90s fashion trends that are making a comeback
For some, the 1990s were a time in fashion history that they'd rather leave firmly in the past. It was the age of MAC's unforgettable 'Spice' lip pencil and Jennifer Aniston's iconic 'Rachel' hairstyle, and, naturally, Tamagotchis constituted the height of technological innovation.
However, the decade was also the origin of some of our all-time favourite style moments – the Big Six were cleaning up on the runway, meaning that the 90s fashion photo archive makes for some seriously decent viewing.
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MORE: 7 style lessons we learnt from 90s Kate Moss
The It-girls at the fore included Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer and Christy Turlington, who were paving the way for a new type of supermodel.
What was popular fashion in the 90s?
How long have you got? The 90s saw a slew of major trends, captured best the decade's most iconic films – think Clueless, She's All That, and 10 Things I Hate About You. Chokers, scrunchies, baby tees, jelly shoes, and bandeaus came to define the era, among many more.
The preppy look - which dominated in the previous decade among wealthy US teens - borrowed elements from hip hop fashion, incorporating sweatshirts, baseball jackets and slouch socks alongside pleated mini skirts, ballet flats and cricket sweaters.
Grunge blossomed, and an almost 'anti-fashion' spirit reared its head. The slouchy, bedraggled vibe favoured ripped tights, band T-shirts, distressed jeans, leatherette coats, combat boots (often Doc Martens), and longline skirts.
Is 90s fashion still trending?
This season, plenty of brands are taking their cues from the 1990s. Chunky summer footwear styles have caught our eye, including platform flip flops by Coperni and Balenciaga. The high street is making a watertight case for the slip dress, and versions by Mango, Zara and affordable label Omnes are excellent if you're after flattering, body-skimming cuts in super wearable shades.
Style-wise, the decade was such an eclectic blend, Hello! Fashion shares the 90s fashion trends that are still relevant today:
Slip dresses
Kate Moss' sheer slip dress is a piece of fashion history in its own right. Aged just 19, the freckled ingénue stepped out at the Elite Model Agency Look of the Year party and found herself pretty shocked to see the results the next day. "I had no idea why everyone was so excited," she later told Vogue. "In the darkness of Corinne [Day]'s Soho flat the dress was not see-through!"
MORE: Lila and Kate Moss' most stylish moments
If you're after something slightly less daring than Kate's choice, this gorgeous saffron dress by Zara would make for the perfect summer choice, teamed with mules and sun-kissed skin.
Claw clips
The 1980s favoured the humble banana clip, whereas it was the claw clip that reigned supreme in the decade that followed. Nowadays, supermodel Hailey Bieber is an advocate, as are Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid, turning to the practical accessory on days when only off-duty chic will do.
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This indulgent piece by Prada featuring the house's iconic triangle logo plaque is currently at the very top of our wish list. We think it would look amazing as the central focus of a half-up half-down hair style, paired with a black scalloped-edge mini dress and clear wedges.
Cycling shorts
Neon cycling shorts may not be what immediately springs to mind when one thinks 'Princess Diana style' – after all, she had so many unforgettable formal fashion moments. However, casual dressing was one of the many areas in which she excelled, case in point: her ability to pull off graphic oversized sweatshirts and brightly coloured cycling shorts.
If you're slightly apprehensive about trying out this combo – after all, bike shorts are not necessarily known for being the most forgiving style – we recommend you opt for an ultra-baggy fit with your sweatshirt choice so that the ribbed hem grazes your mid-thigh.
Cargo trousers
Everyone is wanting to get in on the action when it comes to cargo trousers. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is one of the style's greatest champions, having impressed us by styling her light brown pair with minimalist mules. Hailey Bieber is also a fan, and even wore a low-waisted baggy pair from Balenciaga stolen from her husband Justin.
Platform flip flops
It's giving Buffy Summers. Platform flip flops are having a moment and Kendall Jenner is on board with 90s footwear classic. Although the model wasn't there to enjoy the trend the first time round, she's definitely making up for lost time – and we're totally here for it. Check out styles by Coperni and Balenciaga if you're looking to incorporate the trend into your shoe repertoire.
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