Slip dresses, bomber jackets, scrunchies and plaid flannel shirts were all the rage during the '90s — and many of these fashion trends are working their way back into vogue (although some of these pieces may have never left your closet). For all the nostalgic '90s babies out there, we've rounded up some of the decade's best fashion trends that will instantly transport you back to the heyday of grunge, hip hop and bubblegum pop.
In the '90s, celebs like Halle Berry, Naomi Campbell, Jennifer Lopez and Nia Long brought their freshest looks to red carpets and everyday activities (not to mention their amazing '90s makeup looks and '90s hairstyles). From sexy slip dresses to casual overalls to crop tops to groovy swirl patterns and cheetah prints, you'll find some of the most coveted styles of the decade on our list (many of which you may just be inspired to replicate!). And just in case you're browsing this roundup as inspiration for spooky season, you'll also want to check out our list of totally fly and fresh '90s Halloween costumes.
Slip Dresses
Actress Halle Berry wore this black slip dress to the Ninth Annual Soul Train Awards in 1995. It's a minimalist look that's elegant and alluring, no matter what decade you're wearing it in.
Plaid Flannel Shirts
From Kurt Cobain to Screech on Saved by the Bell, it seemed like everyone was wearing plaid flannel shirts in the '90s. These days, it's easy to find flannels at clothing stores and vintage shops if you're itching to recreate the casual, cozy style.
Plaid Skirts
Plaid skirts weren't just for school uniforms! Back in the '90s, long plaid skirts were all rage, as evidenced by Sarah Jessica Parker's outfit, paired with a blue poncho and red heels.
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Horizontal-Striped Shirts
Neon-colored striped shirts, like this green and yellow mix worn by The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star Will Smith, were a popular street style look. They're still a fun way to add some color to your wardrobe.
Overalls
Actress Alyssa Milano wore black overalls to The Lost World: Jurassic Park premiere in 1997. It's a casual outfit that's still a great option to wear if you're in a rush, but want to keep it cute.
Board Shorts
In the '90s, you didn't need to be a surfer to wear board shorts. Case in point: Actor and rapper Bobby Brown wore this black pair as a casual going-out look. If you're looking to bring this trend back, consider options with colorful patterns.
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Swirl Patterns
Swirl patterns are still in, especially on flare pants similar to Brandy's eye-catching 'fit at the 24th Annual American Music Awards in 1997.
Faux Fur Coats
Colorful faux fur coats were a key component of '90s style. They'll keep you warm during cold months, while giving your outfit some edgy appeal — similar to Usher's all-yellow ensemble at the Ninth Annual Billboard Music Awards.
Crop Shirts
Crop tops are still popular, and for a good reason. They can elongate those with shorter torsos and show off the midriff area for a touch of sass. Janet Jackson's look during the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards is a prime example.
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Pleather Outfits
In the '90s, pleather dresses and skirts were all the rage. Nia Long wore this shiny and sleek dress to the 1998 VH1 Fashion Awards, showing that jackets aren't the only way to sport this material. We've seen the pleather trend creeping back into popularity this year with tops, dresses and pants.
Tie-Dye
Tie-dye is back and there are so many ways to wear it! The '90s was full of colorful tie-dye caps, oversized tees and dresses, including this color-coordinated look from Destiny's Child.
Velvet Suits
Gwyneth Paltrow wore a velvet red suit to the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards. The fabric is an easy yet classy way to upgrade your work wardrobe.
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Bandana Headbands
Matching your bandana with your #OOTD was the height of style in the '90s, especially on the hip-hop fashion scene.
Sequins
High-shine fabric was a showstopper in the '90s, from sequin shirts and pants to glittery hair accessories and skirts. Take a page from Michael Jackson and use the glittery fabric to stand out on a special occasion.
Colored Sunglasses
This chic sunglass trend works for any outfit, especially when you have a collection of colors to choose from.
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Layered Clothing
This Versace dress worn by Naomi Campbell is a gorgeous example of the layered aesthetic. A silk gown layered under a long sweater is the perfect outfit for fall.
Sheer Fabric
The sheer trend dominated the '90s. See-through materials like lace and mesh are still equally as striking and daring today.
Leopard Print
From coats and dresses t0 hats and shirts, leopard-print attire was everywhere thanks to its playful and cool aesthetic.
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Track Suits
In 1991, Whitney Houston gave a memorable performance at Super Bowl XXV in a white tracksuit.
Corset Tops
Emma Bunton (a.k.a. Baby Spice from the Spice Girls) wore this pink-and-black lace corset in the '90s.
Mariah Thomas
Assistant Editor
Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women's Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master's degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She's also the founder of RTF Community a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.
As an avid fashion enthusiast with a deep understanding of style trends spanning decades, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge to dissect and illuminate the intriguing fashion concepts discussed in the provided article. My expertise isn't merely theoretical; it stems from a genuine passion for fashion history and an immersion in the evolving landscape of style.
Let's delve into the '90s fashion trends highlighted in the article:
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Slip Dresses:
- The black slip dress worn by Halle Berry in 1995 exemplifies the minimalist elegance that defined '90s fashion. The slip dress trend, known for its sensual simplicity, has experienced a resurgence, maintaining its allure across decades.
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Plaid Flannel Shirts and Skirts:
- Plaid flannel shirts, once a staple of grunge culture epitomized by Kurt Cobain, and long plaid skirts, as seen on Sarah Jessica Parker, are iconic '90s looks that have reemerged, bridging the gap between casual and stylish.
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Horizontal-Striped Shirts:
- Neon-colored horizontal-striped shirts, as sported by Will Smith, were emblematic of '90s street style. Today, they remain a vibrant and playful choice for those seeking to inject color into their wardrobes.
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Overalls:
- Alyssa Milano's black overalls from the '97 Jurassic Park premiere showcase the enduring appeal of this casual yet cute outfit. Overalls have proven timeless and convenient, making a comeback in contemporary fashion.
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Board Shorts:
- Board shorts, once associated with surfers, transcended their niche in the '90s, as demonstrated by Bobby Brown. Modern iterations often feature colorful patterns, appealing to those aiming to revive this trend.
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Swirl Patterns:
- Swirl patterns, reminiscent of Brandy's '97 American Music Awards outfit, have resurfaced on flare pants. The bold and eye-catching nature of swirl patterns continues to captivate fashion enthusiasts.
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Faux Fur Coats:
- Colorful faux fur coats, popularized by '90s style icons like Usher, offer both warmth and edgy appeal. This trend has made a comeback, with faux fur being a staple for adding flair to cold-weather ensembles.
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Crop Tops:
- Janet Jackson's '95 MTV Video Music Awards look featuring a crop top remains influential. Crop tops persist as a popular choice, accentuating midriffs and adding a touch of sass to contemporary outfits.
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Pleather Outfits:
- Nia Long's shiny pleather dress from the '98 VH1 Fashion Awards reflects the '90s fascination with leather alternatives. Pleather has made a resurgence, with modern iterations in tops, dresses, and pants.
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Tie-Dye:
- The colorful tie-dye trend, epitomized by Destiny's Child in the '90s, has reemerged with various interpretations. From caps to oversized tees, tie-dye offers a playful and vibrant addition to contemporary wardrobes.
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Velvet Suits:
- Gwyneth Paltrow's red velvet suit at the '96 MTV Video Music Awards showcases the timeless elegance of velvet. This fabric continues to be a versatile choice for upgrading work wardrobes.
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Bandana Headbands:
- The '90s hip-hop fashion scene often featured matching bandanas with outfits, a trend still celebrated for its stylish and versatile appeal.
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Sequins:
- The '90s embraced high-shine sequins, a trend exemplified by Michael Jackson. Today, sequin shirts and accessories remain showstoppers for special occasions.
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Colored Sunglasses:
- Colored sunglasses, a chic trend from the '90s, continue to complement various outfits, offering a playful and trendy accessory option.
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Layered Clothing:
- Naomi Campbell's Versace dress exemplifies the layered aesthetic, with silk gowns under long sweaters providing a stylish fall outfit.
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Sheer Fabric:
- Sheer fabrics, dominant in '90s fashion, still make a bold statement today. Lace and mesh continue to be striking choices for those seeking a daring look.
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Leopard Print:
- Leopard-print attire, popular across various clothing items in the '90s, persists due to its playful and cool aesthetic, adding a touch of wildness to contemporary wardrobes.
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Track Suits:
- Whitney Houston's white tracksuit from 1991 remains a memorable representation of the '90s tracksuit trend. Tracksuits continue to be a comfortable and stylish choice for casual wear.
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Corset Tops:
- Emma Bunton's pink-and-black lace corset from the '90s reflects the era's fascination with corsets. This trend has endured, with corset tops remaining a versatile and fashionable choice.
In conclusion, the '90s fashion landscape, as encapsulated by the mentioned trends and worn by iconic figures, continues to exert a profound influence on contemporary style, reaffirming the cyclical nature of fashion trends.
