Let It Slip: ‘90s Waif-style Dresses Are Back!

Summary: The 90s fashion is back in fashion with a bang, and the latest it-girl look is inspired by the much-loved 90s waif style. It is one of the most popular trends of this summer, and with the mood for the 90s getting stronger and louder, there is no way back. This article covers everything that is included in the 90s waif style.

Thanks to Kate Moss, slip dresses were extremely popular in the 1990s. Now, they're back in style, along with many other 90s fashion staples, like scrunchies and preppy styles. Many fashionable celebrities prefer to wear such 90s-style dresses, and they never miss an opportunity to make a statement. It is important to style these gowns right because they can be tricky to wear if someone is not as tall as the supermodels. Due to the spaghetti straps, smooth materials, and lacy accents, they formerly ran the risk of appearing to be lingerie. Slip dresses, however, no longer resemble lingerie since the modified versions have returned to the scene.

What are Waif Style Dresses?

Waif dresses are a part of 90s style dresses with a distinguished history in fashion as well as a bright future.

The slip has been around for millennia. Women in earlier forms formerly had to hold outer clothing and ensure dignity. Nevertheless, the undergarment has long been shrouded in mystery. For instance, there was a stir when bombshell Elizabeth Taylor appeared in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof in 1958 wearing a slip. The slip dress, however, did not become widely popular in and of itself until the 20th century.

This easy 90s outfit is a minimalist choice for individuals who want to make a huge statement without putting in much effort. It is distinguished by having only a few fabrics like silk and lace, being supported by thin shoulder straps, and being cut on the bias. The hemline is being played with in all lengths in the 21st century, unlike the 1990s, which were known for their midi-length slip dresses. Many 90s-style dresses prioritize comfort and convenience of wear by being a one-piece ensemble.

When Did Waif-Style Dresses Become Iconic Pieces of Clothing?

It was in the last decade of the 20th century, a time of stability and prosperity when the transition from underwear to outerwear began. An age in which corsets became the main attraction rather than being concealed under clothing was also welcomed by Madonna, the then-queen of pop. This sparked a movement that resulted in the beautiful slip dress, which people still like today, and undergarments being regarded as simple apparel.

The emergence of the supermodel perfectly encapsulated the atmosphere of the 1990s. Supermodels like Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, and Christy Turlington were the biggest stars that could be, no longer just models but superstars on their terms.

After unintentionally donning a sheer maxi slip dress to a party in 1993 as a youngster, Kate Moss can almost entirely be credited for the slip dress's rise to fame. Moss' signature outfit was the slip dress.

For the remainder of the decade and into the next, she donned them for red-carpet occasions as well as for regular events.

The Surge in Popularity of Slip Dresses

In the 1990s, people other than celebrities began to openly don slip dresses. Princess Diana sported a Dior slip dress to a reception in the fashion house's honor; Carolyn Bessette Kennedy wore a slip dress to her wedding; and Cher from Clueless in her vivid red date-night ensemble was absolutely statement-worthy. 

The slip dress has a tendency to take on the persona that the wearer wants it to, whether it be elegant, diplomatic, seductive, or even scruffy.

Even two Calvin Klein slip dresses from the 1990s were featured at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City's 2018 exhibition honoring the trends that had a significant influence on the 20th and 21st centuries.

Styling a Waif Style Dress

The slip dress is ideal for minimalists. Given how airy and light it is, it is among the top summer outfits. Considering that it exudes sensuality, it's also an excellent dress for a date. 

The 90s-style dresses are most likely to attract attention when worn with heels and stylish jewelry. When it's cooler outside, covering up the dress with a sweater can make it look like a skirt. Layering is a clever way to elevate any look.

The waif-style dress has established its eternal appeal since the 1990s while always being the symbol of that decade. Although fashion fads come and go, the slip dress' elegance guarantees that it will always have a place in the wardrobe. These dresses are simple to wear, adaptable in any season, and able to match the distinctive identity of each owner as well.

This season, embracing the waif dress can significantly increase any fashion brand's revenues. Fashinza assists fashion brands in finding and managing suppliers and makes the process simpler. To match companies with the finest suppliers, we have a potent technological platform that employs data science and artificial intelligence. Along with trend forecasts and vendor management, they also provide full-cycle production management.

Key Takeaways

• The waif-style dress was created in the 1990s amidst playful trends, but it has matured in the modern period.
• You can choose between contemporary adaptations of vintage slip dresses from the 1990s when looking for one.
• The wearer determines how seductive or angelic the slip dress will be.