Typically when we look back on pictures of our past, we are sorely welcomed by eyesore outfit ensembles that look as though they were assembled with closed eyes and clouded minds. However when those era-defining style pieces come back into style, you can revisit those photos knowing you were on the right side of fashion history.
The resurgence of ‘90s trends is one that no one could have possibly predicted. Babydoll dresses, neon colours, decorative hair clips— the whole nine yards, completely back in the style game.
Though the methods of which those pieces are incorporated into daily ensembles has evolved (thank goodness) over the course of the past 20 years, the very fact that they’ve become your most frequented piece is a fashion statement alone.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane via ten 1990s style items that are back and better than ever.
1. Corduroy
Even if you didn’t think it was possible for a fabric to go in and out of style, corduroy is living proof. From skirts and pinafore dresses to jackets and pants, this soft, ribbed material defines today’s fall fashion.
2. Dad shoes
Probably one of the most divisive fashion items on trend today is the dad shoe. Characterised by their ironic ugliness, these oversized shoes have reentered the market and carry the “trendy” label. All thanks to celebrities and social media influencers like Ariana Grande, Chance the Rapper, and Bella Hadid, the ugly “dad shoe” has resurfaced as the ultimate sign of peak trendiness.
These chunky men’s running shoes even carry high-end designer labels. Luxury names like Gucci, Balenciaga, and Louis Vuitton have jumped aboard the dad shoe train and show no signs of slowing down— so long as we keep getting tricked into thinking they’re fashionable!
3. Chunky sandals
Platform shoes are back in a big way, but there’s no more 90s-defining look than the platform sandal. Whether you were into platform flip flops or platform slides, you can find the finest selection of chunky sandals sitting on all of your favourite mall store shelves.
4. Denim skirts
There was a point in time where denim skirts were 100% out. You couldn’t even catch a middle school in a denim skirt. But the revival of the jean skirt has opened up a new world of possibilities. They have made their way into every trendy woman’s closet and can be dressed up or down in an instant.
5. Mini backpacks
Cher Horowitz was onto something when she paired her iconic blazer and skirt duos with those cutesy mini backpacks. These mini totes are the ultimate hands-free accessories that perfectly accommodate your phone, wallet, makeup must-haves, and more. From Forever 21 to Chanel, you can find the mini backpack of your dream in all of your favourite stores.
6. Mom jeans
The early 2000s refused to let the mom jean stand another day in mainstream stores. The skinny jean was born and all other relaxed fits were banished. Thanks to 90s pop icons like Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera, skin-tight clothing was hot loose-fitting clothing was not.
Characterised by its high waist and relaxed fit, the mom jean is the versatile jean silhouette that looks great on every body type. These airy, comfortable pants leave plenty of room to breathe easily without looking to homely or old-ladyish.
7. Brown lipstick
Brown lipstick used to be most frequently associated with goth and grunge looks, but brown lipstick today has become much more than a fad of the past. Don’t believe us? Among Kylie Jenner’s billion-dollar makeup line, one of her bestselling shades is “True Brown.” This $30 lippie looks absolutely gorgeous on all skin tones and exudes playful elegance.
9. Flare jeans
The 70s called and asked us to make sure that you remembered flare pants weren’t a mere relic of the 90s. Bell bottoms were all the rage decades before the 90s hit, but the lower-profile flare pant turned those larger than life pants into an everyday wear closet staple. Today, flare jeans are an artful way to spice up any outfit.
The fashion industry works in a cycle that nearly guarantees that our old closet staples will come back in style just decades later. Think twice before you donate— you may be more fashion-forward than you think.