Fashion

Blast from the Past: Iconic '90s Outfits are Making a Comeback

Time to dig into your closet and wear the pieces you never thought would see the light of day again.
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Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Whether you were actually there or not for the '90s, it's clear that the decade's fashion trends have been everlasting and cyclical within the fashion industry. Boomer or Millenial? Then you'll remember claw clips, spaghetti straps, and denim (lots of it.) Although Gen Z wasn't quite born yet, the generation has taken it upon themselves to take a stroll into fashion archives and dig out the best of the best.

The minimalism trend saw sleek lines and muted colors, influenced by supermodels like Kate Moss. Meanwhile, the preppy look, inspired by movies like Clueless, featured plaid skirts, knee-high socks, and tailored blazers. The '90s also saw the revival of '70s boho chic, with floral dresses, Doc Martens, and chokers making a comeback. This decade was a melting pot of styles, where individuality and self-expression reigned supreme.

In 2024, we see the resurgence and cyclical nature of '90s fashion from everyday streetwear, to our favorite celebrities gracing the red carpets with the vintage attire. Whether it's Haily Bieber or Bella Hadid, we see the continuation of a decade that most certainly has a chokehold on all fashion enthusiasts.

L'OFFICIEL has curated a list of the trendiest '90s outfits and aesthetics to revamp your closet. 

Glasses and Grunge 

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Kurt Cobain was definitely the leader of this specific aesthetic, essentially tossing on whatever was lying on your closet floor. Dingy sweater with a stripped tee? Perfect. He also brought these glasses to the forefront to add more flair. His former counterpart, Courtney Love, also hailed from the grunge aesthetic, with a messier appearance with darker toned clothing with rips. Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

Denim Everywhere

 

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From Levi's 501s to Jean overalls, the '90s were the golden age of denim. So whoever believed denim on denim was too much, it wasn't at the time. While '90s outfits are in, pull out your Canadian Tuxedo. Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

Minimalistic Streetwear

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As the '90s marked the end of a glitter-crazy era that was defined by bold style, colors, and silhouettes, it sought to embrace the 'less is more' mentality by popularizing neutral colors and minimalistic street style, à la Calvin Klein. Think white t-shirt, a good pair of jeans and sneakers and you're good to go. Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

Prints and Patterns

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No '90s outfit would be complete without a hint of cheetah, gingham or Galliano Newspaper print (see, print is not dead after all). If you want to add a bit of spice to your otherwise minimalist outfit, don't be afraid to play with different prints and patterns. Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

Couples Style

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Some of the most iconic celebrity couples from the '90s, including Victoria and David Beckham, Courtney Love and Kurt Cobain, Jlo and P.Diddy, dressed like the person they were dating. Let's not forget the many times Brad Pitt would even have the same haircuts as his girlfriends. That's love. Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

How to Wear Leather

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Before the '90s, wearing leather head to-toe usually meant you owned a bike. That being said, David and Victoria Beckham showed us that full-on leather is a lot chicer than previously thought. Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

The Slip Dress

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The most convenient and versatile '90s outfit centered around the slip dress. You can dress it up with heels or dress it down with sneakers. If you don't have one already you should invest in one, the slip dress is as timeless as a pair of jeans, hence why it's still around today. Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

Chic Tailoring

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During the '90s, we saw the rise of the "working woman," and the brands launched to serve her, like Donna Karan. The suit quickly became favored by men and women alike. Tailored to a T, the '90s suit is simultaneously empowering and sexy. Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

Iconic Accessories

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Can't get enough of baguette bags and tiny shades. The '90s were the days of the tiny accessories (we see what you did there Jacquemus). Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

Athleisure

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All hail Lady Di for making chic athletic wear a thing, and our favorite '90s singers for making the baggiest of pants socially acceptable. Photos courtesy of Getty Images.

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