90’s Style Aesthetic & Trends

I remember reading about a “style forecast” for the year 2020 several years back. It was assumed that in the 2020’s people would be all about 1920’s style and flapper dresses. I still think that might happen by the end of the 2020’s, but at the moment I’m really happy that 1990’s style is so completely in. Styles tend to recycle themselves. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that millennials are well into adulthood and older millennials are nearing their forties. With the pressures of student loans and the stresses of mortgages and childcare, millennials want to feel young again and the Generation Z kids who don’t remember anything of the 90’s feel that it is fresh and new. This year’s fashion is all about nostalgia. It has been creeping back into our closets with high waisted shorts and the rebirth of the scrunchie, but now its not just a here and there thing, it seems like all current trends are a complete throwback to “better times.”

Perhaps this presidency and then this pandemic pushed us into wanting to go back to “simpler” times. I say “simpler” in quotes because we all know that generation after generation has looked back on the time of their youth as “simpler” even though equality was still just a myth for many people (and for many still is) and there was a lot going on at the time that we look back on while shaking our heads. We tend to romanticize the past without thinking about the values, society, and even the lack of medical advances of the time period. It’s not the past that is so simple, beautiful, nostalgic, romantic, or glamorous; it’s the aesthetic and the nostalgia we place with it. The only way to a better future is to keep moving forward, not to keep looking back. That being said, all generations love looking back on old styles, movies, music, and fashion and there can be a lot of joy created in doing so.

For us 90’s kids, it brings back the fun of pop music and girl/boy bands (Destiny’s Child, anyone?) and time before technology became so integrated into every nanosecond of our lives. We chatted with friends via AOL if we were allowed to spend time on the family computer and there was a lot of hype going into the new millennium. (Do you remember the millennium themed everything?) The most fun to be had was by hanging out with your friends. The 90’s gave us Clueless, Friends, and Pretty Woman.

For me, what I love most about the 90’s is the colorful film photography before digital became the norm, time spent with family and friends outdoors, the lake in the summertime, and the movie Matilda. I lost my Tomogatchi someone in my bedroom and spent weeks listening to it beep and “cry” until the battery died. My favorite toy was my Samantha American Girl Doll. In 1999 I thought that the Macarena was the best dance song ever, even better than Cotton Eye Joe. Britney Spears was my first CD and I listened to it on my portable purple Walkman on the bus ride to school in the morning with my foam covered headphones.

With the fashion of my childhood back in style, there are several trends I love to wear and love to hate. These are my thoughts on the top trends, if I’ll wear them again, and my predictions on if they will last or if we’ll look back on them with laughs just like we did the first time around.

 

Scrunchies -For me, these never went out of style. I love scrunchies because they don’t cause breakage to your hair. Until recently I didn’t wear scrunchies out of the house though. They were very much “not in style” until recently so I kept these happy hairwear accessories for home only. People always pointed out how out of fashion they were. They’ll probably go out of style again, but these are a staple in my accessory collection.

Mesh tops -I never really wore mesh tops, but if I found the right one I definitely would rock it. I love all the pastel and neon mesh tops coming into style. I definitely don’t think these will be timeless though so I’m not investing any for my wardrobe.

Puff sleeves -A classic puff sleeve has come in and out of style for centuries. These are timeless and never going out of style (not to be confused with a balloon sleeve or shoulder pads). They remind me of the cute dresses and tops in the Sound of Music film. I love this style for it’s simple elegance and femininity. If you go for a sublet puff, your look will be timeless.

Balloon sleeves -I’m NOT a fan of balloon sleeves. Balloon sleeves are much larger versions of the puff sleeve. These were iconic in the 80’s and early 90’s, but this is a trend I would be happy to never see again. You will never see me sporting a giant balloon sleeve, but for those more adventurous than I, go for it. Just don’t expect it to treat you kindly when you look back on photos many years from now. This is one of those trends where you ask yourself, “What was I thinking?!”

Short suits -I remember seeing Julia Roberts wore a linen short suit in the movie Pretty Woman and thinking how professional and sophisticated she looked. I bought a blush pink short suit this season and I love how casual and professional it is at the same time. A perfect way to jazz up a summer work wear wardrobe. These will probably go out of style a little bit, but I think it will take a while and they’ll come back in again. In style or out, it will always be classy.

Crop tops -Crop tops come in and out repeatedly so if you love this trend, you’ll be able to wear these shirts again some day even when this 90’s nostalgia is long past. I was never confident enough to wear crop tops during the last wave of crop top trends, but now that I’m nearing thirty, I say “why not?” You’re only young once. This year I’m going for it.

Ruched bust tops and dresses -A definite staple of the 1990’s, the ruched bust is dainty and feminine and gives a bit of a throwback to the victorian era where it was inspired from. It won’t always be in style, but it will never go so far out of style that you can’t wear it again.

Ditzy floral prints -I can’t get enough of this trend. I tend to gravitate towards florals anyways, but now that they’re all over I am so very happy. Ditzy florals are floral prints with tiny flower patterns. Shorts, skirts, blazers, dresses; ditzy florals are everywhere and I’m here for it. They will never go out of style, and even if they do fall out of fashion, they’ll always pop back up again every spring.

Tie dye -Tie dye was great for summer camp, but for me this is mostly a no. A pastel tie dye pattern might tempt me on the right outfit, but I’m going to have to say no to this one. Keep this for the kids at summer camp.

Cami dresses -Mini dresses with thin straps are in. They constantly come in and out of style so you can’t go wrong with this look. With the right jacket you can style them numerous ways. The only thing is that they’re often very short so you’re limited to where you can wear them.

High waisted shorts and pants -It’s so wonderful that all jean styles are in style. This is the way that it should always be. And its super cool that high waisted is back. Its a trend I never thought I would get behind, until I tried it! Now there is no going back. I think these will keep coming in and out of style. But now they’re so classic that I bet you’ll see people wearing them a long time from now.

Mini skirts -Again, super short and limited to where you can wear them, but also very cute. I’m going to say yes to this trend while I’m young.

T-shirts under cami dresses -I personally haven’t tried this yet, but I think its a cute look. Very much like Cher from Clueless so this aesthetic is a yes for me.

Overalls -Did they ever really go out of style? Don’t answer that! I know, just like my scrunchies that overalls were out, but I never stopped wearing them any way. They’re just so darn cute and comfy!

Graphic tees -Vintage t-shirts are cool. I’m not a huge t-shirt fan because the style tends to make me look much younger than I am, but it is neat that old t-shirts are in style. I know people who have had the same old t-shirts for decades and they still wear them. I think this is the most timeless piece in our modern wardrobes.

Black leather Moto jackets -This look has always been popular in France, but it is making a comeback all over the world. I love a classic leather jacket so I’ll say yes to this trend. Timeless and edgy.

Chunky heels -Heels will forever go in and out of style. Chunky, skinny, high, low, wedge, etc. It’s how they get you to spend more money to buy new shoes when you don’t need them. So you might as well wear whatever you want. I will say this; they’re a lot easier to balance on and put less pressure on your feet.

White heels -I remember being told that “white heels are so last season,” when I was a tween entering the 2000’s. But wow do I love the look of white strappy heels! It is so feminine and lovely. Of course, it totally reminds me of the movie Clueless, but that’s not such a bad thing. White heels, just like black and nude shades, also go with just about anything. I can’t get enough of this look. I hope it never goes away!

Tennis shoes -Especially with dresses, tennis shoes are very 90’s and also very in right now. I’m all for it because they’re so comfortable and go with just about anything. The 90’s trend of wearing them with sundresses is something I’ve been hoping would come back for a while because I’ve been doing it anyway. Another one of those style trends I never let go of and it is so comfy too.

Jelly Shoes -They are back. Are they cute? Yes. Do they hurt your feet? Absolutely. I love the look, but I will forever remember how painful these things were and how badly they diced my delicate feet.

Biker shorts -I haven’t tried this one out. I can see the merit for them when it comes to workout attire, but I wouldn’t wear this out in public unless I was at the gym. I don’t think this trend will stick, but if you work out a lot it is worth it.

High waisted cutout bikini bottoms -There are many styles of high waisted bikini bottoms that I love, but the ones I’m thinking about are the floss-like bottoms that show off a ton of hip (and bum) and rest high on your hips near your waist, looking like some scrappy thin V. I’m not a huge fan of this look, but I could convert with the right swimsuit. It is a Bay Watch flashback that didn’t need to happen. Or did it? Although I love most high waisted bathing suit styles, this particular look is too unflattering in my opinion, even though it was designed “to make your legs look longer,” according to my mom. Some suits pull this off, especially as a one piece but I’m just not a fan of these and I think most of us will look back on these and cringe.

Belted Jeans and dresses -Professional and polished, I’m loving the belt look with jeans and shirts tucked in or waist belts on dresses. Maybe in the future I’ll be over it, but I think it is a nice way to make a casual outfit look more fresh.

Cardigans -Cardigans, especially cropped cardigans are just so cool. You can wear a tight fitting one as a shirt itself or wear one over a nice top or dress. They make any outfit look a little more posh while also being casual and easy going. Whats not to love?

Animal Print -I’m just not a fan. For me, animal prints only looks good on animals. It’s just not my style and it falls out of fashion so quickly over and over again.

Slip Dresses -They’re simple and chic. I love the elegance of a slip dress. I don’t think this look will ever go completely out of fashion.

Bucket Hats -I loved my denim bucket hat as a kid. I wore it for years until I grew out of it. Although I might feel nostalgic about this look, it is not something I think I would wear year after year. I could potentially enjoy a bucket hat style, but I don’t think it will be my go-to hat as I love a classic straw sunhat. Still, a part of me is thinking about getting one for summer. Nostalgia wins.

Plaid Shirts -Did these ever go out of style? I live in New England where this is the staple New England look, especially in the autumn. I save this look for my October adventures.

Fanny Packs -I don’t think these have ever been cool but they sure are convenient for hands-free storage and going for a jog. I don’t have one and I have no plans to get one, but I did love my hot pink fanny pack as a kid. These bring me back! If you wear one or not, I won’t judge.

Stonewash Black Denim Jeans -From the grunge look-book, these black wash jeans with rips were popular to pair with dark plaids and baggy tops. I could see myself wearing this for a road trip, but it wouldn’t be a part of my every day attire. I suppose I’m more preppy 1990’s than grunge 1990’s.

Tying a sweater or jacket around your waist for later -I haven’t done this in a while, but it is certainly a 1990’s look and convenient for adding an extra layer when you want it. The Olsen Twins were known for this style, espcially in the film It Takes Two. My sister Jennifer and I used to wear our jackets tied around our waists too. It’s a casual look that I don’t think I’m likely to repeat, but if it works it works.

Color tinted sunglasses -I’ll always say yes to rose colored glasses.

The color purple -Or should I say lilac? This color is everywhere this year and it is a classic 90’s color. I’m all for it.

Choker Necklaces -Ribbons, lace, and “tattoo” necklaces are all the rage again and I love it. Although faded, I still have my rainbow colored tattoo chocker necklace and I love wearing simple checkers with dresses and t-shirts. Yes, I am glad these are back in style again.

 

 

Did I forget anything? Tell me what your favorite 90’s styles and trends are in the comments below. What are you happy to see come back and what can’t you wait to see go?