Recreating the ‘90s fashion aesthetic

We all know that fashions come and go, and that vintage styles from decades past often make a resurgence. At the moment the trends reappearing in our stores and on our catwalks are styles made famous during the 1990’s. 

 

The decade where iconic supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss made slip Cami dresses fashion must-haves and where Princess Diana took the world by storm whatever she chose to wear.

 

But what was ‘90s fashion like? Truthfully, the 1990’s was one of the most contrasting decades when it came to fashion.  The fashion world saw ultra-feminine pieces like lace slips or pleated skirts being teamed with combat boots or platform trainers for a grunge twist- and that’s before we delve into beauty trends like brown lipsticks and dark lip liner.

 

So, after years of dismaying when we look back at old photographs from the ‘90s, why is ‘90s fashion back? The truth is that, thanks to its unusual combination of styles, you can take aspects from 1990s fashion inspiration and blend them into your current style for a seamless modern twist. Read on for our take on 9 ways to wear ‘90s fashion trends.

Those of us who were old enough to play with fashion the first time ‘90s styles appeared will remember the abundance of choker necklaces around. Particularly, the ‘henna tattoo’ style choker which proved very popular with young celebrities.

 

Despite being uncomfortable to wear, this trend was easy to style as even a simple ribbon tied round your neck would act as a tip of the hat to the ‘90s fashion gods. Update this classic style with a modern metallic twist for a subtle look, or wear it with a vintage ‘90s up-do hairstyle for a full homage. Bonus points if you include butterfly clips.

 

Product Inspiration: Chain Link Necklace

The 1990’s were the heyday for the ‘mom jean’. Celebrities around the world from Jennifer Aniston to Kate Winslet were spotted rocking these comfortable, oversized denim styles and they weren’t afraid to double it up. 

 

Light wash denim was the colour of choice for that truly cool look with the taboo of denim on denim way ahead in the futuristic ‘00s. Team with a chic belt and a classic white tucked tee for a nineties vibe that’s all vintage.

 

Product Inspiration: Organic Mom Jeans

Although cropped tees became more obvious in the noughties with the arrival of the low-rise jean, crop tops were a popular choice throughout the ‘90s with high waisted ‘mom jeans’ as well as skirts. 

 

Peasant blouse styles with capped sleeves and ruffles give a sweet and sassy nineties feel to any modern outfit. Play with materials and finishes to give this vintage style a contemporary update.

 

Product Inspiration: Cotton Mix Cropped Blouse with Ruffled Collar

Traditionally one of the hardest nineties fashion staples to wear, the slip or Cami dress was seen on every catwalk and red carpet during this decade. From supermodels to celebrities and even royalty, shoulders were on display wherever you looked and this skin-tight style caused sales of control underwear to go through the roof. 

 

Perhaps the origin of the ‘underwear as outerwear’ trend, slip dresses with lace panels and cut-out details became ever more popular as fashionistas outdid themselves with risqué touches. Made iconic by many celebrities, it is perhaps most noted that Selma Blair still rocks a slip on dress today. Wear with high stilettos for a night out or add a touch of grunge with combat boots for a real ‘90s feel.

 

Product Inspiration: Sequin Mini Slip Dress

Thank goodness scrunchies are back in fashion. These pretty ruffled hair accessories have been considered in recent years to be desperately uncool, but they’re actually incredibly versatile.

 

They are a solid staple of ‘90s fashion trends we have imprinted into our brains and they are back and with all kinds of different materials available, it’s easy to find the perfect scrunchie for every outfit. Plus, they look great around your wrist when it’s time to let your hair down. 

 

Thanks to their construction, they’re also much better for tying your hair up than traditional bobbles with metal fasteners, as scrunchies won’t break your hair strands when you tie them too tight. What’s not to love?

 

Product Inspiration: Faux Leather Scrunchie

If you didn’t have a pair of platform shoes in the ‘90s, were you even following fashion? Made popular by the Spice Girls and other music legends in the 1990’s, platform sandals and trainers were go-to footwear during this iconic decade.

 

Flip flops or sandals with large platforms or wedges were an instant way to gain height and fashion gravitas, while chunky trainer styles turned every pavement into a catwalk. Wear them now with tracksuits or cycling shorts for a playful nod to this classic trend.

 

Product Inspiration: Brooklyn Wedge Sandals

Everybody secretly loves a combat boot. During the nineties the grunge side of fashion meant you saw these sturdy, clodhopping styles worn with everything from jeans to delicate dresses. This style of boot remained popular over the years with more alternative fashion styles, but the traditional Doc Marten style boot is seeing a resurgence in mainstream fashion. 

 

Now an all time festival favourite or gig-go-to, military styled boots are here to stay in the world of fashion. After all, if they combine comfort and fashion together, what more could you ask for?

 

Product Inspiration: 1460 Leather Lace-Up Ankle Boots

As if Nineties girls (and even the younger ages) have forgotten about Cher Horowitz and her love of a classic pleated skirt. Made popular by the iconic movie Clueless, pleated skirts were suddenly no longer just the property of Catholic or boarding schools.

 

Instead a quirky fashion choice for on-trend teens. Wear with knee-high socks and a coordinating blazer for the full Cher effect, or be inspired by the one and only Britney Spear with a tied shirt and fluffy hair accessories.

 

Product Inspiration: Pleated Mini Skirt with Horse Bit Buckle Belt

It’s great to see cycling shorts back in fashion. These versatile shorts are super comfortable and easy to wear, whether you style them under a skirt or dress for anti-chafing comfort or go bold and rock them solo with a t-shirt or jacket.

 

Fans of Princess Diana will remember her iconic shorts-and-jumper look going down in history as one of the most famous outfits of the decade. Recreate it by choosing a baggy, hoodless jumper and cycling shorts worn with bright white trainers and sports socks. Or why not give this vintage trend a modern angle with metallic-finish shorts and an oversized shirt?

 

Product Inspiration: High Waist Sports Cycling Shorts with Logo Print

 

Speaking of royalty, we have been graced with many fashionable monarchs that we can take style inspiration for years to come. It appears that even the oldest trends such as puffed sleeves have come back around with a vengeance in every decade. We’ve picked out our favourite afternoon tea styles with a nod to modern day trends so you can dress to impress at any occasion.