Fashion

These '90s Fashion Icons Define Autumnal Style

Look no further for the ultimate autumnal style inspiration than these '90s fashion icons and their unforgettable looks.

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Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in 1999. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

The '90s were one of most daring eras in fashion to date, featuring numerous iconic trends that have transcended time. As the crisp air of autumn arrives, what better time to look back at the fashion icons who defined this decade’s timeless yet effortless style. From grunge to minimalism, the decade was the ultimate masterclass in the art of layering, texture, and earthy tones—making it a timeless mecca of inspiration for our fall wardrobes.

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, which makes the continued modern day yearn for the idyllic era all the more fitting. A month following the release of Vogue’s mini series In Vogue: The 90s, the fashion scene’s enduring admiration for the decade has been on display like never before. Some of the era’s biggest key figures’ indelible influence paved the way for contemporary fashion, which can still be seen on designers and today’s It-girls alike - making them bonafide style icons that we’re still thinking about to this day.

Be it chic tailoring or sleek leather jackets, the decade's fashion icons like Kate Moss, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and Gwenyth Paltrow taught us that autumn is about comfort, attitude, and a certain cool-girl nonchalance. As we embrace the new season, let’s revisit some of their iconic looks that continue to define autumnal style.

Jennifer Aniston

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Jennifer Aniston in 1996. Getty Images.
Jennifer Aniston in 1997. Getty Images.
Jennifer Aniston in 1997. Getty Images.
Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt in 1998. Getty Images.
Jennifer Aniston in 1998. Getty Images.
Jennifer Aniston in 1999. Getty Images.

The primetime Emmy, Academy, and Golden Globe award winner rose to prominence portraying "Rachel" on Friends, and served timeless looks throughout the decade-long sitcom. Jennifer Aniston’s style - on and off screen - has widely been considered ahead of her time, as many of the trends she sported have come back into style since she first wore them.

Aniston went on to star in numerous feature films throughout the '90s and 2000s, including Office Space, The Break-Up, and Marley & Me. In 2019, she made a triumphant return to television in a producing and starring role in the Apple TV+ drama The Morning Show, opposite Reese Witherspoon. This is her first main television role since the conclusion of Friends and has secured her numerous accolades, including a SAG Award and multiple nominations for the Emmys, Golden Globes, and Critics Choice awards.

Naomi Campbell

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Naomi Campbell in 1997. Getty Images.
Naomi Campbell in 1997. Getty Images.
Naomi Campbell in 1998. Getty Images.
Naomi Campbell in 1998. Getty Images.

With the birth of the supermodel era during the early '90s, Naomi Campbell became one of the most recognizable faces on and off the runway. Alongside such talent as Christy Turlington, Linda Evangelista, and Cindy Crawford, this generation of models were some of the first to be declared “supermodels” by the industry and the press. Their status in the fashion industry has yet to be topped since. Campbell was discovered at the tender age of 15, and has since gone on to model for some of the biggest names in fashion to this day. It comes as no surprise that the iconic supermodel took her famous strut off the runway to show off her personal style.

Carolyn Bessette Kennedy

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Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and JFK Jr. in 1996. Getty Images.
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in 1996. Getty Images.
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in 1996. Getty Images.
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and JFK Jr. in 1997. Getty Images.
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in 1997. Getty Images.
Carolyn Bessette Kennedy in 1999. Getty Images.

Limited public photos exist of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, yet the few that have circulated truly capture the depth of her impact. Undoubtedly an originator of “quiet luxury,” the late American socialite and publicist for Calvin Klein continues to win the hearts of many for her innate ability to take understated pieces and enhance her natural allure. The wife of John F. Kennedy Jr. could seamlessly blend minimalism and poise simply by just walking down the NYC streets in looks that have lived on 25 years after her untimely death.

Princess Diana

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Princess Diana in 1987. Getty Images.
Princess Diana in 1988. Getty Images.
Princess Diana, Prince Harry, and then-Prince Charles in 1988. Getty Images.
Princess Diana in 1989. Getty Images.
Princess Diana in 1994. Getty Images.
Princess Diana in 1997. Getty Images.

Princess Diana’s humanitarian and fashion impact are profound and enduring, which has made her a global style icon to this day. The late princess of Wales, tenderly referred to as "The People's Princess," became known for her elegant and often daring sense of style, as she redefined royal fashion one traditional and trendsetting look at a time. From her early years in romantic, feminine dresses to her later embrace of sleek, sophisticated designs, Diana's wardrobe reflected her personal evolution. Signature looks like her scantily clad "revenge dress" and timeless suits inspired countless trends and designers, leaving a lasting legacy in the fashion world.

Gwyneth Paltrow

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Gwyneth Paltrow in 1990. Getty Images.
Gwyneth Paltrow in 1993. Getty Images.
Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Pitt in 1996. Getty Images.
Gwyneth Paltrow in 1996. Getty Images.
Gwyneth Paltrow in 1996. Getty Images.
Gwyneth Paltrow in 1997. Getty Images.

Gwyneth Paltrow rose to prominence thanks to her roles in films like Emma in 1996 and Shakespeare in Love in 1998, the latter of which earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. But she swiftly became distinguished for her effortless chic and minimalist sense of style. After all, who could forget the iconic Donna Karan kelly green set she wore in Great Expectations? The ‘Goop’ founder’s style was defined by sleek silhouettes, muted color palettes, and understated elegance. Her red-carpet looks, such as the now-iconic pink Ralph Lauren gown she wore to the Oscars in 1999, epitomized the minimalist glamour of the era. Off-duty, she favored simple, tailored pieces like blazers, slip dresses, and trousers, balancing sophistication with an easygoing, laid-back vibe.

Kate Moss

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Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell in 1993. Getty Images.
Kate Moss in 1993. Getty Images.
Kate Moss in 1993. Getty Images.
Kate Moss in 1994. Getty Images.
Kate Moss in 1995. Getty Images.
Kate Moss in 1998. Getty Images.

While the British model stands at just 5 feet 7 inches, Kate Moss’ arrival in the supermodel era was one for the books as she rose to international fame due to collaborations with Calvin Klein. Discovered at the age of 14, Moss quickly became known for her waif-like figure, which contrasted with the curvier models of the previous era. Much like the decade itself, her style in the 1990s was characterized by a raw, effortless, and grunge aesthetic. Moss often paired simple, minimalist pieces like slip dresses, skinny jeans, and oversized jackets with a tomboyish edge. Her ability to mix high fashion with street style made her a fashion icon, influencing trends that defined the era. Her daughter, Lila Moss, has since followed in her footsteps and made her debut in 2020 for Miu Miu.

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