10 hot trends from 90s women’s fashion making a comeback

Summary: Fall winter 2022/23 fashion trends have hinted at the revival of 90s fashion in women’s wear. With the focus being on minimalist styles and relaxed, oversized silhouettes, the trends to watch out for are flared pants, animal prints, sheer and velvet fabrics, cropped tops and jackets, slip dresses, and denim overalls.

Minimalist yet rebellious, '90s fashion was all about being effortlessly chic. Runways and street styles broke away from norms and made a departure from the more flashy trends of the '80s. Natural or grunge makeup and accessorizing complemented women’s looks in the decade. A look at what celebrities and influencers are wearing today tells us that nineties fashion is having a moment. 

Brands should take a cue from designers like Alexander McQueen and Marc Jacobs, who were inspired by gritty streets and imbibed grunge in their brands. You can also expect more hip-hop and Britney-inspired ‘sexy schoolgirl’ looks to trend this season. Bringing out something for the nostalgic '90s babies can create your bestseller looks in the coming year.  

Are you keeping a tab on fall fashion trends? Brands can make the most of '90s fashion by incorporating the following trends in their designs next year:

The flair of flares

The nineties were all about loose and oversized silhouettes. Flared and wide-leg pants were popular since the 1970s, but the style made a comeback in the 1990s. Their ability to transform any outfit makes flare pants popular. Brands should look for variety—from micro to macro flares and vintage denims to yoga pants. If your collection is edgy, don’t forget to include Harlequin harems. 

Singing an animal song

When your brand goes retro, incorporate animal-print dresses, shirts, and midis that can let your buyers rock nineties fashion. Must-include prints are tiger stripes, snakeskin, and zebra lines. One of the key fall winter 2022/23 fashion trends, animal prints are taking a detour and heading towards sea skin that draws its designs from coral reefs and sea slugs. 

The sheer delight of it!

Brands should experiment with the sheer trend that dominated the nineties. It’s still in vogue, with consumers picking up see-through fabrics like mesh and lace. NYFW saw glimpses of the risqué trend back in 2020 that is expected to pick up next year. Brands can adapt the fabric into multiple styles, including tops, dresses, and maxis.

Dramatic velvets

Dramatic and slinky velvet was the fabric of the nineties. Some fashionistas would still have it in their closet. Yet others will be looking to pick up wrap dresses and midis fashioned from velvet. Brands should expect jewel-tone velvet outfits to dominate the party season in the coming months. 

Make them slay in a corset

AW22 and SS22 seasons have told us that exposing—midriffs to shoulders and legs—is back in vogue. Corsets are here to rule the trends in the time to come. Trends to look out for include corset dresses, bustier tops, and off-shoulder tops in edgy prints, metallic finish, and bright colors. Brands should focus on comfort instead of the restrictive bandeaus of the '90s.

It’s denim all over

Designers and brands looking to amp up their collection—in nineties style—must include denim overalls in their clothing. The covetable garment, popular among 90s fashion for women, gets a stylish makeover this season. Expect your fashion-savvy buyers to go for the sleeveless denim jumpsuit, a comfortable and casual wardrobe staple.

Slip dresses, nineties style

Alluring, elegant, and minimalistic, slip dresses can fit into any decade without raising eyebrows. Exactly the reason why fashionistas keep going to this versatile party essential. Like top-of-the-line brands, you can incorporate classic satin silhouettes in your clothing or go for embellished styles. Lace-trimmed dresses, midis, pastel colors, and maxi lengths—all make for the key pieces in this trend.

Smart leather blazers

Keanu Reeves’ Neo inspired men and women to take on the leather trend in the ‘90s. The long jacket was very Matrix, but the more practical classic biker version soared in popularity. Brands reintroducing 90s fashion for women should look at faux leather and vegan leather options for sustainability-conscious buyers. Rocker-chic moto jackets, biker jackets, and bomber jackets are styles to go for.

Short and sweet: Crop tops

Gen-Z is embracing the millennial kids’ styles, and how! In addition to the casual chic style, bare midriffs were the in-thing in '90s fashion for women. Sassy crop shirts that expose the midriff are a wardrobe essential in 90s fashion. For a modern twist, buyers will be seen wearing tank tops, cropped cardigans, short sweaters, and t-shirts. 

Tie-dye today

Colorful and psychedelic prints in tie-dye made another popular trend in the nineties. People wore oversized tie-dye dresses and caps, tees, and maxis. This trend reemerged in the past couple of years and is here to stay. Leading brands reintroduced it in elevated fabrics and unconventional shapes. Include bomber jackets, leggings, surfer girl t-shirts, and in feminine silhouettes for the coming year.

Gear up for the cool and carefree 90s

Hottest trends from the recent past are making a comeback this season. With the SS23 season looking back at trends that ruled 90s fashion for women, designers can blend these styles in their upcoming collections. The bottom line is the ‘too cool to care’ vibe that combines relaxed, oversized silhouettes with minimalist prints. From velvet to sheer fabrics, fashion-savvy buyers will focus on casual looks and won’t shy away from being a little risque.

Key Takeaways

• Nineties-inspired styles focus on effortlessly chic clothing
• Fashion in the 90s was minimalist, with oversized clothing in trend 
• Popular trends included leather blazers, flared pants, animal prints, and crop tops
• Sheer and velvet were popular fabrics back in the 90s

Brands looking to recreate classics can connect with leading manufacturers and suppliers through Fashinza’s AI-driven platform.

Looking to create a collection? Talk to us at Fashinza today!