Skip to Content

Forgotten '90s fashion trends we're still obsessing over

Nineties kids will remember these once-trendy looks we wish had never died (spoiler: some haven't).

By
90s fashion
getty

Slip dresses, bomber jackets, scrunchies and plaid flannel shirts were all the rage during the '90s — and many of these fashion trends are working their way back into vogue (although some of these pieces may have never left your wardrobe). For all the nostalgic fashion fans out there, we've rounded up some of the decade's best fashion trends that will instantly transport you back to the heyday of grunge, hip hop and bubblegum pop.

In the '90s, celebs like Halle Berry, Naomi Campbell and Jennifer Lopez brought their freshest looks to red carpets and everyday activities (not to mention their amazing '90s makeup looks and '90s hairstyles). From sexy slip dresses to casual overalls to crop tops to groovy swirl patterns and leopard prints, you'll find some of the most coveted styles of the decade on our list (many of which you may just be inspired to replicate!).

90s fashion trends we still love now

Slip Dresses

best 90s fashion trends, halle berry wearing a black slip dress at the soul train music awards in los angeles
Frank Trapper//Getty Images

Actress Halle Berry wore this black slip dress to the Ninth Annual Soul Train Awards in 1995. It's a minimalist look that's elegant and alluring, no matter what decade you're wearing it in.

SHOP BLACK SLIP DRESS

Plaid Skirts

best 90s fashion trends, woman, sarah jessica parker, wearing a plaid skirt and long top
Jeff Kravitz//Getty Images

Plaid skirts weren't just for school uniforms! Back in the '90s, long plaid skirts were all rage, as evidenced by Sarah Jessica Parker's outfit, paired with a blue poncho and red heels.

SHOP PLAID SKIRT

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Horizontal-Striped Tops

best 90s fashion trends, man wearing horizontal striped green and yellow shirt
NBC//Getty Images

Neon-colored striped tops, like this green and yellow mix worn by The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star Will Smith, were a popular street style look. They're still a fun way to add some colour to your wardrobe.

SHOP STRIPED TOPS

Dungarees

best 90s fashion trends, woman wearing black overalls
Jeff Kravitz//Getty Images

Actress Alyssa Milano wore black dungarees to The Lost World: Jurassic Park premiere in 1997. It's a casual outfit that's still a great option to wear if you're in a rush, but want to keep it stylish.

SHOP DUNGAREES

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Swirl Patterns

best 90s fashion trends, woman, brandy, wearing black and white swirl patterned pants
Ron Galella, Ltd.//Getty Images

Swirl patterns are still in, especially on flare trousers similar to Brandy's eye-catching 'fit at the 24th Annual American Music Awards in 1997.

SHOP SWIRL-PATTERNED DRESS

Faux Fur Coats

best 90s fashion trends, man, usher, wearing a yellow fur coat during awards ceremony
Ron Galella//Getty Images

Colorful faux fur coats were a key component of '90s style. They'll keep you warm during cold months, while giving your outfit some edgy appeal — similar to Usher's all-yellow ensemble at the Ninth Annual Billboard Music Awards.

SHOP FAUX FUR COATS

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Tie-Dye

best 90s fashion trends, women, destiny's child, wearing tie dye dresses
Rose Hartman//Getty Images

Tie-dye is back and there are so many ways to wear it! The '90s was full of colourful tie-dye caps, oversized tees and dresses, including this colour-coordinated look from Destiny's Child. Now, there are so many grown up options when it comes to how to wear it.

SHOP TIE-DYE DRESS

Velvet Suits

best 90a fashion trends, woman, gwyneth paltrow, wearing a velvet suit
Kevin.Mazur//Getty Images

Gwyneth Paltrow wore a velvet red suit to the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards. The fabric is an easy yet classy way to upgrade your work wardrobe.

SHOP VELVET SUIT

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Sequins

best 90s fashion trends, michael jackson wearing sequin shirt
Michael Ochs Archives//Getty Images

High-shine fabric was a showstopper in the '90s, from sequin shirts and pants to glittery hair accessories and skirts. Take a page from Michael Jackson and use the glittery fabric to stand out on a special occasion.

SHOP SEQUINS

Colored Sunglasses

best 90s fashion trends, man justin timberlake, wearing colored sunglasses
Jeff Kravitz//Getty Images

This chic sunglass trend works for any outfit, especially when you have a collection of colors to choose from.

SHOP TINTED GLASSES

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Layered Clothing

best 90s fashion trends, supermodel naomi campbell modeling versace dress
Michel Arnaud//Getty Images

This Versace dress worn by Naomi Campbell is a gorgeous example of the layered aesthetic. A silk gown layered under a long sleeve top is the perfect outfit for fall.

SHOP LONG SLEEVE DRESSES

Sheer Fabric

best 90s fashion trends, woman, jennifer lopez, wearing a sheer black dress
KMazur//Getty Images

The sheer trend dominated the '90s. See-through materials like lace and mesh are still equally as striking and daring today. We're seeing this look on the red carpet in a big way with the sheer tights trend right now.

SHOP SHEER TIGHTS

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Leopard Print

best 90s fashion trends, jada pinkett smith wearing a leopard print hat
Steve Granitz//Getty Images

From coats and dresses t0 hats and shirts, leopard-print attire was everywhere thanks to its playful and cool aesthetic.

SHOP LEOPARD PRINT PIECES

Track Suits

best 90s fashion trends, whitney houston wearing a white track suit at the super bowl
George Rose//Getty Images

In 1991, Whitney Houston gave a memorable performance at Super Bowl XXV in a white tracksuit.

SHOP LOUNGEWEAR

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Corset Tops

best 90s fashion trends, woman, baby spice, wearing a black and purple floral corset and a black long skirt
Dave Hogan//Getty Images

Emma Bunton (a.k.a. Baby Spice from the Spice Girls) wore this pink-and-black lace corset in the '90s.

SHOP CORSET INSPIRED TOP

Watch Next 
90s fashion
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below