The 90s Fashion Comeback: Revisiting Iconic Styles in Modern Fashion

Another trend which was evidenced from the fashion trends which were in the 1990s is coming back again

Taking into account all the volunteers by the representatives of the 90s of the XX century, it can be stated that the 90s are one of the most important years in developing the perspective of fashion trends of the modern classics and the new trends which are to be expected at present.

However, when the digital era started in the early twenty-first century, many Millennials and Gen Z regretted having to go back in time they used to have.

 This has led to the revival of many trends from the 90s that designers continue to modernize for today’s world. Nothing remains out of fashion anymore, especially not the crop tops, chokers, platform sneakers, and even the baggy jeans.

Grunge Style: A Look at its Evolution

Shirt made of flannel, Jeans, torn at any area, Boots and shoes gave a perfect look to the grunge look which was followed by Nirvana, Pearl Jam and more. Instead of the glamorous image of the 80s, grunge style was characterized by plaid shirts bought at the second-hand stores, oversize T-shirts with the names of bands on them, and ripped jeans.

It quickly appealed to the rebellious generation of youth who were looking to counter societal norms. Today, sophisticated brands such as Saint Laurent even make items with grunge-inspired designs. Jeans with rips on the knees and lumber shirts are still in fashion for both sexes.

Telling Us the latest trends that are setting fashion trends among ladies today are crop tops and low rise jeans.

Popular artists like Britney Spears of early 2000s and other pop icons of 90s inspired the world with their sexuality by wearing skimpy crop tops and low rise jeans. After three decades of high-waisted mom jeans as the pinnacle of fashion, Gen Xers latched onto the skin-exposing trend as indicative of women’s liberation.

Tommy Hilfiger, FILA, Calvin Klein were some of the brands that put their logo on the bright colored cropped t-shirts and sweatshirts. Low rise jeans were worn just below the belly button which exposed the stomach area. Despite some controversy back in the day, these skin baring pieces of clothing remain summer essentials. Contemporary versions involve high-waist trousers with a glimpse of the 90s style thong at the belt level.

The hip hop fashion emerged as a result of the hip hop culture which was a movement that started in the 1970s and was associated with black and Latino youths from American cities.

The hip-hop & rap music became more popular and influential during the 90s and also contributed to the overall style. Large hoodie sweatshirts, baseball caps, and basketball sneakers became part of the new streetwear. 

Products like Nike, Adidas or Champion were among the brands that benefited from this trend in urbanization. The sneaker market was boosted to a whole another level with basketball related icons Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal releasing their respective signature shoe models. At the moment, the Nike Air Jordan is classics and is currently the leader in the rating of the most popular sneakers of the past.

Designers also introduced hip hop influences with tomboy style pieces cut in leather and jersey fabrics bearing designer logos. This connection between high fashion and urban wear altered the tide, opening the doors for more streetwear collaborations.

Minimalism Goes Mainstream

Most people will readily associate the 90s with colorful logos and bright colors, however, minimalism was also very popular then. Some of the Gen Xers adopted the grunge music styles and therefore, they wore clothes and accessories with minimal designs in plain color. This was a stark difference from the bold neon colors and patterns that were prevalent in 80s fashion. Monochromes and simple jeans replaced flashy outfits and over the top ensembles. 

This transition toward clean and effortless style was evident from the loose linen dresses, large oversized sweaters and relaxed trousers. Today, Scandinavian designers like Acne Studios H&M are representatives of this minimalist fashion. Even normcore that involves simple things such as plain t-shirts, jeans, and sneakers has its root from the 90s minimalism.

The Return of Retro Styles 

At the same time, new trends that defined 90s fashion also witnessed the revival of the past decades’ fashion trends. Bell bottoms, platform shoes, and baby doll dresses received their modern makeovers approximately twenty to thirty years later. 

Girls like the Spice Girls took 60s mods into the fashion world with their Union Jack dresses and go-go boots. Bohemian outfits also came into style, reminiscent of the 1970’s with peasant top, wide-brimmed hats, and flared pants. Some designers such as Anna Sui fused together influences from more than one past era into her line of romanticism. In today’s world, we can witness decades old make come back into fashion in what can be attributed to the nostalgic and vintage culture.

The Bold Accessory Movement

No 90s look was ever considered complete without those pieces of accessory that put the final touch on the outfit. The accessories of the decade involved chunky shoes, chokers, fanny packs, and many others that characterized the decade’s accessorizing trend. 

Shoe heights moved to platforms, growing inches with BLOCK heels and broad soles. Chokers are similar to the decade’s tattoo chokers with shimmering engravings. Bulging fanny packs supplanted handbags and hip-mounted backpacks. Scrunchies, butterfly hair clips, and trucker hats are also on the list of accessories characteristic for the 90s. Today’s catwalk ensembles include many flamboyant extras that point to the boldest seventies.

90s Supermodel Fashion 

Some of the models that were type casted as the supermodel status during her early years include Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer and Naomi Campbell and they were popular in the 1990s. Lanky, full figured and beautifully endowed, they dominated the covers of Aspen clean dominated magazines and ads. 

Fashion houses such as Versace and Chanel saw this as an opportunity to use them to model their fashion shows in sexy outfits including slip dresses and glamorous gowns. As for leisure, they introduced simple things like white tanks, jeans, sneakers with a bombshell spin. Presently, the popular models such as Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner imitate the 90s supermodels having their laid-back attitude. Even in the present times, major brands continue to approach the most recognizable faces for their products and campaigns on and beyond fashion weeks.

Minimal Makeup Looks 

Whereas thick, glamorous makeup was popular in the eighties, simple makeup was the thing for the nineties. Fashion goddesses appeared on the covers of magazines and in advertising images without a stitch of makeup, save for a hint of sun protection. 

They preferred soft natural colors of eyeshadows applied in a wash effect on the lids combined with nude or brown lip colors. Skin bare and translucent, thin and over-arched eyebrows dominated the faces of the women while hair looked as if it was styled haphazardly.

The simplicity of the makeup only served to enforce the idea of less is more that has continued to define 90s style. Today’s no-makeup makeup trends still promote that minimalist look. However, manufacturers today provide much more sophisticated products that claim to give a perfect natural look on the skin.

Conclusion

Almost a quarter of the century into the changes, which have been witnessed more than a decade ago, get revamped with every new season of the year. High-end fashion brands and fast fashion brands to this day often refer to references of 90s pop culture and fashion. 

The Gen X sensibility of minimalism meeting bold aesthetic could not be any truer as it depicts the generation that was raised between two completely different worlds. It is important to remember that 90s fashion emerged at the time of high technologies and social transformation, which now seems to be tinted with nostalgia. At the moment incorporating retro pieces with modern designs results in an up to date mix.