90s Fashion Trends We’re Still Wearing in 2021
Some 90s fashion trends seem to always be in style. That's why we've rounded up 20 of our favorite fashion trends from the decade that we're still wearing in 2021. Though we'll openly admit, we'd still wear most of these 90s celebrity outfits from H2T today because they're just that good.
At Zeitgeist, we're fascinated by the 1990s. Everything—from its pop culture to technology to music to global politics— had a lasting impact on the fashion industry. It was a decade that ushered in the global supply chains and technological advances that fueled the rise of fast fashion and online shopping. The internet began to democratize fashion, preparing it for the influx of influencers and social media shopping platforms that would soon be coming. Consumers gained inside access to fashion that was previously exclusive to the industry's in-crowd.
Even 20 years later, we're still obsessed with 90's pop culture. Take Jonah Hill's film Mid 90s (excellent soundtrack, 10/10 would recommend), Versace's FW 19 collection, and Kaia Gerber's overnight rise to supermodel status. But why?
Perhaps it's because Millenials are finally reaching the age that their favorite supermodels and starlets were during the decade. Maybe it's because we're technically 90's kids, but feel we were gypped on what the decade really had to offer. Robbed by our youth.
Another theory: it's because of second-generation celebrity royalty and their 90s inspired street style that fills our Instagram feeds. I envy the archives of designer vintage clothing they borrow from their parents' closets.
Whatever the reason, we're 100% here for the resurgence of the decade that brought us Sex and the City, Nirvana, Bratz Dolls, and the Tupac-Biggie rivalry. It's not like our current decade has been that great so far anyway, right?
These celebrity outfits and fashion trends from the 90s are still just as hot in 2021.
1. White Ribbed Tanks
What would 90's fashion be without the iconic white ribbed tank, or shall we call it by its former name, the wife-beater? Even Mariah Carey considers this Dolce & Gabbana tank top and mini skirt combo one of her greatest 90's looks. If you could summarize 90s red carpet style in one word it'd be casual. Why wear a gown on the red carpet when you could wear your favorite tee and jeans? Mariah's look whispers I'm so rich I can wear whatever I want to this fucking event.
For a 2021 version of Mariah's outfit, style your white ribbed tank with a denim skirt and strappy sandals. To keep from looking like a preteen, ditch the jacket tied around the waist and accessorize with a statement handbag like the goddamn adult you are.
2. Straight Leg Jeans
We could talk about Kate Moss' 90's airport style for days. Thank god for the paparazzi. And her PDA-filled relationship with Johnny Depp, but I digress. As one of the most in-demand supermodels of the decade, Kate Moss' basic tees, Levi's 501 jeans and couldn't care less attitude became the new standard of model-off-duty style. Her personal style made having personal style cool.
While we're supposed to be discussing straight-leg jeans, might we add that the leopard bag, white tee, and square toe ankle boots are still equally as in this year? We'd totally copy this look from H2T with a pair of Zeitgeist’s vintage Levi's.
3. Slip Dresses
Slip dresses were a staple of every 90's celebrity wardrobe, as they were frequently worn by both Sarah Jessica Parker, Carrie Bradshaw, and subsequently almost every other woman alive.
Don't get us wrong. SJP's slip dress and strappy sandal pairing is still just as flawless. Stick to her monochrome styling by pairing a pale pink slip with nude floss sandals and layered gold jewelry. But please, leave the dated hairstyle in the 90s and go with the slick ponytail instead.
4. Tie Dye T-Shirts
If these coordinated Destiny's Child looks don't make you want to start a girl band with your besties, then please look again. While tie-dye tees are most commonly associated with the 1970s, they saw a resurgence in popularity during the 1990s.
There's a lot going on with these outfits. A lot. The tie-dye baby tees, low-rise leather pants, tinted sunglasses, and enviable baby blue square toe boots all scream late 90s. Though when you really think about it, you could easily convince me they're Michele-era Gucci.
5. Leopard Print Coats
Courtney Love was the queen of 90s grunge scene. During high school, Zeitgeist girls worshipped her smudged eyeliner, ripped fishnets, and ill-fated romance.
With its reappearance in fashion time and time again, it's safe to say that leopard print will never go out of style for good. For a modern take on a timeless look, layer your leopard over a silk slip midi dress with the same babydoll lingerie vibes. Ditch the ripped fishnets and substitute for a pair of grungy Doc Martens.
6. Oval Sunglasses
Lisa Bonet's oval sunglasses are just one of the many things we love about this look. Her boho style has an avant-garde quality to it. An effortlessness that's impossible to put your finger on.
Add a touch of her free-spirited style to your summer looks with a pair of oval sunglasses. They're less overtly-boho than those circular ones you wish you hadn't worn as religiously during your high school Lana Del Ray phase, but still have that same feel. See her daughter/spitting image Zoe Kravitz for ample inspiration for your 2021 outfits.
7. Leather Blazers
Cindy Crawford was the ultimate 90s It-Girl. Though she donned top designer's gowns on the covers of magazines, her off-camera style was far more relaxed. Her tomboyish airport outfits have uncomplicated practicality. We'll certainly have a crack at this leather blazer look come fall.
Like the fashion canary in a coal mine we are, we'll be keeping our eyes peeled this winter for Kaia Gerber's recreations of this look. (And fingers crossed, be offering some amazing vintage leather blazers on Zeitgeist so you can try for yourself.) Until then, we wait.
8. Scrunchies
Janet Jackson's laidback but classic style is plastered all over Zeitgeist's mood boards... I mean our cropped turtlenecks are straight out of her fashion playbook. While we'd 100% wear Janet's look from H2T, what we're really here for is the scrunchied high pony. Paired with her ab-flashing cropped turtleneck, the scrunchie adds an endearing Peter Pan quality.
In summary: copy from H2T and repeat often.
9. Boyfriend Sweats
Oh, Jennifer Lopez. There's really nothing better than her style—and her body—throughout the decade(s). A quick look through the J-Lo archives and you'll find countless looks you want/need/absolutely have to have. And we aren't just talking about the 90s.
TBH, this 90's paparazzi snap could have been taken last Tuesday and we'd be none the wiser. J-Lo's abs are just that good, and her athleisure style that timeless. Her sports bra and boyfriendy sweatpants pairing is the only workout motivation a Zeitgeist girl needs.
10. Strappy Sandals
Strappy sandals have made a major comeback. Though our feet may not agree, any true fashion lover will happily spare a pinky toe for the occasional outfit deserving of such honor. Try a pair of kitten heels for a modern take on the 90s floss sandal.
Halle Berry's look needs no comment. Its lace-up sides speak for themselves.
11. Satin Bomber Jackets
There's no denying that Christy Turlington was one of those supermodels in the 90s. She walked every runway. She was every designer's muse. Even more incredibly, she aged flawlessly.
Her off-runway style was elegant and polished in a laidback way. Wouldn't you kill to see the vintage Versace in her closet?
In our humble opinion, this look of Turlington's feels right up Bella Hadid's alley.
12. Bike Shorts
No one wore 80s and 90s athleisure quite like Princess Diana did. She was ahead of her time with her crewneck sweatshirt and spandex pairings.
A Zeitgeist girl's love of bike shorts is second only to that of Princess Di (and perhaps the Kardashians). Style from head to toe for your next grocery run and reference Hailey Bieber's Princess Diana inspired spread in Vogue Paris for inspo.
13. Oversized Blazers
Yes, Julia Roberts was a style icon in her own. But what would 90s fashion be without Pretty Woman or Notting Hill??? Unimaginable! Off-screen she was known for her minimalist basics, distressed denim, and perfectly tousled curls.
Style her look sustainably in 2021 with a pair of vintage jeans… and ditch the plastic bottle while you’re at it.
14. Headscarves & Bandanas
It's impossible to think of 90s hip-hop fashion without conjuring some image of Aaliyah in her baggy sweatsuits and bandana headscarves.
Aaliyah wore streetwear before streetwear was even a thing. Her baggy sweatsuits and gender-bending yet veritably sexy looks were clearly a source of inspiration for millennial icons like Billie Eilish.
In 2021, ditch classic cotton bandanas in favor of vintage silk scarves. Enthusiastically wear with everything in your closet. No seriously, everything.
15. Cargo Pants
This paparazzi shot is peak 90s. And we have a lot of questions.
Was this cargo pant coordination intentional or accidental? What's in the gift bag? Did Jennifer Aniston really think it was okay to pair a brown fanny pack with this look? Is Brad okay??
Nonetheless, we're still super into her cherry red cargo pants—when styled correctly for 2021 that is. Instead of Aniston's low-slung styling, go for a pair with a high rise and athleisure feel. The platform foam flip-flops are painfully 90's, so swap for a modern kitten-heeled pair in a croc-print leather instead.
16. LBDs
While LBD's were by no means invented in the 90s, thanks to supermodels like Naomi Campbell, they became a fundamental part of an It-Girl's going-out attire.
In 2021 there are countless styles of LBDs you can recreate the look with— silk slip dresses, lacy Victorian frills, leather, one shoulder. The list goes on. Style à la Bottega Veneta.
17. Bra Tops
Tiffani Thiessen became the ultimate 90s babe after starring as Kelly Kapowski in the 90s TV sitcom Saved by the Bell. Her outfits on-screen and off-screen, were equally as enviable.
The 90s were all about showing your abs and accessorizing unexpectedly, as evident by this red blazer and cherry-adorned bra top. And the pairing of said combo with red cowboy boots. Recreate from H2T if you're feeling adventurous. Go with a pair of red heels for a fashion-forward safe choice.
18. Oversized White Button-Up Shirts
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise both serve ample style inspiration in this pic. The oversized white button-up shirts tucked into vintage jeans are pure perfection. Equal parts Risky Business & business casual, the look is equally fit for appearances at both Wednesday meetings and weekend brunches.
Another reoccurring 90s trend we could easily have talked about here: couples wearing matching outfits.
19. Denim Jackets
In the photo above, young Tyra Banks sports the exact definition of the airport outfit. A look so easy that it could only be pulled off by an aloof, sunglass-wearing celebrity. Unlike many of the airport outfits listed above, Tyra is 'just like us' and wears stretch pants on planes. Thank god.
20. Tiny Purses
Cameron Diaz' winter on top, summer on bottom style— yet another trend that people in Seattle will never adopt. Unfortunately for the PNW, open toe season and sweater season are mutually exclusive. Attempt the look with caution for approximately two weeks in May and September.
A trend we can adopt: tiny bags. When you think about it, they're practical because they only offer enough room to carry the essentials— phone, wallet, keys, Fenty lip gloss.
