The Nineties - a decade when fashion was boundless. So long as there was the odd choker and a peppering of butterfly clips thrown into the mix, style could mean anything and everything you wanted.
Hence why for some, the 1990s were a time in fashion history that they'd rather leave firmly in the past. It was the age of MAC's unforgettable 'Spice' lip pencil, Jennifer Aniston's iconic 'Rachel' hairstyle, and, naturally, Tamagotchis constituted the height of technological innovation. On the flip side, it was also the springboard for like palatable trends such as ripped jeans, plaid shirts and grunge staples, AKA the precursor to Indie Sleaze.
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© GettyGrunge and glamour collided spectacularly. Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera were heading up Y2K glitz, bringing pop princess panache to the masses via chunky trainers and slogan baby tees. Logos were thrown around like glitter at a rave, kickstarting ‘logomania,’ as pioneered by Levi’s and Calvin Klein.
For others, Kurt Cobain and the Britpop boys came to represent pique Britishness. Liam Gallagher’s flattened ‘do and longline trench become synonymous with mid-Nineties style, later replicated in the Wachowski's 1999 film The Matrix. A far cry from Geri Halliwell’s iconic Union Jack mini dress and white go-go boots.
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© GettyThe decade has come to represent the the origin of some of our all-time favourite style moments – the Big Six were cleaning up on the runway, meaning that the 90s fashion photo archive makes for some seriously decent viewing. The industry's most bookable names included Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer and Christy Turlington, each paving the way for a new breed of runway star.
MORE: 7 style lessons we learnt from 90s Kate Moss
Lest we forget Kate Moss, who single-handily pioneered the controversial trend 'heroin chic' with her barely-there slips, boyish leather jackets and slight 5'7 frame. When she coupled up with Johnny Depp, fashion birthed its OG It-couple, giving Brad Pitt and Gwyneth Paltrow and run for their money.
Popular 90s Fashion
© GettyHow long have you got? The 90s saw a slew of major trends, captured best by the decade's most iconic films – think SATC, Clueless, She's All That, and 10 Things I Hate About You. Chokers, scrunchies, baby tees, jelly shoes, and bandeaus came to define the era, among many more.
The preppy look - which dominated in the previous decade among wealthy US teens - borrowed elements from hip hop fashion, incorporating sweatshirts, baseball jackets and slouch socks alongside pleated mini skirts, ballet flats and cricket sweaters. Case in point? Princess Diana's iconic gym-ready look featuring an oversized knit and cycling shorts.
MORE: 1970s fashion trends that we still love in 2023
READ: 20 decade-defining 80s fashion moments
Grunge blossomed, and an almost 'anti-fashion' spirit reared its head. The slouchy, bedraggled vibe favoured ripped tights, band T-shirts, distressed jeans, leatherette coats, combat boots (often Doc Martens), and longline skirts.
Is 90s fashion still trending?
This season, plenty of brands are taking their cues from the 1990s. At Helmut Lang, the spaghetti straps were paired alongside zig-zag hairbands, and whereas cargos made a resurgence at The Attico and JW Anderson, among others.
Honing in on the accessories, scrunchies are back and they're bigger than ever. It-girl adored independent label Good Squish has charmed the Instagram crowd with its super cute XXL deadstock-derived accessories, and the claw clip is still going strong among 'Clean Girl' devotees.
How we chose:
- Style and 90s appeal: Naturally, style is paramount. All our fashion picks are trend-relevant and but with a distinctly 90s feel.
- Price: Whether you're planning on splashing out or bagging a bargain, we've got a nostalgic piece in your price range. We've selected this season's best, ranging from high-street brands to luxe designer labels.
Hello! Fashion shares the 90s fashion trends that still bang in 2024:
Slip Dresses
© GettyKate Moss' sheer slip dress is a piece of fashion history in its own right. Aged just 19, the freckled ingénue stepped out at the Elite Model Agency Look of the Year party and found herself pretty shocked to see the results the next day. "I had no idea why everyone was so excited," she later told Vogue. "In the darkness of Corinne [Day]'s Soho flat the dress was not see-through!"
MORE: Lila and Kate Moss' most stylish moments
Claw Clips
© SpotlightThe 1980s favoured the humble banana clip, whereas it was the claw clip that reigned supreme in the decade that followed. Nowadays, the accessory feels very in keeping with the 'Clean Girl' aesthetic, especially on days when only off-duty chic will do.
Dungarees
© GettyHip-hop and R&B stars breathed a new lease of life into the denim classic over the course of the 90s, often styling them open and favouring super baggy fits. If you're looking to bag a pair yourself, check out those by denim specialists – 7 For All Mankind, Frame and SLVRLAKE and the like.
Plaid Skirts
© GettyAlicia Silverstone in her role as Clueless' iconic Cher Horowitz launched the plaid skirt into the fashion stratosphere, and we couldn't be any more grateful. With a playful preppy edge, pleating with a mini length is the winning combination, as far contemporary wearability is concerned.
Velvet
© GettyRich and luxuriant, velvet has an unmistakably decadent appeal. A party dressing classic, the fabric was all over the runway in the 1990s – Gwyneth Paltrow's red Gucci suit moment springs to mind, but Winona Ryder and Sarah Jessica Parker were also partial to a spot of velvet. For 2024, I love the textural element of devoré to add depth to an otherwise classic floral print.
Platform Flip Flops
Platform flip flops are having a moment and we're here for the renaissance of the 90s footwear classic. Offering fun, cushy comfort and a major height boost, check out styles by Coperni and Balenciaga if you're looking to invest, otherwise there are heaps of cheap and cheerful styles available on the high street.
Cargo Pants
© GettyEveryone is wanting to get in on the action when it comes to cargo trousers. The utilitarian trouser trend has turned into something of a contemporary street style hero, worn by Emily Ratajkowski, Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid and more. Back in the 90s, baggy fits and low-rise waistbands defined the age, but this season I'm super into denim iterations with wider, more relaxed leg silhouettes.
Cycling Shorts
© GettyVibrant cycling shorts may not be what immediately springs to mind when one thinks 'Princess Diana style' – after all, she had so many unforgettable formal fashion moments. However, casual dressing was one of the many areas in which she excelled, case in point: her ability to pull off graphic oversized sweatshirts and brightly coloured cycling shorts.
Corset Tops
© GettyWaist-cinching reached a whole new level when Thierry Mugler's structured corsets graced the runways, making a case for the super-snatched silhouette. Another stellar example of 90s corsetry? Madonna's pink conical extravaganza, crafted by Jean Paul Gaultier.
Platform Heels
© GettyThe popularity of platform heels rose steadily in the 1990s, and we're very much here for the height boost. Mary Janes, loafers and mules all made the cut, but hip hop star Lauryn Hill's strappy sandals? Not a want, but a need.
Bucket Hats
© ImaxtreeWe really have the Manchester music scene to thank for the rise of bucket hats. Initially a Britpop staple, perfect for combatting the drizzly weather up north, the distinctive silhouette has since became a festival hero - worn by It-girls and rave lovers alike.
Leather Blazers
© GettyLeather jackets are the epitome of timelessness. Most famously sported by veteran leather lover Gwyneth Paltrow in the Nineties, the genderless design remains a highly versatile winter piece. Winona Ryder and Kate Moss favoured shorter silhouettes, while The Matrix championed Neo's iconic longline cut,
Band Tees
© GettyThe grunge scene birthed more than just Blur and Oasis. Band tees became a signifier of excellent music taste, sported by bay boys and cool-girls alike. From Johnny Depp to Winona Ryder, the graphic throw-ons became a cult favourite.
Pedal Pushers
© GettySeem familiar? Pedal pushers are currently witnessing a renaissance, championed by brands such as Reformation and Mango. The cropped trousers were a particular favourite of Victoria Beckham, who wore the knee-skimming bottoms on several occasions.
Halterneck Tops
© GettyHalterneck tops were the ultimate mark of the Nineties party girl. Beloved by Jennifer Lopez and Melanie C, the typically embellished, backless crop tops were popularised by coveted labels such as Miss Sixty. Sequins and iridescent floral embroidery preferable.
Kitten heels
A personal favourite, the ever-cute, ever-kitsch kitten heel adorned the feet of feline women with a penchant for girlish pieces. Ideal for taller wearers, such as Claudia Schiffer and Cindy Crawford, the petite pumps continued to thrive in the Noughties. Paris Hilton, the Olsen twins and Lindsay Lohan later brought the kitten mules to the masses, despite their polarising effect.
Waistcoats
© GettyNo garment gathered as diverse a clientele as the waistcoat. Worn by Nineties heroes from Elle Macpherson to Patrick Dempsey, Brian May and Will Smith, the genderless button-down took tailoring mainstream.
Oval Shades
© GettyNeed Nineties style inspiration? Look to Jennifer Aniston. Serving up pique nostalgia in a cropped tank, red cargos, flatforms and oval shades, the actress fashioned herself as a walking sartorial relic. Her slim sunglasses became an accessory must-have, taking wearers from café to club. Kurt Cobain was also a notable fan.
Plaid Shirts
© GettyAs worn here by a young Leo, plaid shirts were something of a Nineties paradox. Yet another hero piece in the rock-grunge sphere, donned by the likes of Johnny Depp, the casual throw-ons were also a preppy go-to for American high schoolers.
Chainmail
© GettyCourtesy of the supermodels and Gianni Versace, all-things chainmail flitted back onto the scene in pure splendour. Cowl neck designs merged with mini silhouettes, creating the prime party pieces for achieving after-hours glamour.
Why you should trust me:
Tania Leslau is the newest member of the Hello! Fashion fashion features team, having previously written for publications such as the Evening Standard and Tatler. With over 10 years experience in the fashion industry, she has curated an expansive brand vocabulary and developed an eye for timeless yet on-trend pieces. Luxury trends spotlighting is her bread and butter, a skill developed during her studies at Central Saint Martins.With a particularly keen eye for nostalgic trends, she has come to analyse a myriad of fads both past and present, from Sixties Space Age silhouettes to Y2K Noughties staples.
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