These Bomb Fashion Trends From the ’90s Are Back and Better Than Ever
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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
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.
A moto boot as cool as this belongs in your wardrobe.
These Mary-Jane pumps are mature, but still so fun.
Faux Fur Coats
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?)!
Dahhling, you absolutely need to show up and show out in this short coat.
Imagine being a celeb in the '90s...yeah, you'd def wear this showstopping pick.
Graphic Tees
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.
Oh ya know, just making a statement.
'Tis the season.
Cardigans
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.
Signed, sealed zipped, delivered. I'm yours.
Buttoning just a few will do.
Sheer Dresses
![the 2024 met gala greta lee in loewe](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/greta-lee-attends-the-2024-costume-institute-benefit-for-news-photo-1716140795.jpg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top "The 2024 Met Gala Celebrating "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion" - Arrivals")
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 can be worn in the wintertime, too.
Bella Venice has tons of see-through and cute options, but I'm partial to this black lace number.
Knee Socks
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.
The bows!!! So cute!
These sheer ones would look jaw-dropping with some stilettos.
Chokers
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.
A gold choker will make your date night look so edgy and chic.
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 about 10 years ago. Since then, she's also served as the style editor at The Haitian Times. The Haitian-American pageant queen is Miss Supranational Haiti 2024, a Syracuse Masters graduate, and the author of three books, including: Claim Your Crown. Follow her on Instagram and TikTok: @iamtarahlynn.
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.
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