Dress Like 90s Fashion in 85 Iconic Looks Still Trending High
At the confluence of analog with digital, portable CD players, game consoles, cell phones, the internet, and MTV, the 90s are still regarded as the ‘Golden Era’ of fashion.
Popularized by celebs like the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Nirvana, Juice, SNICK, TGIF, Wayne’s World, Lady Diana, Andre Agassi, La Toya Jackson, Run-DMC, and Spice Girls, the decade was a bonanza of fashion trends.
![90s fashion](https://thevou.com/app/uploads/2022/04/90s-fashion.jpg)
In this article, I’ll introduce you to the 85 most popular stylistic trends of the 90s you can shop and wear right now.
From headbands to scrunchies, tube tops, capri pants, spiky and dyed hair, and chained wallets, these are the 85 most iconic looks of the 90s.
1. Rayon Shirts
![Rayon Shirts 90s Fashion - 1990s rayon shirts, nineties rayon shirt style, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Rayon-Shirts-002.jpg)
A byproduct of 19th-century army materials manufacturing, rayon shirts were among the coolest things of the 90s.
Soft, light, and spongy, the material became popular in hot countries, hence its initial adoption by South American drug dealers.
Eventually, the rayon shirts reached Holywood via LA’s wealthy socialites and became part of the popular culture offered by iconic names such as Versace, Gap, and Fioriccu.
2. Bucket Hats
![Bucket Hats 90s fashion - nineties bucket hat - 1990 bucket hat](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Bucket-Hats.jpg)
Popular in the late ’80s, thanks to 80s hip-hop fashion icons, such as Jam Master Jay and LL Cool J, the bucket hat continued into the nineties as a hip-hop accessory.
Popularized by Dennis Rodman, Ghostface Killah, and Rakim in the 90s, the bucket hats were streetwear style staples.
Key bucket hat brands during that decade were Kangol, Lacoste, and Burberry.
The trend is returning thanks to Rihanna, All Saints, Justin Bieber, and Naomi Campbell.
3. Bike Shorts
![90s bike shorts lady Diana - nineties bike shorts style - 1990 bike style pants - 90 styles](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Bike-Shorts.jpg)
Introduced by celebrities like Madonna and Jane Fonda, spandex bike shorts were worn in and out of the gym.
The highest moment of the bike shorts was when Princess Diana let go of her Sloane Ranger attire to wear her De Marchi orange biker shorts in the park.
The royal matched the orange shorts with a navy blue oversized sweatshirt branded by Virgin Atlantic, gifted to her by Sir Richard Branson.
Key fashion brands for bike shorts in the 90s were Giordana, Castelli, and De Marchi.
Today, biker shorts are essential to late-90s-inspired styles such as Baddie and McBling.
4. Neon Windbreakers
![Neon Windbreakers 90s fashion - 1990s neon windbreaker, nineties windbreaker, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Neon-Windbreakers2.jpg)
The brighter, the better! Neon windbreakers were hot in the 90s among kids and parents alike.
The look emerged in the 80s and matured in the 90s, thanks to TV shows and popular school culture.
The look is also seen in the British Chav-chic and Blokecore styles.
Key fashion brands for neon windbreakers in the 90s were Ocean Pacific, Reebok, and Nike.
5. Sweaters with Stipes
![Striped Sweaters 90s fashion - 1990s sweater, nineties stripes sweater, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Striped-Sweaters.jpg)
From Kurt Cobain to Freddie Krueger, stripe sweaters were a prevalent clothing choice in the 90s.
The look was inspired by Grunge music bands, Friends, and shows like Nightmare on Elm Street.
6. Bandannas
![Bandannas 90s fashion trends - 1990s bandana, nineties bandana, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Bandannas.jpg)
Tied around the head to showcase which rapper you were siding with, bandannas were a trendy head accessory in the 90s.
Later on, the meaning of wearing bandannas shifted from ‘gang-related’ to signalling sexual inclusivity – see the Handkerchief Code for more info.
7. Slap Bracelets
![Slap Bracelets 90s trends - 1990s slap bracelets, nineties slap bracelets, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Slap-bracelets.jpg)
Slap bracelets (or snap bracelets) were invented by Wisconsin teacher Stuart Anders in 1983 and sold under the name ‘Slap Wrap.’
Made from flexible stainless steel covered with silicone in all the craziest prints and colors, wrist-slapping bracelets were all the rage in the 90s and used to showcase one’s tastes in movies, music, etc.
8. Bike Caps
![Bike Caps 90s fashion - 1990s bike caps, nineties cyclist caps, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Bike-Caps.jpg)
Launched as a casquette by Colnago (cap in French, describing a peaked cotton hat worn by road cyclists), the accessory was tweaked by Brooklyn hip-hop celebrities in the 90s.
The brim was flipped up to create a unique look that eventually took over the pop culture of those times.
9. Coogi Knitwear
![Coogi 90s fashion style - 1990s knitwear, nineties knitwear style coogi, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Coogi.jpg)
It was in the 90s when rappers started endorsing designer brands in their songs.
Notorious B.I.G. mentioned Coogi in his lyrics, and the fans went wild. See “One More Chance – Stay with Me (Remix),” which launched in the summer of 1995.
10. Backward Caps
![Backward Caps 90s fashion - 1990s basketball caps, nineties caps, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Backward-Caps.jpg)
Ken Griffey Jr., a famous baseball player of the 90s, started the trend of wearing hats backward.
The trend of wearing hats that way was adopted by music stars like Dr. Dre, Will Smith, Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., NAS, and Janet Jackson, spreading like fire throughout the 90s hip-hop community and beyond.
11. Starter Jackets
![Starter Jacket 90s fashion - 1990s Starter jacket, nineties Starter jacket styles, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Starter-Jackets.jpg)
Sported by anyone, from athletes to movie stars, Starter jackets were the apex of the 90s way of dressing.
Created by Starter, a premium athletic brand established in 1971, the jacket was designed to represent your favorite team.
Nowadays, the Starter jacket is seen as the masses’ first adoption of sports clothing.
12. Basketball Kicks
![Basketball Kicks & Sneakers 90s fashion - 1990s basketballs sneakers, nineties basketball kicks, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Basketball-Kicks3.jpg)
From Air Jordan to Rebook and BK, basketball sneakers remain the most representative fashion moments of the 90s.
After Michael Jordan won his sixth basketball championship in the ’90s, everyone felt that wearing a pair of Air Jordans bestowed them with magic powers.
Each pair of Jordans kicks released during the 90s was an absolute banger, and every pop culture icon rocked a pair of basketball kicks.
13. Preppy Cardigans
![Cardigans in 90s fashion - 1990s cardigan, nineties cardigans, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Cardigans.jpg)
From TV shows like Jawbreaker, Fresh Prince, and Friends to Cameron Diaz’s looks in ‘There’s Something About Mary,’ cardigans were everywhere in the 90s.
Nothing was more stylish than a cardigan thrown over your shoulders or on your spaghetti strap dress.
14. Ripped Jeans
![Ripped Jeans 90s fashion ideas and trends - 1990s ripped jeans, nineties ripped jeans, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Ripped-Jeans.jpg)
Seen as a political statement, ripped jeans were a staple of the Grunge fashion style of the 90s, mostly thanks to Kurt Cobain, the lead singer of the Grunge band Nirvana.
The look became a symbol of anger towards society in the 90s.
Pop culture celebrities, such as Madonna, popularized the look, shifting it from a form of protest into a fashion trend that still reigns supreme.
15. Tennis Headbands
![Thick Headbands 90s fashion - nineties headband style - 1990 headband with stripes, 90s tennis headband](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Headbands.jpg)
Popularized by the tennis stars of the 90s, thick headbands became a must-have hair accessory that’s still permeating the catwalk scene.
Headbands were everywhere: in Ivy League colleges, movies, and music clips on MTV.
16. Tracksuits
![90s Tracksuits fashion - nineties tracksuits - 1990 track suits - UK tracksuit style](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Tracksuits.jpg)
Affordable and comfortable, tracksuits became the de-facto outfit of the streets, so much so that it permeated into the realm of high fashion, topping the decades’ magazines and catwalks.
With tracksuits worn by everyone, from hip-hoppers to British footballers and grandpas, the trend signaled the emergence of the streetwear movement.
17. Baggy ‘Hip-Hop’ Jeans
![90s Baggy Jeans Fashion - nineties hip-hop jeans - 1990 hip-hop baggy jeans styles](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Baggy-Jeans.jpg)
There is no discussion about the fashion of the 90s without talking about the hip-hop baggy jeans.
The baggier they were, the higher the prizes and respect.
Equally important was the brand name – it had to be recognized to be appreciated by your peers.
Launched by stars and hip-hoppers of those times, the trend was picked up by teenagers and worn at school, discos, and even home.
Baggy jeans had a big comeback in 2023 and are one of the trending jean styles of this year.
18. Straps Down Overalls
![Overalls 90s Fashion - nineties overalls fashion - 1990 fashion overalls and dungarees.](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Overalls.jpg)
Showcased in movies, music clips, and on stage by supermodels, overalls were super popular in the nineties.
However, the classic overall garment was rocked with one strap or even both straps down, and without a shirt underneath, in what later became known as the ‘Jodeci Style’.
19. Combat Boots
![Combat Boots 90s fashion - nineties combat boots - 1990 combat boots style](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Combat-Boots.jpg)
Popularized in the 80s, Goth, Grunge, and Punk combat boots were the footwear everyone wanted to have.
The combat boots look was popularized in the 90s by the ‘Tank Girl’ devotees, fictional characters like Daria Morgendorffer, and celebs like Mel B. from Spice Girls.
20. Cargo Pants
![Cargo Pants 90s fashion - nineties cargo pants style - 1990 cargo pants and trousers](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Cargo-Pants3.jpg)
Thanks to Notorious B.I.G., Busta Rhymes, Tom Cruise, and Brad Pitt, cargo and military-style khaki pants became mainstream fashion in the 90s.
Cargo pants of the 90s had a multi-pocket construct ideal for carrying Gameboy consoles, pagers, cell phones, wallets, keys, and much more.
Cargo pants played an important role in the Y2K fashion style.
21. High-Waist ‘Mom’ Jeans
![90s High-Waist jeans, 90's Mom Jeans - nineties jeans - 1990 jeans for women](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-High-Waisted-Mom-Jeans.jpg)
Thanks to a smart campaign conducted by Levis – the Spike Lee commercial – high-waist jeans became a fashionable wardrobe item in the 1990s.
Guess followed up the right way with their high-waist jeans for women, and mum jeans became a 90s thing.
Three decades later, nineties mum jeans are still holding strong as one of the most demanded garments in streetwear.
22. Slip-dresses
![90s Fashion Slip Dresses](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Slip-Dresses.jpg)
Launched as an ‘underwear-as-outerwear’ garment, the slip dress became popular towards the end of the nineties decade.
Made from layered chiffon, polyester satins, or charmeuse trimmed with lace, the slip dress exemplifies those time’s minimalist and relaxed vibe.
The garment was popularized by Courtney Love’s famous ‘Kinderwhore‘ look.
23. ‘Grunge-Style’ Flannel Shirts
![90s Fashion Flannel Shirts - nineties flannel shirts - 1990 flannel shirts](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Flannel-Shirts.jpg)
Popularized by Grunge rockers who wore them as part of their trademarked low-key outfits, flannel shirts reached popularity in the mid-90s.
Adopted by country music fans, flannel shirts spread like wildfire, becoming a mainstream fashion trend and clothing staple for generations to come.
24. Velvet Outfits
![Velvets in 90s Fashion - 1990s fashion, nineties fashion, ninety decade fashion](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Velvet.jpg)
In the 90s, anything made from velvet was a must-wear by the fashion icons of those times.
The best example is Gwyneth Paltrow’s red velvet suit and red shoes, which make her look fused on the red carpet.
But of all 90s velvet looks, Batsheva’s Victorian necklines and YSL structured cuts with a gathered waist stand out as the epitome of those times.
25. Tees & Blazers
![Tees Under Blazers 90s Fashion - 1990s tees under blazers, nineties tees under jackets, ninety decade fashion](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Tees-Under-Blazers.jpg)
‘Tees under Blazers’ became a thing in the early 90s, thanks to movie stars promoting the look as a quick smart casual look to be worn at the office, out, and even on a relaxed dinner date.
By the mid-90s, labels like Moschino, Versace, and Calvin Klein introduced the trend of high-end tees and blazers combos in various colors and styles.
The trend was cemented by affordable streetwear labels like Fruit of the Loom and No Fear by launching skater tees designed to match all kinds of denim blazers and suit jackets.
26. Mood Rings
![90s Mood Rings - 1990s mood rings, nineties mood rings, ninety decade fashion](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Mood-Rings.jpg)
The first color-changing jewelry appeared in New York City during the 70s fashion rage and flower-power times as a way of showing emotions.
The 90s mood rings were a bit more advanced; built with a temperature-sensitive liquid crystal encased in quartz, the rings changed color according to one’s skin temperature – supposedly triggered by blood flow and emotions.
27. Skateboarding Logo Tees
![90s Fashion Skate Tees - 1990s skate t-shirts, nineties skate fashion styles, ninety decade fashion](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Skate-Tees.jpg)
In the 90s, the global street skateboarding culture led to an explosion of ‘mall rats,’ for example, teenagers rocking hand-made graphic tees with skate logos and similar slogans.
The trend was quickly commercialized by brands like Alien Workshop, Hook-Ups, Toy Machine, Thrasher, No-Fear, and Spitfire; the rest are skatewear history books.
28. Rollerblading Style
![Rollerblades 90 Fashion](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Rollerblades.jpg)
In the ’90s, skateboarding was taken over by the youth culture and used to compete or protest.
In response, inline skating – initially seen as a close competitor but later seen as a form of alternative fitness and dance, was adopted by the more mature market.
The fitness and disco dancing aspect sought by rollers resulted in a different fashion vibe, similar to the fitness craze of the 80s with leg warmers, bike shorts, and neon tights.
29. Side-Stripe Jeans
![Side Stripe Pants & Jeans 90s fashion - 1990s stripe jeans, nineties side stripe jeans, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Side-Stripe-Jeans2.jpg)
In the 90s, pants and jeans with two stripes from waist to ankle were designed to show you had the cash flow of the rappers who rocked them at the time.
This trend spilled over into the tracksuit pants of those times.
30. One-Leg Rolled-Up Pants
![One Leg Rolled Up 90s Pants - 1990s one leg pants, nineties one leg pants, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-One-Pant-Leg-Rolled-Up3.jpg)
The “ghetto leg” style consisted of rolling up a pant’s leg to prevent it from getting stuck in the bike’s chain during life-threatening ‘ghetto activities.’
This functional approach later translated into hip-hop music and beyond as a means of saying ‘don’t mess with me.’
31. Bleached Hairstyles
![90s Bleached Hair Trend - 1990s bleached hairstyles, nineties bleached looks, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Bleached-Hair.jpg)
INXS introduced the term “suicide blonde” to describe a misunderstood, complex person on the verge of collapsing.
Thanks to celebrities like Eminem, Drew Barrymore, and Gwen Stefany, the bleached blonde hairstyle became representative of the 90s.
32. Calf-Lenght Pants
![Pedal Pushers & Capri Pants - 1990s pedal pushers, nineties capri pants, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Pedal-Pushers-Capri-Pants.jpg)
The name ‘pedal pushers’ recalls pants worn by cyclists who avoid long pants that can be caught in bicycle chains.
The style was the female reflection of the ‘Ghetto Leg’ style – part of the teenage clothing looks of the 90s
Not to confuse ‘Capri pants’ and ‘pedal pushers’ with shorts or cropped kick flares.
Pedal pushers follow the calf-length trousers style of the 50s and 60s fashion.
Often cuffed and worn tight to the skin, the style is sometimes called ‘clam diggers.’
33. Chain Wallets
![90s Chain Wallets fashion - 1990s chain wallet, nineties chain wallets style, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Chain-Wallets.jpg)
Wallet chains were used in the 50s by bikers performing motorcycle exhibitions to secure their wallets.
The trend resurfaced in the 90s as a trifold or bifold leather wallet anchored at the fold with a sturdy chain (single or double) that hangs out on the side of the leg.
34. Unbuttoned Shirts
![Unbuttoned shirts 90's fashion trends - 1990s unbuttoned shirts, nineties unbuttoned shirt looks, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Unbuttoned-Shirts.jpg)
Unbuttoned shirts were the antidote to the 90s stylists pushing toward tailored men’s looks and high-end designer labels.’
Shirts and ties were seen as a trend for older people, where showing skin was all about subverting or breaking the idea of tailoring conformity.
35. Hypercolor T-shirts
![Hyper-colored Tees 90s fashion trend - 1990s hypercolored tees, nineties hypercolored tshirts, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Hypercolor-Tees.jpg)
Hypercolor was a line of clothing manufactured by Generra Sportswear and marketed as Generra Hypercolor, Generra Hypergrafix, or Global Hypercolor.
The line comprised mainly T-shirts and shorts that changed color via a thermochromic pigment made by Matsui Shikiso Chemical of Japan, one color when cold and one when warm.
36. Tank Tops
![Man Tanks 90s fashion trends - 1990s man tanks, nineties man tanks for women, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Tanks.jpg)
Worn by action hero men of the 90s, man tanks became popular among women thanks to music and movies by female celebrities.
Supertight man tanks were all the rage on the bodies of stars like Jean-Claude Van Damme and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Big, muscly bodies were the standard physiques of the 90s heroes, and no garment was more suitable for showing off their six-packs and overinflated pecs.
37. Discman Headphones
![90s Sony Discman headphones - 1990s discman headphones, nineties headphones, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Discman-002.jpg)
A status symbol of the 90s trends, Discman was Sony’s brand name for portable CD players.
With the 1st Discman device launched by Sony in 1984 as the D-50 or D-5, Discman was the perfect example of the love-hate relationship every music lover had in the 90s.
While the tracks would always skip, the looks you got from having a $100+ player on your belt were worth all the stress.
38. Piercings
![Body Piercings 90s fashion trends - 1990s piercing style, nineties piercing styles, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Body-Piercings.jpg)
From ravers to pop and skater cultures, piercings were the must-haves of the decades’ trends.
The ’90s were the prime time for piercings; nose, lips, tongues, ears, belly buttons, nipples, and piercings were conquering places suitable enough to poke a needle through.
39. Lunchbox Bags
![90s Lunch box bags - 1990s lunchbox, nineties lunch boxes, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Lunch-box-Bags-90s.jpg)
Popularized by Grunge, Goth, Metal, and other hardcore alternative celebrities like Marilyn Manson and Gwar, the lunchbox was a handle bag ideal for stowing essentials and signaling your tribe affiliation.
40. Sailor Stripes
![Striped Tops & Tees 90s fashion trends - 1990s tops with stripes, nineties tees with stripes, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-striped-tops-and-tees.jpg)
From Tommy Hilfiger to Eddie Bauer and Polo, every fashion brand made nautical style striped tops during the nineties decade.
Ill-fitting horizontal or vertical block stripe tops were the rage of 90s trends, rocked by celebs everywhere, from holidays to the red carpets.
41. Sheer Dresses
![Sheer Dress 90s fashion - nineties sheer dress styles - 1990 sheer dresses looks](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Sheer-Dress.jpg)
Babydoll shaped, with thin spaghetti straps, the sheer dress style became a global fashion trend after Kate Moss’s iconic appearance in 1993 – pictured above – a trend etched in the fashion movies and books forever.
42. Pump Sneakers
![Reebok Pump Sneakers 90s fashion trends - 1990s white pumps, nineties white pump sneakers, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Pump-Sneakers.jpg)
Basketball pump sneakers hit the 90s scene on the feet of royals and athletes like Lady D., Dominique Wilkins, and Michael Chang.
Made by Nike and Reebok, ‘Pump sneakers’ were mesmerizing and versatile, pointing to streetwear clothing styles we only now begin to understand.
43. Turtlenecks
![Turtlenecks 90s fashion - 1990s turtlenecks, nineties turtlenecks for men, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Turtlenecks.jpg)
Turtlenecks were a staple of the 90s fashion styles.
Suitable for the wintertime, 90s turtlenecks came in two varieties: extra-thick for sensitive souls and close-cut, ribbed for the badass ones.
44. Color Blocks (With A Message)
![Clothing Without Prejudice 90s fashion - 1990s color blocks, nineties color blocks style, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Clothing-Without-Prejudice.jpg)
Carl Jones and T.J. Walker set to create the “Clothing Without Prejudice” label to boost social awareness of AIDS and racial discrimination.
Infused with African motifs and colors, the American label has become a beacon of inspiration for good, sported by celebs like Arsenio Hall, Kriss Kross, and Jamie Foxx.
45. Rice Necklaces
![Rice Necklaces 90s fashion trend - 1990s rice necklace, nineties rice necklace, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Rice-Necklaces-.jpg)
The vials are made of glass comprising a grain of rice as glass makes the rice look bigger, and the writing can be read more easily.
Most inscriptions contain a name, date, a rose, or a short text like “I love you.”
Rice writing originated in ancient Anatolia, Turkey, and India, where rites state that those who receive it become luckier and wealthier.
In the 90s, rice necklaces with your lover’s name were the ideal accessory to make a cult-ish, religious almost statement of love.
46. Clipped Pagers
![Clipped Pagers 90s fashion - 1990s pager, nineties pagers, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Clipped-Pagers.jpg)
There were few smartphones in the 90s, but pagers were the norm.
Pagers could receive messages, were lightweight, had long battery life, and were cheap.
There was no transmitter inside the pager, and there was no physical possibility of sending any response.
47. Pinned & Tagged Backpacks
![Pinned Backpacks 90s fashion - 1990s tagged backpack, nineties backpack with tags and pins, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Pinned-Backpacks.jpg)
Emerged as a way to represent your crew or favorite bands, the trend continues to the current times as laptop decals and smartphone covers.
Inspired by the backpack carried by the American soldiers in the Vietnam War, the 90s backpack tags were initially symbols of power and love.
Over time, the movement transitioned into ways of showcasing one’s musical affiliations and tastes.
48. Leather Jackets
![90s Leather Jackets Fashion - 1990s leather jacket, nineties leather jacket, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Leather-Jackets.jpg)
The strong influence of the first generation of supermodels turned the classic leather jacket into a fashion trend in the 90s.
From mid-length to waist-cropped jackets in snakeskin prints and preppy tag-ons, leather jackets became the uniform of the ’90s style icons such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Jennifer Aniston, and Cindy Crawford.
49. Large Hoop Earrings
![Hoop Earrings 90s fashion - 1990s hoop earrings, nineties earrings hoops, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Hoop-Earrings.jpg)
Emerging from Africa (notably Egypt and Sudan), hoop earrings symbolize cultural identity, rank, and protection.
The style made its way to Rome via pirates, and in the 90s fashion times, hoop earrings returned as a symbol of style and rebellion over the status quo.
50. Flat Top Haircuts
![Flat Tops 90s fashion trends - 1990s flattop haircut, nineties flat top hairstyle, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/app/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Flat-Tops.jpg)
A “flattop” is a short haircut where the hair on the top of the head stands upright and is cut to form a flat-appearing deck.
The flattop was popular in the 1950s but faded in popularity with the emergence of longer hairstyles in the late 70s, resurfacing in the early 1990s thanks to popular TV shows, music, and basketball celebrities.
51. Spiky Haircuts
![Spiked hair 90s hairstyle - 1990s spike haircuts, nineties haircut, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Spiked-Hair.jpg)
In times of rising hard-rock bands, post-Cold War fashion styles, and rebellious punk hairstyles, all blending and forming the 90s pop culture, the spiky haircut was a ‘must-have.’
By the end of the ’90s decade, spiky haircuts began to morph with bleached hair and piercings into a unique and characteristic style of the nineties decade.
52. Wallabees Shoes
![Wallabees 90s fashion - 1990s wallabee shoes, nineties shoes wallabees, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Wallabees.jpg)
The crepe-soled shoes were equally cool in urban and prep circles, the hallmark of a good ’90s fashion trend.
Clark’s Wallabees enjoyed renewed popularity during the 1990s thanks to Wu associations.
Wu-Tang rapper Ghostface was the undisputed champion of Clark’s Wallabees, explaining the current collab between the two brands to release the classic Wallabee in three exclusive colorways.
53. Knee Socks
![Knee Socks 90s fashion - 1990s socks, nineties socks, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Knee-Socks.jpg)
The 90s school-girl knee socks look made famous by Cher Horowitz’s (Alicia Silverstone) appearance in the ‘Clueless’ TV show.
High-fashion brands like Prada quickly picked up the style, and the sheer socks with loafers style were born, a look that resurfaces repeatedly.
With the Blokette style booming on TikTok, this look is making a massive comeback.
54. Leather Chokers
![Leather Chokers 90s fashion - 1990s leather chocker, nineties chockers, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Leather-Chokers.jpg)
Chunky leather and chain chokers were the ideal forms of Punk expression during the 90s fashion styles.
There were also more sophisticated versions with crosses, skulls, flowers, and hearts.
55. Platform Sneakers
![Leather Chokers 90 fashion - 1990s platform sneakers, nineties sneakers with platform, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Leather-Chokers-1.jpg)
Platform sneakers were trendy in the 90s, with many brands (Skechers) making skate shoes, Air Max 95-like trainers, and the half-dressy, half-sneaker hybrids.
Some other popular platform shoes of the 90s were ‘Flatforms,’ ‘Lace-Up Platforms,’ ‘Sneaker Platforms, ‘ and ‘Foam Flip-Flop Platforms.’
56. Platform Slides
![Slide Platforms 90s fashion - 1990s platform slides, nineties platform slides, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Slide-Platforms.jpg)
With the platform shoe style taking over the 90s women’s footwear, platform variations emerged, from platform sneakers to more relaxed styles like the slide platform.
In the ’90s, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who didn’t own at least one style of platform slides, from Thong Sandal Platform to Strappy Platform Sandal and even Platform Flip Flop.
57. Claw Clips
![Claw Clips 90s fashion - 1990s hair claw clip, nineties claw clips, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-claw-clips.jpg)
Claw clips were, in the ’90s, the ultimate chic hair accessory, promoted by Jennifer Aniston’s character Rachel Greene in ‘Friends Over and over again.’
58. Cat-Eye Sunglasses
![Cat-Eye Sunglasses 90s fashion - 1990s sunglasses, nineties cat-eyed sunglasses, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Cat-Eye-Sunglasses.jpg)
Cat-eye sunglasses and oversized cat-eye style glasses frames peaked in the ’90s as excellent accessories for girls wanting fun.
Modern throw-back cat-eye frames are often associated with the celebrities and royals of those days.
59. Preppy Plaids
![Plaid Set 90s fashion - 1990s plaid set, nineties plaid sets, 90 fashion decade preppy plaids](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Plaid-Set2.jpg)
Here’s another 90s fashion trend attributed to Cher Horowitz (Alicia Silverstone) and her iconic preppy style yellow plaid blazer and skirt set from the Clueless TV show.
The plaid set outfit sees a resurgence right now, worn as a plaid cardigan and tank combo to create a modern preppy look.
60. Fanny Packs
![Fanny Packs 90s fashion - 1990s fanny packs, nineties fanny packs, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Fanny-packs.jpg)
Fanny packs bore the brunt of many fashion jokes, but in the ’90s, they were revered as a brilliant way to carry all your stuff hands-free.
Nowadays, waist belt bags are back with a vengeance, spotted on everyone from fashion influencers to Kendall Jenner.
61. Digital Watches
![Digital Watches 90s fashion - 1990s digital watch, nineties watches, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Digital-Watches.jpg)
Digital watches were the 90s attempt at wearable technology and the smartwatches we have today.
Techy watches were all the rage in those days, and CASIO’s watches – from classic to G-Shock line – catered to all, from office to techwear fashion lovers.
62. Extra Flared Pants
![Wide-Legged Pants 90s fashion - 1990s wide-leg pants, nineties wide-leg jeans, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Wide-Legged-Pants2.jpg)
As a successor of the booming 70s fashion trend sparked by Palazzo Pants, the wide-legged pant style caught attention thanks to denim houses reinventing the look.
Palazzo Pants also drew inspiration from the wide-legged cuffed pants worn by avant-garde fashionistas in the 30s and 40s, such as Katharine Hepburn, Greta Garbo, and Marlene Dietrich.
63. Hair Scrunchies
![Hair Scrunchies 90s fashion - 1990s hair scrunchies, nineties scrunchies for hair, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Hair-Scrunchie.jpg)
Neomi Campbell, Britney Spears, Demi Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Madonna, Paula Abdul
In the 90s, hair scrunchies are synonymous with getting ready for elementary school.
Wearing scrunchies in the 90s felt fresh and ready for a fitness session; nowadays, it feels romantic and luxurious.
64. Spaghetti-Straps Dresses
![Spaghetti Straps 90s fashion - 1990s spaghetti straps, nineties spaghetti straps, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Spaghetti-Straps.jpg)
Most 90s spaghetti-strap tops and dresses were worn to elegant soirees – see Gwyneth Paltrow’s 1999 Oscars outfit.
But, there was another more casual version of the dinner spaghetti straps, with branded prints and matched with denim, ideal for going out with friends.
65. Leopard Prints
![Animal Print fashion in 90s - 1990s animal print clothes, nineties animal printed coats, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Animal-Print.jpg)
Started by catwalk models like Naomi Cambel and taken to stardom by celebs on MTV like Spice Girl’s Mel B, in the 90s, animal prints were everywhere.
You’d see them on midi lengths in snakeskin fabric and full-body outfits printed in leopard patterns; animal print styles were definite signs of luxury taste.
66. Chainmail Dresses
![Chainmail 90s fashion trends - 1990s chainmail dress, nineties chainmail top, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Chainmail.jpg)
The chainmail-style fabric was brought back to life after Gianni Versace created a wearable dress that stormed the 90s fashion scene.
Chainmail is a type of flexible armor made of metal rings linked together in a well-defined pattern to form a mesh.
It was also used as a military robe between the 3rd century BC and the 16th century AD in Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
67. Corsets
![90s fashion corsets - 1990s corsets, nineties corsets, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Corsets.jpg)
Owning and wearing lots of corsets was a thing of the 90s fashion.
Available in various styles and constructs, such as corset bodices, ribbon corsets, pipe sets, front-laced corsets, waspies, and Guepiere corsets, the 90s corsets went great with fancy skirts.
68. Printed Leggings
![Printed Leggings 90s fashion - 1990s printed leggings, nineties printed leggings, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Printed-Leggings-1.jpg)
The trend of printed leggings started in the 80s, with the help of Olivia Newton-John and her ‘Let’s Get Physical’ clip and workout outfits, and went well into the late 90s fashion days.
69. Strappy Heels
![Strappy Heels 90s fashion - 1990s strap heels, nineties strap high heels, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Strappy-Heels.jpg)
Once the go-to red-carpet shoe for 90s It-girls, from Jennifer Aniston to Kate Moss, the strappy heels are no longer reserved solely for evening engagements.
Strappy heels of the 90s fashion days were paired with dinner dresses or office trousers, nowadays with jeans and blazers.
70. Halter-Neck Tops
![Halter-Neck Tops 90s fashion - 1990s later necks, nineties halternecks, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Halter-Neck-Tops.jpg)
Introduced as a new sleeveless style, similar to tank tops but with straps tied behind the neck, halter necks became the official tops of the 90s trends, usually paired with boot-cut jeans.
71. Vests
![Vests As Tops 90s fashion - 1990s vest tops, nineties vesttops, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Vests-As-Tops.jpg)
Made from a wide range of materials – from leather to velour and silk, 90s vests were worn as independent pieces rather than a suit combo and matched with skirts and jeans.
72. Lit-Up Sneakers
![90s L.A. Lites sneakers - 1990s smart sneakers, nineties lit-up sneakers, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Lit-up-sneakers2.gif)
Short-lived but making 90s fashion history, the Lit Up Sneakers were a unique pair of high-tech smart kicks with lights in the heel.
Lites were awesome for stunting around with your friends in middle school but horrible when trying to escape the cops at night.
73. Tube Tops
![Tube Tops 90s fashion - 1990s nineties tube tops, nineties tube tops, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Tube-Tops.jpg)
Tobe tops were the ultimate fashion and comfort pieces in the 90s, seen as a must-have for any respectable wardrobe girl.
Usually accessorized with an oversized necklace, the strapless tops came in colors and materials.
74. Beanies
![Beanies 90s fashion trends - 1990s beanies, nineties beanies, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Beanies.jpg)
While the name sounds strange, beanies are a knit cap of simple, tapering constructions.
Worn by the movie stars, athletes, and rappers of the 90s, beanies came in various styles and materials.
75. Branded Baseball Caps
![Caps in 90s fashion - 1990s baseball cap, nineties baseball caps, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Caps.jpg)
The baseball cap is so ubiquitous in American culture that it could be called America’s national hat.
Made of a soft cap and stiff visor, it is typically adjustable at the back thanks to velcro, plastic, or elastic band.
But what made the baseball cap so famous was Jay-Z’s debut album, Reasonable Doubt, in 1996, where he appeared on the cover hidden under a fedora and scarf fit for a mafia don.
76. Oversized Bottoms & Tops
![90s Oversized & Baggy Fashion Style - 1990s baggy tops, nineties baggy bottoms, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Oversized.jpg)
The decade stands out thanks to a unique blend of streetwear looks borrowed from skater and hip-hop subcultures.
Oversized jackets, cargo shorts, hoodies, and T-shirts, in combos we see even now, as the streetwear trend.
77. Tie-Dye Tops
![Tie-Dye 90s fashion outfits - 1990s tie-dye clothes, nineties tie-dye jackets, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Tie-Dye.jpg)
In the 90s, everyone wore a tie-dye T-shirt, sweater, or jacket.
Tie-dyeing was simple, often done at home, and consisted of folding and twisting the fabric of a garment, binding it with strings or rubber bands, and immersing it in various dyes to achieve unique patterns of colors.
78. Oversized Knits
![Oversized Knits 90s fashion - 1990s knitwear, nineties oversized knitwear, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Oversized-Knits.jpg)
In all colors, materials, and styles, 90s perfection knits had one thing in common: oversize.
Worn everywhere, from school to the gym and TV, the knits paired with skinny joggers were ‘the bomb’!
79. Cropped Tops
![90s cropped top fashion style - 1990s cropped tops, nineties cropped tops, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Cropped-Top.jpg)
After Tommy Hilfiger launched an aggressive campaign promoting cropped tops, every stylish girl wanted to wear one and look like Aaliyah.
There were even models for guys who wanted to be like Grand Puba or Puff Daddy.
80. School Bags
![90s School Bags fashion - 1990s school bags, nineties school bags, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-School-Bags.jpg)
The 90s were also when branded school bag trends started to rise, with labels like JanSport holding the top spot.
81. Jorts (Short Jeans)
![90s fashion short jeans - 1990s short jeans for women, nineties jorts, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Short-Jeans.jpg)
In the 90s, denim shorts (also called ‘jorts,’ a ‘portmanteau of jeans,’ ‘shorts,’ or ‘short jeans’ were worn by both genders.
The most popular style of the 90s fashion was above-knee, with the ends rolled up twice or styled with a high-rise straight fit and long fray hem.
82. The Old Money Look
![90s Preppy Fashion Style - 1990s preppy clothes, nineties preppy apparel, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-90s-Preppy-Style.jpg)
From Princess Diana’s iconic Sloane Ranger style to Ivy League’s sailing fashion, the 90s had a unique take on the Old Money style with prep jackets, shirts, and shorts in bright colors.
The uniforms of old private Northeastern colleges and preparatory schools reached peak popularity in the 90s fashion stage, commercially driven by the advent of Polo and Hilfigers’ stylish looks.
Also, the Equestrian style was embraced by urban culture to showcase wealth and success in the 90s.
83. Hip-hop Boots
![90s Hip-hop Boots - 1990s hiphop boots, nineties hiphop boots, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Hip-hop-Boots.jpg)
Hip-hop boots matched with sagged, baggy jeans and chains – Notorious BIG and Tupac.
Nothing was fresher than sporting a fresh pair of 6-inch Timberlands or Lugs, and you were a pro if you cleaned them with your pencil eraser.
While Timberland was already popular in the 90s, Lugz made the connection to the hip-hop world.
84. Skateboard Sneakers
![Skate Sneakers 90s fashion - 1990s skateboarder sneakers, nineties skateboard shoes, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Skate-Sneakers-.jpg)
There was a silent battle in the 90s grade schools between Airwalks and Vans’ skate sneakers.
Skaters were fiercely loyal to their brands, as the ultimate supremacy of skate shoes was at stake, a war eventually won by Vans.
85. Zubaz Pants
![Wild Pants 90s fashion - 1990s wild pants, nineties wild trousers, 90 fashion decade](https://thevou.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/90s-Fashion-thevou.com-Wild-Pants2.jpg)
Nowadays known as sweatpants, Wild Pants were introduced to the 90s fashion scene by rappers like Hammer and Vanilla Ice.
Made of soft, breathable fabrics suitable for dancing, these loose-fitting pants came in various colors and prints, with a drawstring closure and taper at the leg.
Conclusion
This compilation of 90s fashion moments is a gold mine for the 1990s nostalgic ones and those seeking some 90s party outfit inspiration.
From the rare fashion moments of the 1990s to the most-wanted looks of the nineties decade – that endure today – and from cropped cardigans and kitten heels to slip dresses, these are the best.
Nineties fashion shaped how we understand and wear fashion, from backward baseball caps to bucket hats, knee socks, fanny packs, spaghetti straps, and celebrity footwear collabs, which are relevant right now.
These iconic 90s fashion looks resurface decades later, inspiring the latest fashion trends.
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source https://thevou.com/fashion/90s-fashion/
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