The 1990s were a big time for fashion. There were lots of different styles that showed how things were changing in society.
People wore a mix of different trends, like grunge and minimalism. Famous people and popular brands became really important, and they had a big impact on how people dressed.
Music and pop culture were also a big part of fashion in the 90s. Looking back at the styles from this time, we can see the trends that made the 90s such an important and memorable time for fashion.
Know The Specific 1990s Style You Want
Each period of ten years has popular fashion trends that become common looks, but styles evolve over time, so don’t assume the outfit you have in mind is suitable for any 1990s-themed project you’re working on.
When you get a job from Casting Directors, they will tell you what clothes to wear. Sometimes they will ask you to copy a certain style, and other times you can choose your own outfit.
If you’re acting in a show that has already been on TV, look at what the characters and extras are wearing to get ideas for colors and styles.
What Fashion Was Popular In The 90s?
The 1990s were a lively and diverse time for fashion. There were many different trends, from bold styles to simple ones. Different fashion movements became popular during this time, each with their own unique look and meaning. Here are some of the most popular trends from the 90s:
1. Overalls
Overalls have always been around in different styles, like pastel tweed and loose loungewear. But in the ’90s, denim overalls were popular, slightly loose and with one strap undone. You can wear them over a denim shirt for a fashionable look or with a graphic tee for a more relaxed style.
2. Bike Shorts
In the 1980s, bike shorts were mostly worn for exercise, but Princess Diana, who was famous for her style, changed that. Diana’s loose top and bike shorts outfit is now popular among celebrities like Hailey Bieber. There are many ways to wear bike shorts, but we suggest pairing them with chunky boots or sandals for a stylish look.
3. Cargo Pants
Cargo pants are becoming popular again because fashion enthusiasts who enjoy sharing their outfits don’t want pants that are too tight. You can casually wear them with khaki color or choose a more bold fabric with a pattern. Pair them with a crop top, and you’re ready to go.
4. Plaid Flannel Shirts
In the 90s, lots of people wore plaid flannel shirts, like Kurt Cobain and Screech from Saved by the Bell. Today, you can easily find these shirts at stores or secondhand shops if you want to copy that comfy, relaxed look.
5. Plaid Skirts
Plaid skirts were popular in the ’90s for more than just school uniforms! Sarah Jessica Parker wore a long plaid skirt with a blue poncho and red heels, showing how trendy they were.
6. Horizontal-Striped Shirts
Brightly colored striped shirts, like this green and yellow one worn by Will Smith from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, were trendy street fashion. They’re still a fun way to add some color to your closet.
7. Pleather Outfits
In the 1990s, pleather dresses and skirts were very popular. Nia Long wore a shiny dress made of this material to the 1998 VH1 Fashion Awards, proving that you can wear pleather in more ways than just jackets. This year, we’ve seen the pleather trend returning with tops, dresses, and pants.
8. Baby Tees
In the 1990s, midriff-baring tops were very popular. Baby tees are like smaller t-shirts with colorful cuffs on the sleeves and neckline. They are cute and have become popular again.
9. Chokers
If you missed out on being rebellious in the ’90s, you’ll be happy to know that chunky leather and chain chokers are back in style, like in Paco Rabanne’s latest spring/summer 2023 collection.
You can choose to stand out or keep things clean and stylish with a choker. Either way, you can be sure that these necklaces will add some coolness to any outfit.
10. Slip Dresses
The slip dress has a sexy and easy vibe, with a touch of rock n’ roll from Courtney Love’s style in the ’90s. It’s a symbol of feminine beauty. Some people like to keep it simple with a modern twist, but you can also make it stand out with combat boots, fun accessories, or a cool leather jacket with studs.
11. Chunky Platforms
Platform shoes were very popular in the 1990s, from Mary Janes to stacked heels to strappy sandals. Chunky platforms are still trendy now because they make a bold statement and are easy to wear (as long as you don’t go too high like the Spice Girls).
12. Thick Headbands
Hair accessories were very popular in the 1990s, and thick headbands were a big trend. Beanie Feldstein wore a satin one at the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards, bringing back the thick headband trend and making us all excited about hair.
Whether you like sparkly jewelry or simple, elegant styles to go with a fancy dress, you’ll have choices for any mood in 2024.
13. Flare Jeans
Flare jeans are a good balance between different denim styles. They can be worn high-waisted or low-rise, loose or fitted, and can be dressed up or down. For a casual style, wear flares with platform boots or sneakers. For a fancier look, wear them with booties or stilettos.
14. Sequins
The shiny fabric was super popular in the ’90s, like sequin clothes and glittery accessories. Get inspired by Michael Jackson and wear shiny fabric to stand out at a party.
15. Corset Tops
Mugler has been using corsets for a long time and was one of the first designers to put them on fashion runways in the 1990s. These corsets from the 1990s are different from the ones worn by Gen Z and are longer. They can be worn over many different outfits, like a big T-shirt or a long skirt.
16. Jelly Shoes
Many Millennials have good memories of wearing jelly shoes when they were kids. The jelly sandals that are popular now are different from the ones that were trendy in 2019. There are new styles like high-heeled and flatform jellies that give a modern twist to the 90s look while still being comfortable.
17. MakeUp – Subtle Look, Hard Contrasts
In the 80s, both men and women used colorful makeup, but in the 90s, it was mostly for women. There were two main trends: natural looks and bold styles with dark lipstick and blue eye makeup. By the end of the 90’s, lip gloss and glitter on the face became popular.
18. Jewelry And Accessories – Trends Of Pop Culture
Hip-hop and its famous people started a lot of fashion trends in the 90s, like wearing different kinds of hats. Fisherman and floppy hats were cool, as well as wearing baseball caps backwards. Hats weren’t as popular in the 90s compared to other accessories like bandanas, which were still stylish and accepted.
In the 90s, sunglasses were thin and had colored lenses in red, blue, or pink. Lip gloss, plastic tattoo chains, and small pendant necklaces were trendy. Big hoop earrings were the most popular choice.
In the 90s, lots of people wore Casio G-Shock watches. There’s also a smaller version called the Baby-G for smaller wrists. To keep your wallet safe in your back pocket, use a thick chain on your pants.
But there were also some not-so-good things from the 90s. Like pacifier chains, which were trendy for kids to wear around their necks in bright colors. It’s hard to see the point of that.
Besides traditional jewelry, tattoos, and piercings become more common in popular culture. Many people still remember this trend from the 1990s.
Early 1990s Style Basics
A lot of styles from the late 1980s continued into the early ’90s. People liked to wear bright colors like blue, green, orange, pink, and yellow on their sweatpants, t-shirts, parachute pants, and jackets. They often wore these colors together in fun patterns that looked like comic books and pop art.
Popular women’s fashion included short tops, flowy dresses with tight pants underneath, leather jackets with extra padding on the shoulders, and colorful or decorated jeans. They would wear loose socks, canvas sneakers, or flat ballet shoes.
Men’s clothing options included colorful shirts, denim overalls, different colored jeans, striped sweaters, and leather or letterman jackets, with loose socks and sneakers.
The 90s was a time when fashion had lots of different styles. Pop culture had a big influence on what people wore, with brands like GAP, Champion, and Adidas making global trends. At first, the 80s style was still popular, but by the middle of the decade, people started to like 70s fashion again. Music and TV stars were becoming more important in shaping fashion, rather than just high-end designers. The Internet was also starting to have an impact on fashion around the world.
Thanks for reading. I hope you find it interesting.
Read More: How To Know What Style Suits You?