1. The Slip Dress
The iconic slip dress was worn by almost every supermodel and actress in the 90’s. This bias cut dress was made of thin spaghetti straps and body-skimming lightweight fabrics such as silk or satin. It-girls that dared, wore slip dresses in completely sheer fabrics. The slip dress was available in mini, midi, and maxi lengths. Although it looked great worn on its own as a minimal dress, it became a versatile ‘90s staple because it could be layered over almost anything. Cool girls of the 90’s layered their slip dresses over turtlenecks and tees.
2. Plaid Flannel Shirts
Nineties Fashion was heavily influenced by the grunge music genre. Plaid flannel shirts were a grunge staple worn by wildly popular rock bands of the ‘90s like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam. Men and women embraced this look. If you were a ‘90’s kid, you probably tied a plaid flannel around your waist or layered one over your favorite graphic band tee and looked really cool doing it.
3. Overalls
In the ‘90’s, if you wanted to get ready in a flash, you probably put on some overalls and you were out the door. Nothing was easier and there was no way you could mess that look up. They were worn over tees, tanks, turtlenecks and bandeaus. You scored extra cool points if you left one strap unfastened to dangle from your shoulder.
4. Tracksuit
If you were on-the-go in the ‘90’s, your failsafe was the tracksuit. The brighter, the bolder—the better! They were colorblocked and came in all sorts of patterns. These lightweight sets consisted of a zip up jacket and matching bottoms. You didn’t necessarily have to be the athletic type to wear a tracksuit. They suited everybody from moms on the go to teens hanging out at the mall. Towards the end of the decade, velour tracksuits were all the rage. Over the years, the tracksuit has been revamped by designers for a new generation of trendsetters.
5. Scrunchies
Scrunchies were fabric covered elastic hair accessories that adorned every ponytail in the ‘90s. Scrunchies “scrunched up” when they were worn, hence their name. They were available in just about any print and fabrication imaginable. Scrunchies were easier on the hair than an elastic band. If you wanted to wear your hair up, you slid on one of these statement-makers to hold your ponytail in place. When cool girls weren’t wearing them in their hair, they were stacking them on their wrists.
6. Fanny Pack
Fanny Packs were a popular bag worn around the waist that was roomy enough to hold all your everyday essentials. Also known as a bum bag or a belt bag, it fell out of fashion in the early 2000s but designers brought the “uncool” bag back to life in 2017. A new generation of style icons were more than happy to embrace the hands-free fanny pack. If you’ve got a fanny pack tucked away into your closet somewhere, it’s safe to bring it out again. This time, try wearing it as a crossbody bag.
7. Combat Boots
The combat boot was a huge footwear trend in the ‘90s. Dr. Martens, also known as “Docs”, was the brand of choice. They were paired up with everything from grunge staples like flannel shirts, torn denim, and striped sweaters. Instantly recognizable with their signature yellow stitching, Dr. Martens was coveted by off-duty models and actresses in the 90’s.
8. Choker Necklace
The choker was a must have accessory in the ‘90’s. It had the ability to add instant cool to any look. The choker was a necklace worn close to the neck made of lace or velvet. Some chokers were super stretchy and designed to look like a tattoo. The choker is another beloved 90’s trend brought back to life over the last few years. Modern iterations of the choker are made of pearls, metals, rhinestones, and leather.
9. High-Waist Jean
Teenagers today might think that high-waist jean trend originated in their generation, but they were actually really huge in the ‘90s. Long before the arrival of skinny and low rise jeans, high-waist jeans, also known as “mom jeans”, dominated the ‘90s fashion scene. High-waist jeans were loose fitting and they were comfortable. It’s no surprise that high-waist jeans are back as they are a universally figure flattering silhouette.
10. Crop Tops
Crop tops were another 90’s fashion necessity. Everyone from pop starlets to A-list actresses showed up on the red carpet in these ab exposing tops. In 2022, crop tops are enjoying a moment. They range from totally exposed midriff styles to those that bare just a little bit of skin. Today’s style icons are pairing crop tops with another ‘90’s staple—the high-waist jean.
11. Bucket Hat
The hippest way to top off your look in the ‘90s was with a bucket hat. The bucket hat, also known as a fisherman’s hat, is a simple hat with a downward-sloping brim. Thanks to hip hop stars, the bucket hat had a moment in ‘90s street style. The bucket hat was trendy and it was functional. Classic styles in tightly woven cotton shielded the eyes from the sun while the statement-making, oversized fuzzy bucket hat provided extra warmth.
12. Velvet
In the ‘90s, if you wanted to add some glam to your look, your go-to was anything made of velvet. Crushed velvet dresses, lush velvet tops, and velvet blazers were all ‘90s must-haves. Velvet was classy and added a vintage feel to your outfit.
