Ten ’90s Fashion Trends That Were the Best

Summary: Slip dresses, scrunchies, flannel shirts, and more are all classically inspired by 1990s fashion trends. Currently, the fashion industry is completely nostalgic, and many such trends are coming back through Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Vanity Fair, and more.

Many current fashion trends originated in the 1990s and have made a comeback. The past year saw the popularity of slip dresses, scrunchies, flannel shirts, and more—all inspired by 1990s fashion trends. 90s-inspired styles are making waves on the runways, and celebs are routinely seen sporting them too. It seems that the fashion industry has been hit by nostalgia. 90s fashion is also prominently featured in Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Vanity Fair, etc. Brands looking to create a new collection, take a cue!

In the 1990s, fashion models and actors like Nia Long, Naomi Campbell, and Halle Berry brought their freshest and most vibrant looks to runways and red carpets. They wore sexy slip dresses and casual overalls with equal panache. Styles that are still synonymous with "fancy" had their origins in early 1990s fashion. Let us take a closer look at these styles and how you can incorporate them into your brand's collection. 

Top 10 ’90s fashion trends 

Aesthetics back in the 1990s were elegant and sophisticated, and brands like Calvin Klein, Moschino, Guess, and Versace tried to recreate this elegance in their clothing collections. It was the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Elizabeth Hurley, and Sarah Jessica Parker who not only set the trends by rocking these looks but also became fashion icons that still inspire fashionistas. 

Cardigans 

The fashion world has always had a love-hate relationship with cardigans. If there ever was a garment that could amp up any outfit, it would be a cardigan. It was paired with slip dresses and strap crop tops, and it was available as a plus-one with a variety of dresses and tops. 

Today, celebs like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid have picked up this popular early-90s fashion trend to complement their casual and fancy outfits. Many brands like Mango, Fendi, and Balenciaga are now adding these cardigans in various patterns, especially cropped ones, to their collections.

Sheer Dresses 

Kate Moss’s sheer dress in 1993 started the trend of sheer dresses in the fashion world. Sheer dresses have always been a favorite on the runways and red carpets. Brandon Maxwell brought back this iconic sheer dress look with his Fall 2020 collection.

Knee Socks

Cher from the movie Clueless brought the trend of these old-school knee socks into the world of 1990s fashion trends. Prada, Versace, and Balenciaga have created new versions of this old trend by incorporating a logomania twist. You can take a cue from these brands and imprint your logo on socks too.

Thick Headbands

Hair accessories were a big part of 1990s fashion trends. Thick headbands, bandanas, and scrunchies are a must for a look inspired by 1990s fashion trends. With brands designing headgear tailored to match specific outfits, you can also add scrunchies, thick headbands, and bandanas to your collection.

Flannel Shirts

Flannel shirts were such a ’90s staple that everyone had a few in their closet. This grunge fashion-inspired garment was the on-stage attire for many singers and bands, which made it even more popular. Many brands are bringing the flannel shirt back to life, in many color and fabric variations that work for both men's and women’s ’90s-inspired looks.

Plaid Skirts 

If we had to pick an ambassador for plaid skirts, it would be Sarah Jessica Parker! She popularized the look to such an extent that it is still associated with her. Parker could be seen flaunting these long plaid skirts that were all the rage in the 1990s in the latest Sex and the City reboot too. 

Bike Shorts 

Bike shorts found favor with Madonna, Princess Diana, and many more style icons in the 1990s. Comfortable and stylish, it has routinely been rolled out by brands like Adidas and Nike in their fashion collections for women. 

Cargo Pants 

Not only did it make a "cool" style statement, but cargo pants were also worn in the 1990s for their convenience. It had multiple pockets, which allowed youngsters to stuff the many accessories they carried back in the day. Today, designers and brands are trying cargo-inspired variations in the form of jumpsuits, shorts, skirts, and more. 

High-waist Mom Jeans 

Thanks to street style stars and models like Gigi Hadid, mom jeans are back in style, with many brands experimenting with rugged or patched fabrics on denim. High-waisted jeans were made a key element of early 1990s fashion by icons like Winona Ryder and Jennifer Aniston. 

Fanny Packs

At one point in the late 1980s, fanny packs were declared the product of the year. By the mid-90s, they were everywhere. Its highly functional nature is making this belt popular again. It can hold the phone, wallet, and keys. In their current form, the ingenious bags have gone through a lot of enhancements, and brands are experimenting with funky prints, patterned belts, and more.  

The Good Ol’ Days of the 90s 

Thirty years later, 1990s fashion trends are still going surprisingly strong. Inspired by the fashion trends in the industry, brands can incorporate these trends to create a successful 90s line. Use fabric and color variations to revisit early ’90s fashion trends like high-waisted jeans, plaid skirts and shirts, knee socks, and more.

Key Takeaways

• Early 90s fashion trends saw a great deal of pastel and warm shades with more elegant and sophisticated fits on outfits.
• Many outfits like slip and sheer dresses, biker shorts, and plaid skirts have become classic style statements, taking after the 90s.
• Brands are now experimenting with the old 90s style and adding it to their fashion collections.

If you want to pop up your collection with some 90s charm, Fashinza can connect you to reliable manufacturers and supplies.

Create your custom collection with Fashinza today!