The 90s were an iconic time for fashion. From grunge to preppy to sporty, 90s style continues to influence modern fashion trends. If you want to dress like the 90s, focusing on a few key pieces and trends will help you nail the decade's most popular looks.
Grunge Fashion
Grunge fashion remains one of the most recognizable 90s styles. Centered around the grunge music scene in Seattle, grunge fashion prioritized comfort, texture, and an undone aesthetic.
Key Grunge Garments
To get the quintessential grunge look, start with these staple pieces:
- Ripped jeans - The hallmark of 90s grunge, ripped jeans gave off an effortlessly cool vibe.
- Flannel shirts - Preferably oversized, flannel button-downs added warmth and edge to grunge outfits.
- Band tees - Show your musical taste by wearing tees representing favorite grunge bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden or Hole.
Perfecting Your Grunge Look
A few extra touches will take your grunge outfit to the next level:
- Dr. Martens or combat boots - Finish off your look with a pair of boots. Iconic options include Dr. Martens and vintage military combat boots.
- Plaid skirt - For a feminine twist, pair a flannel top with a long, plaid skirt and boots or sneakers.
- Messy hairstyle - Style your hair so it looks artfully undone. Try braids, ponytails or effortlessly mussed locks.
Preppy 90s Style
The popularity of TV shows and films set in prep schools fueled enthusiasm for classic preppy pieces. Brands like Polo Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger became wardrobe staples.
Prep Essentials
Build your preppy 90s look around these key items:
- Pleated skirt - A staple preppy garment, pleated skirts captured 90s appropriation of 1950s style.
- Polo shirt - Nothing says prep like a polo shirt with popped collar. Choose classic colors like navy, white or pastels.
- Penny loafers - Finish off your outfit with a pair of stylish yet practical penny loafers, ideal footwear for the academic set.
Elevated Preppy Style
Take your look up a notch with these additional preppy 90s elements:
- Argyle vest or sweater - Incorporate classic argyle patterns popularized by icons like Blair Waldorf of "Gossip Girl" fame.
- Headband - Wrap a thick headband around your head, securing back hair for a polished preppy look.
- Bobby socks - Nod to retro style by sporting crisp white bobby socks, ideally folded over at the ankle.
Sporty 90s Fashion
Sportswear pieces moved off courts and fields and into everyday 90s fashion. Athletic brands expanded their apparel lines while sports uniforms turned fashionable.
Sporty Athletic Wear
Jump on the sportswear trend with these sporty basics:
- Track pants - Super comfortable and perfect for everything from working out to running errands.
- Crop tops - Paired with high-waisted track pants or jeans, crop tops showed off sculpted abs.
- Sneakers - Sneakers dominated 90s footwear. Choose boldly-colored iconic models from brands like Nike and Reebok.
Elevated Sporty Details
Take your sporty look up a notch with fun touches like:
- Scrunchies - Use a colorful scrunchie to pull back hair when working out or just chilling out.
- Fanny pack - Fanny packs offered hands-free functionality with an athletic vibe.
- Baseball cap - Finish off your sporty look by topping it with an adjustable baseball cap.
Other Notable 90s Trends
Beyond grunge, preppy and sporty, the 90s served up eclectic and creative fashion. Don't be afraid to mix and match pieces from various trends to create distinctive looks.
Versatile Slip Dresses
Slip dresses transitioned from lingerie to must-have 90s fashion item. The versatile slip dress works for both daytime and evening:
- Daytime slip dress - Dress down with a denim or leather jacket and flat shoes for daytime wear.
- Date night slip dress - Amp up allure after dark by pairing your slip with strappy heels and dazzling jewelry.
Double Denim
Matching denim garments created distinctive 90s fashion moments:
- Denim jacket + jeans - Riff on classic double denim by sporting a faded denim jacket atop relaxed jeans.
- Denim dress - Make a bold statement by donning a denim shift dress, ideally battered and distressed.
Reclaiming Fanny Packs
Leave behind preconceived notions because fanny packs rocked the 90s. Sport a fanny pack around your waist or slung across your chest. Choose bright nylon colors for maximum impact.
Conclusion: Have Fun With Your 90s Look
The most important part of rocking 90s fashion? Have fun with it! Don't try to copy looks exactly. Instead, use iconic garments and accessories as a base for creating your own distinctive style. Riff on grunge, prep or sporty pieces by mixing them up and making unexpected combinations. Whatever your personal aesthetic, there's a way to work 90s influences into your wardrobe.
