If you’ve looked at TikTok or Instagram (or flipped through a fashion magazine) lately, you’ve probably already noticed that the ’90s are back. Over 20 years after the decade ended, many of its most iconic fashions (think: scrunchies and Mom jeans) that were once mocked are now being embraced by Gen Z.
Such is the cyclical nature of fashion, and with looks—from grunge to goth to hip-hop, and more—throughout the decade, there’s certainly a lot of inspiration to pull from. Here are just a few of the many ’90s trends that have reentered the culture lately. Just don’t wear them all at once!
Once famously mocked in a 2003 episode of Sex and the City, this humble—and stretchy—fabric hair tie has since become popular again. More comfortable and forgiving on sensitive manes than the typical elastic, the scrunchie has been rediscovered for its versatility, ease of wear, and ability to add an unfussy extra bit of style to a casual outfit.
These comfortable sandals, easily recognizable for their cork soles and buckles, were a staple of the ’90s hippie wardrobe, but today you’re more likely to see them worn by a more fashion-forward crowd. Birkenstocks fit right in with the so-called “normcore” concept of unpretentious, comforting clothing from the ’90s actually being subversively stylish. While the classic Birkenstocks come in drab earth tones, today you can buy them in a wide variety of colors and styles.
Platform shoes, which had previously been trendy in the ’70s, reached new heights (pun fully intended) in the ’90s. Platforms were seen everywhere, from the Doc Martens of grunge kids to the sky-high sneakers of ravers (and the Spice Girls!), and even the Mary Janes and loafers of trend-loving teen girls. Given the ’00s-era popularity of spindly designer stilettos, it makes sense that the edgier, more comfortable clunky shoe would finally come back in style.And unlike in the ’90s, you can get Docs made from vegan leather now, as the brand has offered this as an option since 2011.
These seductive necklaces, which often have a goth look, were all the rage in the ’90s. The tattoo choker in particular—a looping, cheaply made, plastic variation on the theme—was especially ubiquitous later in the decade. These chokers, as well as more traditional velvet and rhinestone ones, have once again become popular, primarily worn by teen girls and young women looking to add an edgy accessory to their respective outfits.
Mom jeans (or as they were known in the ’90s, simply “jeans”) have gone from object of derision (most memorably ridiculed in the 2004 Saturday Night Livesketch seen above) to a cool-girl staple. Jeans used to be high-waisted and rigid by default, but as more stretchy fabrics came onto the scene, tight-fitting skinny jeans became popular, and by the ’00s they were inescapable. Low-rises were also the norm then, and the high-waists of so-called Mom jeans have proven to be more flattering and comfortable for many, and can have a surprisingly timeless feel.
These stretchy, skin-tight shorts were the height of athleisure before that word even existed. Often paired with oversized T-shirts or sweatshirts, bike shorts are comfortable and casual, with a touch of sex appeal in their formfitting silhouette. Many people discovered the benefits of bike shorts during the pandemic, as they’re a good alternative to being pantless on Zoom calls. They also can have an understated, chic quality outside the house, as evidenced by the many pictures of ’90s style icon Princess Diana out and about in bike shorts that often circulate on Instagram.
Beloved by ’90s “it girls” like Courtney Love and Drew Barrymore, the slip dress is underwear-as-outerwear at its finest. The silky fabrics and spaghetti straps of these dresses have a flirty vibe without trying too hard, and they’re easy to throw on and dress up with some accessories. The slip dress can look Old Hollywood or riot grrrl, depending on how it’s styled, and its versatile sexiness and association with ’90s rebels has led to a new appreciation for the style.
Plaid has always been around, but in the ’90s it was everywhere, from the flannel shirts of grunge musicians to the yellow skirt suit famously worn by Alicia Silverstone in Clueless. Putting on a plaid piece is an easy shortcut to the boldness of ’90s style, as evidenced by pop star and Gen Z fashion maven Olivia Rodrigo’s penchant for plaid dresses and miniskirts.
Frequently paired with the aforementioned high-waist jeans in the ’90s, the bodysuit gave casual outfits a more put-together look. While some may scoff at the inconvenience of a bodysuit when it comes to using the bathroom, these body-conscious pieces (which can be minimalist, athletic, or boudoir-ready) are coming back via celebrity-backed brands like Kim Kardarshian’s SKIMS and others.
The 90s were the heyday of denim, and it's back with a vengeance. Oversized denim jackets, baggy jeans, and even denim dresses have reemerged on runways and streets alike. The beauty of denim lies in its versatility; you can dress it up or down effortlessly.
Slip dresses, bomber jackets, scrunchies and plaid flannel shirts were all the rage during the '90s — and many of these fashion trends are working their way back into vogue (although some of these pieces may have never left your closet).
All the looks you loved back then—or covet now while binge-watching old sitcoms—are officially back and more stylish than ever. Think: spaghetti straps and bucket hats along with knee socks and cat-eye sunglasses.
A typical outfit included leggings with an oversized v neck sweater over a turtleneck, slouch socks, and Keds, Sperrys boat shoes or Sperrys white sneakers. Also plaid or plain short dresses and skirts with pastel or white knee socks worn over the knee or folded at the top of the knee with ballet flats or boat shoes.
But for Gen Z, even though they did not grow up in that era or truly experience it, listening to and loving the '90s has got to do with their search for comfort, and escapism and for a time when life was less stressful and more carefree.
Channel authentic 90s grunge by throwing on baggy ripped jeans, a graphic tee and checkered flannel. Wear bike shorts, track suits, and colorful windbreakers to really run head first into a 90s sporty vibe. Don the denim—mom jeans, low rise jeans, denim overalls, and denim jackets were all the rage.
The look was simple: an oversized flannel shirt, sometimes worn over a t-shirt, and jeans. Other grunge styles included beanies, band t-shirts, knitted sweaters with patterns and Converse shoes. Nirvana's Kurt Cobain epitomized the look with holes in his jeans and cardigan sweaters (Fig. 1).
Aside from boy bands, one-shoulder overalls, and obscure hairdos, the '90s are characterized, in large, by eclecticism and multiculturalism. With movements in grunge, hip-hop and rave music, as well as the rise of technology (Cable! Internet!), revolutionary niche groups formed.
Popular clothing items were black or red leather (or pleather) pants, fitted shirts, halter tops, cropped tanks, flared pants, and platform shoes. The color palette brightened up from the darker grunge tones to plums, navys, and reds.
There are several types of '90s jeans that have made a comeback. It's not just the looser relaxed JNCO style jean. It's also the flared leg, and the mom jean style.
Cable Knit sweaters are timeless items that will always be around. Every season they change some details to reinvent it, but it's never disappearing from stores or runways. In 1994 we would see a young Kate Moss doing a catwalk for Channel in this chunky cropped cable sweater, that could easily be worn nowadays.
The '90s were a time of bold and eclectic jewelry trends. Our personal favorites like choker necklaces, bangle bracelets, and hoop earrings make stunning statements, and arm cuffs, gemstone pendants, and anklets are dainty but daring.
There is no better ode to the '90s than high-waisted blue denim, fondly dubbed the “mom jean” in recent years. Stonewashed or basic blue, pleated or flat, any pair of high-waisted thick denim pants with a vintage cut (fitted waist, relaxed through the thigh) will do.
While some new (and surprising) Y2K pieces are set to return to our wardrobes, including rugby-style polo shirts reminiscent of Jacob Elordi's style in Saltburn and capri pants—yes, really—it's the Eighties influence that will be seeping into our 2024 outfits.
'We done with the 90s' is trending on NBA Twitter: 'Michael Jordan had no left' It started on TikTok and it's now an open revolt online that's setting NBA discourse on fire with younger fans claiming they've been deceived about basketball in the 90s.
Introduction: My name is Greg O'Connell, I am a delightful, colorful, talented, kind, lively, modern, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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