The '90s Called, And They Want Their Fashion Trends Back — Except Now They're Even Cooler
1.Straight-Leg Jeans
Throughout the decades, we've seen every style of pants, from bell bottoms to skinny jeans. However, in the era of Beanie Babies and Tamagotchis, straight-leg jeans were a fashion mainstay.
They say trends cycle every 20-ish years, so it makes sense that we're starting to see straight-leg pants again in 2024. While it might seem a bit of a stretch to pin such a classic and straightforward item to a specific decade, it’s clear that many brands see them as a hallmark of the '90s. For instance, Levi’s and Madewell have both embraced this retro revival with their own "'90s Jean" collections.
2.Mini Shoulder Bags
The Fendi Baguette Bag made its debut in 1997, setting the stage for the next iconic purse trend. In the late '90s and early 2000's, socialites and models alike were seen sporting the Baguette, including Paris Hilton and more famously, Carrie Bradshaw.
Within the last few years, we've seen a resurgence in shoulder bags. Other fashion labels have drawn inspiration from Fendi, releasing their own versions of the bag and recreating its small, compact shape. (Just look at Staud, Coach, and By Far.)
3.Track Pants
Whether or not you were a runner, track pants were most likely a part of your wardrobe in the '90s. The pants were made popular by hip hop artists like MC Hammer, Tupac, and N.W.A., and were made a stylish item in the '90s street style scene.
In the last few seasons, athletic-inspired clothing has made a big comeback, with Adidas leading the trend. Following the revival of their iconic Sambas shoes this summer, many people are now adding the brand's striped shorts to their wishlists.
4.Minimalism
In the '80s, there were neon colors, big hair, and patterned outfits. In the '90s, minimalism took over, characterized by muted colors, classic styles, and simple accessories. If you look at paparazzi photos from that decade, you'll see models and celebrities wearing very simple, understated pieces.
In the last few years, most brands have prioritized labelless basics — pieces that "go with everything." We (as a society) have even popularized terms like "capsule wardrobe" and "Quiet Luxury," which definitely echo '90s minimalism.
5.Thin Eyebrows
Speaking of minimalism, another huge aesthetic of the '90s was its complete opposite: grunge. Somewhere between these two aesthetics, thin eyebrows were born.
It seems that nearly everyone in the 1990s was no stranger to tweezers, plucking their eyebrows until they were pencil-thin. Earlier this year, this trend resurfaced on TikTok, with thousands of people recreating the look and posting videos under the hashtag #90sbrows.
6.Capris
Capris or "peddle pushers" are distinctly '90s, and you could often see stars on the runway or red carpet sporting them. Since they were a cross between pants and shorts, they were a versatile and comfortable piece to own.
For better or for worse, capris are back in style, and not just for corporate wear. Earlier this year, Julia Fox was photographed wearing them for a night out in Miami, and Bella Hadid was spotted in a pair for a fashion event. With my shorter legs, I'm not sure if I'll be partaking in this trend, but I support anyone who does.
7.Dr. Martens
When Grunge took over the '90s, so did Doc Martens. There's no questioning that this unisex shoe has remained one of the most iconic foot accessories of the last three decades.
As a Doc Martens fan myself, I guess I have '90s grunge to thank for my favorite shoe of all time.
8.Brown and Burgundy Lipstick
Along with thin, arched eyebrows, another makeup trend of the '90s was a signature dark lip color. The go-to lipstick shades of this decade were a brick brown or a wine burgundy.
Those who wore Revlon's Rum Raisin two decades ago might be happy to hear that the shade has made a comeback after it went viral on TikTok a few months ago. Due to the resurgence of 90s makeup trends, it might be hard to find at your local drugstore, so consider purchasing it online if you want to get your hands on this iconic shade.
9.Fur Coats
Although fur coats were first popularized in the late 1940s, they made a comeback in the 1990s. This was a particularly controversial time to wear fur, coinciding with heightened activism from animal rights groups. (You may remember PETA's ‘I’d Rather Go Naked Than Wear Fur’ campaign.) New York Magazine even labeled wearing fur during this decade as "Radical Chic."
Due to the rise of faux fur, it seems like fur coats come back into style every winter. I love a fur moment, so I'm here for it.
10.Biker Shorts
Bike shorts took off in the mid 1990's, after Princess Diana was frequently photographed in them while running errands. This definitely elevated bike shorts to a trendy clothing item, and people drew inspiration from the princess's signature look.
In the last decade or so, bike shorts have gained popularity once again, and with the rise of athleisure, I think they're here to stay.
11.Slim Glasses
In the '80s, oversized square glasses were the go-to choice for anyone with vision problems. However, just like other fashion trends of the '90s, minimalism took over, leading most people to replace their chunky frames with slim, narrow lenses.
This style of glasses has definitely become popular in the last few years. Celebs like Bella Hadid have been photographed wearing "Bayonetta glasses," and the trend has been further popularized by TikTok.
12.High-Shine Fabrics
The '90s were indeed all about minimalism, but when it came to hitting the club, stars were seen in something with a sparkle. Sequins, satin, vinyl, and silk were all popular fabrics during this decade, especially for nighttime attire.
Now, I wouldn’t say shiny fabrics are exactly 'in,' but they’ve certainly never gone 'out.' Silk and satin pieces have definitely made a comeback. Plus, I could easily see the outfits pictured above at a music festival or club, so it seems that times haven’t really changed all that much, have they?
13.Slip Dresses
Another defining trend of the '90s was the slip dress. It became the supermodel's go-to, with figures like Kate Moss and Tyra Banks frequently photographed in them, both on and off the runway. The slip dress perfectly encapsulated the minimalist era and allowed people to achieve an effortlessly elegant look.
In 2024, slip dresses are definitely in style. Whether you wear it alone or layer it with a big graphic tee, they still provide the same elegance and effortless look that they gave decades ago.
14.Kitten Heels
In the later half of the '90s, kitten heels were featured in high-fashion runway shows of brands like Chanel, Comme Des Garcons, and Miu Miu.
The resurgence of kitten heels is fantastic news for those of us living in not-so-car-friendly cities like New York, where wearing 4-inch heels can feel like a near-death sentence for your feet.
15.And finally, pointed heels
It wouldn't have been the '90s without pointed heels. If you took a look at any model, they were most likely wearing a pair of Manolo Blahnik's (as Kate Moss is wearing in the photo above.)
Brands like Larroude and Tony Bianco have embraced this trend and made pointed toe heels popular again. Personally, I love the pointed toe look — it elongates the foot and elevates any outfit.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments!
