17 Trends From The '90s You Can Wear Today

The fashion world can’t get enough of the ‘90s nostalgia. Why? Winona Ryder, Drew Barrymore, and Kate Moss were all the epitome of cool, each in her own way. That was the ’90s for you. It was the decade of grunge but also the birth of the Supermodel. There was a Clinton in the White House, and Nintendo 64 in your house. You collected stuff: records, Beanie Babies, and skateboard stickers. But you stood out by making a splash with your babydoll dress like Courtney Love, or with rave gear, like the club kids who partied all night long. There was no such thing as social media; you actually had to telephone your friends on a landline if you wanted to hang out, and things were just… simpler. Maybe that’s why the fashion world is still so obsessed with the ’90s.

True, fashion recycles every 20 years, but the fashion world has a major crush on the ’90s that just won’t quit. The following 17 looks, pulled from Forever 21’s current merchandise, prove that these ’90s trends are just as wearable today as they were way back when.

Choker Necklace

To be fair, chokers were popular in the Victorian Era. But they were also ever so chic in the ’90s, and are on trend today too.

Overalls

These days, overalls are more structured and fitted than they were in the ’90s, which is a good thing.

Flannel Shirt

Does plaid flannel ever go out of style? True, in the ’90s it was a staple of the grunge look. Today, you can wear it without giving a nod to counterculture.

Crop Top

Crop tops showed off all the goods in the ’90s, while today, they’re a bit more conservative, (relatively speaking). Navel-ring, optional.

Varsity Jackets

There’s no chicer way to cover up in spring 2017 than with a bomber jacket, but the varsity/bomber trend was so on trend in the ’90s. Just ask the gang from 90201.

Leggings As Pants

Whoever started this trend in the ’90s deserves some major props because leggings as pants are one of the coziest, chic trends on this list.

Platform Sneakers

Like the ’70s, ’90s shoes were all about the platform, even sneakers.

Power Blazer

From Cher Horowitz’s famous yellow plaid blazer, to the power blazer Rachel Green donned when she went from waitress to executive, the ’90s blazer was more body conscious than its ’80s counterpart, which is totally a good thing.

Scrunchies

Can you believe these hair accessories are back? They are, and they even come in feel-good tie-dye.

Mary Janes

Punk or pretty, dainty or grunge, Mary Janes were the shoe du jour of the ’90s. Today, they’re just as popular, with a stacked heel (pictured above) or even as flats.

Big Hoop Earrings

Sometimes referred to as “door-knockers,” these accessories went mainstream in the ’90s, as hip-hop culture also became popular with a wider audience.

Babydoll Dresses

When paired with Mary Janes, your babydoll dress screams ’90s. But when worn with a bootie (like pictured above), the look is more contemporary.

Round Sunglasses

These psychedelic shades were the jam in the ’90s. But they’ll work all summer long too.

Floppy Hat

Don’t ask why quirky hats were so popular back in the ’90s (maybe blame Blossom?) but they’ve made a comeback, only now they’re a little more structured—even when floppy.

Combat Boots

A staple for grunge bands in the ’90s, you’re likely to see a girl rocking a pair of combat boots with a summer dress or shorts. These boots are just that versatile.

Biker Shorts

“Athleisure” was a major trend in the ’90s. Before American Apparel and Juicy tracksuits, biker shorts let you flaunt your curves and jet around town with one easy look.

Wide-Leg Jeans

Wide-leg jeans have made a comeback this season, giving you an alternative to jeggings or skinny jeans, and they’re another trend that was oh so big in the ’90s.

About the author

Jill Di Donato

Fashion Editor

Jill is a New York native who holds a BA in Literature from Barnard College, and an MFA in writing from Columbia University. She is the author of the novel Beautiful Garbage (She Writes Press, 2013) about the downtown Manhattan art and fashion scene in the 1980s. A former staff writer for The Huffington Post and Bustle, Jill comes to Culture Trip after working with Refinery 29, Vice, Salon, Paste Style, Los Angeles Times, Nylon, Shopify, Autre, and producing content for emerging fashion labels. She teaches classes about fashion and culture at Barnard College and The Fashion Institute of Technology. Her prized possessions are her Gucci fanny pack, vintage rocker t-shirts, and her grandmother's collection of costume jewelry. She's always on the lookout for a gem-encrusted turban.