintage suit! but element by element. Earring here, velvet choker there, some romp in a pair of combat boots. Before you know it, strangers will stop you in the street and tell you that your outfit has major Cindy Crawford vibes (we can only dream).

Like any other decade in fashion, some trends come and others go, never to be revived. But the 90s were a very dynamic time for micro-style, bold accessories and lots of pockets. We’ve put together some of the most iconic 90’s style elements in front, ready to roll back.

Dress Slips

You can’t go to a wedding or club reception without seeing at least one slip dress on the dance floor. They come in all colors, they’re sexy and comfortable (a hard combo to nail), and you can find them in all price ranges and sizes. Slip dresses are characterized by spaghetti straps (usually adjustable!), and below the knee hems. You can find shorter slip dresses, but the classic slides right up to the shin.

Thick headband

Headbands in general are a favorite for ’90s outfits, but there’s something about the voluminous, usually braided style that has a mass of style in its grip again. We might as well be able to thank Blair Waldorf for the resurgence, but either way, they’re back. Set over long or short hair, voluminous headbands are the romantic cherry on top of whatever outfit you wear.

Bike Shorts

They’re not just for the gym anymore. Bike shorts are incredibly versatile, whether you pair them with a sports bra and a blazer or throw on a crew-neck t-shirt, Princess Diana style. And while black bike shorts may be the most popular choice today, they’re still available in all the colors of the rainbow. Though, you’ll see fewer neon pairs walking the sidewalks than you would on a 90s clothing rack.

Combat Boots

Combat boots have been a mainstay in fashion for decades, but 90s grunge fashion was built on footwear. Doc Martens is probably the most popular brand, loved for its wide collection of boot styles, but there are so many different styles on the market. The classic combat boots are secured with laces, but a zippered design is available. Either way, the heavy design is inspired by the military boots worn by soldiers in battle.

Claw Clip

If a simple hair bow isn’t enough, consider taking a step back and gathering all of your hair with bobby pins for the perfect 90s look. Available in a variety of sizes and designs, it’s a straight-forward plastic design that traps the keys in place. In the 90s, they were used in casual wear, a quick way to remove facial hair. Today, you’ll see her in every situation, from a walk to the farmer’s market to a wedding day hairstyle.

Velvet Suit

Velvet, in general, was a big part of 1990s fashion. Today, it is used more deliberately especially in suits. Whether it’s a velvet collar or a full-blown example of how velvet can completely cover the body, texture is a cute twist on formal wear.

Plaid Flannel Shirt

When you think about it, it’s possible that plaid flannel never went out of fashion. There aren’t many (casual) situations where flannel isn’t a good choice: it’s perfect for hiking, visiting the grocery store, relaxing at home, or going out with friends.

Baby T-shirt

Belly was all the rage in 90s fashion trends. Not quite a crop top, baby t-shirts just look like smaller versions of regular t-shirts. Sometimes it has colorful cuffs on the sleeves and neckline, sometimes it doesn’t. But they are so adorable and have come back.

Fanny Pack

There is a big difference in how you wear a waist bag today, compared to the 1990s. Instead of looping it around the waist as it was designed to be worn, but cross-body like a small, easily accessible pouch that is even easier to put on and take off. JanSport was a leading provider of waist bags in the 90s, but you’ll find many other choices today including luxury leather waist bags.

Flared Jeans

This one is a bit divisive, but flare jeans are out there again. Flare maybe notasit’s as big as it was 30 years ago, but it’s okay with a bit of a silhouette kick.

Circular earrings

Big, chunky earrings became the anchor of many jewelry boxes in the 1990s. Today, you can find lots of vintage options, as well as designs in braided, thin hoop, big hoop, and squiggly hoops. It’s a wonderful circle world.

Scrunchi

Much like hair claws, scrunchies are a fun way to liven up a simple hairstyle. More often than not, they’re colorful and made with excess fabric so that it expands around the ponytail (or ballerina-style bun). Today, they are carrying that same fun vibe around the world.

Crop Top

Unlike a baby top, a crop top looks like it’s lost a bit, well, a shirt on the bottom and we mean that in a fun and stylish way. Paired with high-waisted pants, a crop top can give a powerful look.

Thin cloth

Whether it was a sheer dress with bold appliqué embellished in important areas or a see-through top paired with a tube top, sheer clothing was a big moment in the 1990s. It’s still a very fun fabric to play with, especially when there’s that little moment of peeking through the hidden mesh on your fit.

Tinted Sunglasses

Bonus points if you can find a pair of colored cat eye lenses and more points if sunglasses don’t completely cover your entire optical area. From roses and oranges to blues and greens, there are plenty of directions to go with this timeless trend.

Cargo pants

Pair a pair of combat boots with some cargo pants, and you can drop into any 90s music venue with a mosh pit. Some designs have a strap at the ankle for parachute vibration, while others are boot cut. You can find both and more in stores today.

Corset Top

Late fashion designer Thierry Mugler had a big hand in popularizing the corset top in the early ’90s, and if you can find an original, you’ll really enjoy it. Available in a variety of patterns and colors, the completely throwback design detail is a feminine touch on the lace front for any pair of jeans or cargo pants.