BRB, Weeping As I Shop These Nostalgic '90s Fashion Trends (2024)

BRB, Weeping As I Shop These Nostalgic '90s Fashion Trends (1)

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.

As a '90s baby who is turning 30 this year, I've been feeling so nostalgic. Not only have I been thinking about my personal memories but I'm also reflecting on all the fashion moments in culture that I've experienced, especially now as everything from the era is starting to feel brand-new again. All the looks we loved back then—or covet now while binge-watching old sitcoms—are officially back and more stylish than ever. Think: spaghetti straps, slip dresses, faux fur coats, and bucket hats! Or even: knee socks and cat-eye sunglasses. All of these iconic looks are majorly resurfacing, proving how the decade revolutionized the fashion industry and continues to inspire us. Just take a peek at your TikTok FYP or Instagram feed and you'll probably see all your fave celebs (and influencers) wearing these throwback looks. There's no doubt about it: '90s fashion trends ~are~ the moment.

So for those who wish they lived through the '90s and those who actually did (but maybe wanna choose a different aesthetic this time around), we've rounded up the most popular '90s trends that are currently making a comeback. From cropped cardis to slip dresses made for summer, there's no shortage of outfit inspo. And as a bonus, you'll find ways to snag each trend for your own closet, too. (You're welcome!) What are you waiting for? Scroll through to see which of your favorite—or most reviled—trends are new again. For me, though, they are seriously da bomb. (LOL, sorry not sorry.)

Platforms

BRB, Weeping As I Shop These Nostalgic '90s Fashion Trends (3)

We're seeing platforms more than ever (hello, Prada and Tibi). From the Spice Girls to runway shows and beyond, they were one of the shoe trends that defined the '90s. An iconic moment in fashion history is when supermodel Naomi Campbell walked a '93 Vivienne Westwood show and fell—she was wearing a pair of 8.26 platform heels. So yeah, essentially stilts! Nevertheless, she laughed it off, got back up, and is still killing the game. Platforms, in all their various styles, build character, I'd say.

Platforms

Michael Kors Crosby Leather Platform Moto Boot

BRB, Weeping As I Shop These Nostalgic '90s Fashion Trends (4)

A moto boot as cool as this belongs in your wardrobe.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Platforms

Steve Madden Nabella Mary Jane Pump

BRB, Weeping As I Shop These Nostalgic '90s Fashion Trends (5)

These Mary-Jane pumps are mature, but still so fun.

Faux Fur Coats

BRB, Weeping As I Shop These Nostalgic '90s Fashion Trends (6)

Fun fact: Actual fur coats weren't a trend in the 1990s primarily because it was the age of anti-fur activism. The better alternative? Faux fur coats. Bonus points for a colorful one (who remembers all those fab music videos on MTV and BET?)!

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Faux Fur Coat

Mango Fur-Effect Jacket with Lapels

BRB, Weeping As I Shop These Nostalgic '90s Fashion Trends (7)

Dahhling, you absolutely need to show up and show out in this short coat.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Graphic Tees

BRB, Weeping As I Shop These Nostalgic '90s Fashion Trends (9)

Graphic tees are everywhere and TBH, they'll always be in style. They are even cuter when they have that cropped '90s vibe. If you really want to channel the times, however, head to the thrift store for some fun digging! It'll be easy to find something that fits this aesthetic, I'm sure.

Graphic Tees

HONOR THE GIFT A Lot of Soul Ringer Graphic T-Shirt in Cream

BRB, Weeping As I Shop These Nostalgic '90s Fashion Trends (10)

Oh ya know, just making a statement.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Graphic Tees

Abercrombie Oversized Budweiser Graphic Tee

BRB, Weeping As I Shop These Nostalgic '90s Fashion Trends (11)

'Tis the season.

Cardigans

BRB, Weeping As I Shop These Nostalgic '90s Fashion Trends (12)

Fashion seems to have an on-again, off-again relationship with the cardigan. But in the '90s, there was nothing like an easy cardi to throw over your shoulders in case your spaghetti straps or slip dress got a little chilly.

Fast forward to now, and celebs are wearing 'em cropped or slightly unbuttoned. Pair them with light-wash jeans and ballet flats like model Taylor Hill at Cannes for a cute look.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Signed, sealed zipped, delivered. I'm yours.

Cardigans

H&M Loose-Fit Cardigan

BRB, Weeping As I Shop These Nostalgic '90s Fashion Trends (14)

Buttoning just a few will do.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Sheer Dresses

BRB, Weeping As I Shop These Nostalgic '90s Fashion Trends (15)

Remember Kate Moss’s iconic sheer dress from 1993? It'll definitely go down in fashion history—but it’s not retiring anytime soon.

Get excited, because 2024's take on the trend is just as epic, like this Loewe number on Greta Lee at the most recent Met Gala. But don't be intimidated. There are plenty of everyday, wearable options out there.

Sheer Dresses

Aritzia Madera Dress

BRB, Weeping As I Shop These Nostalgic '90s Fashion Trends (16)

Sheer dresses can be worn in the wintertime, too.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Sheer Dresses

Bella Venice The Lacy Dress

BRB, Weeping As I Shop These Nostalgic '90s Fashion Trends (17)

Bella Venice has tons of see-through and cute options, but I'm partial to this black lace number.

Knee Socks

BRB, Weeping As I Shop These Nostalgic '90s Fashion Trends (18)

Those ’90s school-girl knee socks were another look made famous by Cher in Clueless. Now brands like Sandy Liang have made them their own.

Channeling your old school uniform has never been more in, and these socks look chic with anything from ballet flats to loafers to heels.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Knee Socks

Sandy Liang Recital Socks in Black

BRB, Weeping As I Shop These Nostalgic '90s Fashion Trends (19)

The bows!!! So cute!

Knee Socks

NORDSTROM 3-Pack Sheer Knee Highs

BRB, Weeping As I Shop These Nostalgic '90s Fashion Trends (20)

Now 50% Off

These sheer ones would look jaw-dropping with some stilettos.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Chokers

BRB, Weeping As I Shop These Nostalgic '90s Fashion Trends (21)

If you didn’t have the chance to explore your inner punk during the ’90s, get excited because chunky leather and chain chokers have made a triumphant return in recent years—take, for example, Paco Rabanne's spring/summer 2023 collection.

You can go bold or keep things simple and sleek with a choker. Either way, rest assured these babies add some edge to any ensemble.

Chokers

Jenny Bird Penelope Choker in Metallic Gold.

BRB, Weeping As I Shop These Nostalgic '90s Fashion Trends (22)

A gold choker will make your date night look so edgy and chic.

BRB, Weeping As I Shop These Nostalgic '90s Fashion Trends (23)

Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien

Fashion Editor

Tarah-Lynn Saint-Elien is the fashion editor at Cosmopolitan, writing weighty and witty stories that run the gamut of gushing over Zendaya to convincing you of everything you need in your closet! She began her journey in the industry with a fashion and faith blog and an internship at Elle.com almost 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is a Syracuse Masters graduate and the author of two books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter: @iamtarahlynn.

BRB, Weeping As I Shop These Nostalgic '90s Fashion Trends (24)

Lauren Adhav

Associate Fashion Editor

I'm Cosmopolitan's Associate Fashion Editor and write about any and all trends, major celeb fashion moments, and why wide-leg jeans are basically the best. I originally moved to New York City to audition for RENT, only to find out that the play closed 10 years ago.

BRB, Weeping As I Shop These Nostalgic '90s Fashion Trends (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Last Updated:

Views: 6181

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Birthday: 1994-06-25

Address: Suite 153 582 Lubowitz Walks, Port Alfredoborough, IN 72879-2838

Phone: +128413562823324

Job: IT Strategist

Hobby: Video gaming, Basketball, Web surfing, Book restoration, Jogging, Shooting, Fishing

Introduction: My name is Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner, I am a zany, graceful, talented, witty, determined, shiny, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.