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20 Best 90s Fashion Trends to Know Right Now

Last Updated: April 14, 2022

There’s no doubt that 90s fashion was iconic. Let’s take a look at some of the best 90s fashion trends that are making a comeback.

You might be interested in adding some 90s fashion trends into your wardrobe, and we don’t blame you. 90s fashion has made a full-on comeback within the last few years, and there are so many different ways to incorporate it into your personal aesthetic.

With so many different trends to sort through, it can feel a bit overwhelming to figure out where to start. To simplify things for you, we’ve put together a list of the best 90s fashion trends and pieces for some ultimate 90s inspo.

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Slip Dresses

Slip dresses were extremely popular in the 90s for the versatility and conservative sexiness they offered. With the right shoes and jewelry, the dress is casual enough to wear for a day out, or can be easily dressed up for a more formal event.

Popularized by the character Cher Horowitz in Clueless, the Calvin Klein slip dress became a cultural phenomenon. This is one trend you don’t want to miss out on! A modern take on Cher’s slip dress, this option offers all the versatility and style you’re after.


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Platform Sneakers

Platform shoes trend on-and-off throughout the years. However, in the 90s, they were particularly popular. Of course, Doc Martens are one of the most popular brands and rather than pass as trendy, they are now a permanent staple in the fashion industry.

A more casual take on platform sneakers, these platform Converse are perfect to give you a bit of boost in height, while adding some extra nostalgia through the Converse brand (which was also popular during the 90s). 


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Scrunchies

When it comes to 90s fashion trends, scrunchies were all the rage. You could easily match your hair accessories with your outfit to make a statement. In recent years, the trend has been to hide your hair accessories—even wrapping your hair around ponytails to do so. But now, scrunchies have been making a comeback in a very big way.

Not only are they colorful and fun, they also help prevent damage to your hair and are much more gentle than regular hair elastics. These scrunchies come in a 4-pack and are available in a variety of colors making them just as versatile as your wardrobe. 


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Combat Boots

A staple of the nineties grunge trend, combat boots add the perfect edge to any outfit. Often paired with black denim and band tees, this was the go-to look for wannabe punk-rockers everywhere.

These combat boots are a great place to start, as they have a low and comfortable heel if you aren’t used to wearing this style of shoe. With an easy zip-up feature, you don’t have to worry about constantly tying up the laces when you want to wear these.

RELATED: 7 Best Boots Like Doc Martens


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Fanny Packs

Fanny packs are as functional as they are trendy. They’re a hassle-free way to keep your keys, phone, and wallet close without having to hold a bag or find the space in your pockets. All the rage in the 90s, they could be found at any amusement park or seen on speed-walkers exercising throughout the town.

This fanny pack has an extremely nostalgic feel as it makes use of a tie-dye pattern. With two separate storage pouches, you’ll have plenty of space for your essentials and some extras.


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Slap Bracelets

Slap bracelets were a great love and a great fear of elementary and middle school students everywhere. The bracelets were typically holographic or sequined and worn by literally slapping the flat band onto your wrist, which causes it to curl up and turn into a bracelet (little did we know at the time, you can actually gently fold the sides in to avoid any pain). 

These sequined slap bracelets will bring back all the memories of your childhood. They’re the perfect party favors for a 90s throwback party, or you can use them to accessorize with your favorite outfits.


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Vinyl Clothes

Skin-tight vinyl clothes were popular as well in the nineties. Figure-hugging, nearly impossible to put on, and virtually impossible to take off without ripping or tearing the material. For some reason, they were a beloved staple in the closet of every nineties fashionista. 

Not quite as tight as its nineties counterparts, this dress offers a bit of stretch with a zipper closure to ensure easy wear. You’ll have all the style of this fantastic trend with some added modern comfort.


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Animal Print

This wild print could be found on anything and everything from clothing to home goods to jewelry and accessories. It was everywhere. Cheetah print, leopard print, zebra print, tiger print—you name it, there was a print. 

With a nineties silhouette, this leopard print dress looks like a photo straight out of a Sears catalog. You’ll be sure to turn heads rocking this dress.


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Tube Tops

Though at times impractical and uncomfortable, tube tops were an incredibly popular 90s fashion trend. Often worn with tennis skirts or acid-wash denim, they were a favorite among fashion lovers everywhere.

This set of four tube tops comes in a variety of colors (including neon!) so you can pair them with your favorite bottoms and even use them as layering pieces. This bandeau-style tube top is incredibly comfortable and lightweight, making it perfect for those hot summer months.


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Vests

Vests were a popular trend as well. Whether denim or puffer, they were a staple layering piece in the wardrobe of every nineties kid and adult alike.

This puffer vest is a modern take on a classic. Offering a sleek, semi-matte finish common among luxury brands, you’ll find yourself popping this vest on over all of your favorite outfits.


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Halter Tops

Halter tops were a solution to the tube top. As tube tops were susceptible to wardrobe malfunctions, halter tops offered a sexy and comfortable no-sweat alternative.

This halter top also features racerback detailing to give you more coverage than the traditional tie-at-the-neck halter top. Featuring a cropped design, this top is as trendy as it is practical.


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Kitten Heels

These heels were the perfect solution to elegant footwear. They offer a bit of a heel but are low enough to maintain comfort even throughout long days. While kitten heels have been featured on and off throughout the years, the pinnacle of their popularity was certainly the nineties.

This pair of heels are great as they feature an adjustable ankle strap and come in a variety of colors and patterns to match any outfit you put together. A padded insole adds a bit of extra comfort, making these the comfiest heels you’ll ever wear. 


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Bucket Hats

You’ve likely seen bucket hats making a comeback on popular shows such as Emily In Paris, but they were a staple trend in the nineties as well. Often paired with a matching vest, they were an accessory used to complete any look. 

This bucket hat comes in denim with frayed detailing, making it easy to pair with a variety of outfits and playing on a secondary nineties trend—denim. Wear it with your favorite pair of sunglasses to complete the look.


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Birkenstocks

Birkenstocks have never really gone out of style, but they were at the height of their popularity in the nineties. While they are typically associated with casual wear now, they were paired with every outfit you could think of in the nineties, including evening gowns. 

This pair comes in classic black and are perfect for lounging or going out. They’re comfortable to wear and slip on easily, making them the perfect shoes to toss on in a rush. 


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Overalls

Overalls were an absolute staple of the nineties. Convenient and comfortable, they’re easy to wear and offer aesthetic appeal to an outfit.

These overalls come available in three washes for your preference. With ripped detailing, they offer a more rugged look and added depth. 


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Mini Backpacks

These backpacks were similar to the fanny pack in that they’re as functional as they are fun and aesthetically appealing. With as much space as many handbags, you can easily fit all of your belongings into a mini backpack, but comfortably wear it on your back rather than carry it on your shoulder or hand.

This backpack features feminine bow detailing and offers exterior pocket space to ensure you have plenty of room for everything you need while keeping it all organized. The straps are adjustable as well, so you can make sure the bag is secured closely without a chance of slipping off.


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Sheer Fabrics

Sheer clothes were a huge trend during the nineties. At any red carpet or awards show, there were plenty of sheer gowns to go around, sometimes showcasing a slip dress or lingerie underneath. 

This dress follows the trend of sexy sheer dresses, but with paneled-blocking, you don’t have to stress about finding a slip or lingerie to pair it with. If you’re looking for a dress for a night on the town, this is a great option.


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Knee Socks

As with many of these nineties trends, knee socks are functional and stylish. Keeping your feet and legs warm, they add a touch of style to any outfit as well. They can be paired with tennis skirts, t-shirt dresses, or worn with knee-high boots for a more sophisticated look.

These knee socks come with a fun stripe detailing at the top which pairs best with streetwear or a sportier look. With comfortable but sturdy elastic, these socks will stay in place all day so you don’t need to worry about them slipping down. 


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Headbands

While various styles of headbands have trended throughout the years, the most popular style in the nineties was plastic, tortoise-shell and thin. They were often worn simply by pushing the bangs completely back and creating a sort of bouffant in effect.

These headbands are the same exact style and color as those that were popular in the nineties. You can wear them the same way, or try out different styles to see which suits you best. One improvement is comfort; these are a bit more flexible than the old-school headbands, so they won’t give you a headache halfway through the day.


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Biker Shorts

Biker shorts have been making a comeback for the past few years, thanks to fashion icons such as the Kardashians. Typically worn for exercise, they can also be paired with blazers, oversized tees, or tank tops for a more fashionable look.

These biker shorts are fantastic because of their deep pockets. If you just want to toss your keys and phone into your pocket before heading out, you’ll have plenty of space in these shorts! 

Bottom Line

There are so many fantastic 90s fashion trends to try out and incorporate into your own wardrobe. Searching through all of the trends online and trying to find the ones you’re most interested in can be a challenge, but with the help of our list, you’ll be able to find the trends that are most cohesive with your current style.

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