’90S-INSPIRED OUTFITS FOR MEN AND WOMEN

It’s no secret that designs from decades past often resurface, offering comfort to those who wore the styles in their formative years. They also bring excitement to the generations who weren’t there to see them the first time around. The most recent decade to win the attention of nostalgic fashion trends is the ’90s, with a growing list of styles that indicates this era’s popularity will be around for a while.

The outfits of the ’90s were inspired by people from all walks of life, like hip-hop artists, grunge musicians, skaters, and punk rockers. This inspiration is still seen today in some of the genre’s most characteristic pieces: baggy jeans, bucket hats, and cargo pants, to name a few.

But ’90s fashion is more than just a trendy throwback. The loose-fitting shapes allow wearers to look put together without sacrificing comfort. Luxury labels have embraced this desire for freedom of movement, improving upon pre-Y2K favorites with the best fabrics and materials.

CORE ’90S CLOTHING

In the ’90s, magazines and other media celebrated rappers and pop stars alongside Hollywood favorites. So it’s no surprise that today’s styles include everything from preppy minimalism to streetwear-inspired looks. But a few core pieces make up the foundation of any ’90s wardrobe:

Cargo pants

Cargo pants were created for military use, which explains their exceptional practicality. This style is typically made from cotton and features standard-size pockets with two or more additional side pockets, each with a flap, button, or zipper closure. 

Overalls

Overalls were everywhere in the ’90s, and they’ve made a comeback in recent years. Today’s designers have fun with the style, crafting them from denim, cotton, linen, corduroy, and more.

Baggy jeans

Baggy jeans are the quintessential ’90s clothing piece, with style icons constantly looking for ways to reinvent the look. Today, luxury labels craft this beloved design in plain, unembellished denim and distressed or embroidered styles.

Bucket hats

Bucket hats became popular in the late ’80s and early ’90s and have remained prominent in fashion since. These hats are a fun way to add a touch of funky playfulness to outfits. Lightweight cotton variations are great for summer, while soft plush materials add a touch of warmth to fall and winter looks. 

Slip dresses

The silk and satin slip dresses of the ’90s have returned, and with them come exciting prints and striking designs. They work well with strappy heels, flats, loafers, and sneakers. On cooler days, slip dresses make the perfect underlayer for leather jackets, wool coats, and bomber jackets.

Crop tops

Crop tops have established themselves as capsule pieces, with their appeal remaining relevant year after year. Cropped shirts are a cute way to show off a little skin while defining the waistline. They come in numerous fabrics and designs and can be worn with skirts, low-rise jeans, and high-rise pants, making them highly versatile.

Sweater vests

After gaining popularity in the ’70s for eclectic patterns, the sweater vest was reborn in the ’90s, now with a more minimalist approach that favored knit designs and solid tones. Clueless’ Cher Horowitz made this sweater style a favorite for those with preppy tastes. Today, sweater vests take inspiration from both decades, some featuring exciting prints and others taking a straightforward approach.

’90S OUTFIT IDEAS FOR WOMEN

Flannel shirt + white tank top + baggy jeans 

Designers like Bottega Veneta are bringing ’90s grunge back to the forefront. To rock this look, wear a pair of loose-fitting jeans, then layer a flannel shirt of any color over a white tank top. Complete the look with a pair of Golden Goose sneakers.

Plain sweater vest + mom jeans

Sweater vests aren’t just for layering—they make a statement all on their own. Wear a white or cream vest as a standalone top, pairing it with light-wash mom jeans. Finish the look with slim sunglasses and a large soft leather shoulder bag.

Oversized blazer + mini skirt + tights 

Plaid or leather blazers work equally well for this look, each bringing its own subtle spin. Pair either style with a white button-up shirt, a mini skirt, tights, and chunky loafers, topping it all off with a designer watch.

High-waisted jeans + button-up shirt

This is the perfect unfussy summer look, the perfect understated complement to adventurous hairstyles and accessories. Tuck a white or colored button-down shirt into a pair of high-waisted jeans, then finish things off with flats and a structured handbag.

Tube top + low-rise jeans

Channel a favorite ’90s pop icon with this flirty, feminine look. Style a pair of low-rise jeans in any wash with a colorful graphic tube top or crop top. Accessorize with strappy heels and a contrasting vibrant handbag.

ICONIC ’90S OUTFITS FOR MEN

Overalls + white T-shirt + sneakers

Pull denim or corduroy overalls over a plain white tee, closing both buckles or letting one strap hang loose. If there’s extra fabric at the pant hems, cuff them and add high socks. Top it all off with a matching bucket hat and belt bag.

Leather jacket + graphic tee + dark denim + combat boots

This style embraces the inner punk rocker with edgy leather and distressed denim. Begin with dark-wash distressed jeans in a straight cut and a graphic band tee, then layer a leather jacket overtop. Combat boots and sunglasses are the perfect finishing touches.

Vertical-striped button-up + light-wash jeans

Colorful vertical stripes bring back the excitement of boyhood. Begin this look with a pair of light-wash straight-cut or baggy jeans. Leave the buttons of a striped button-up shirt undone over a white tee, or close the buttons and tuck in the shirt. Accessorize with a belt and simple white sneakers.

Cardigan + simple tee + cotton pants

This is a great business-casual look for work functions or date nights. Wear a simple white tee and earth-tone pants with a beige cashmere or knit cardigan, finishing off the look with a designer watch and loafers.

Turtleneck sweater + corduroy pants

Corduroy was a favorite fabric of ’90s fashion, and men can style this material in various ways. Try pairing corduroy pants with an oversized turtleneck sweater, sticking to whatever color palette suits you best, whether neutrals, all-black or vibrant corals and reds. Complete the outfit with a beanie and simple sneakers or dress boots.

CREATE YOUR OWN TIMELESS TRENDS

Outfits inspired by ’90s fashion are some of the most fun to put together. For help learning to style baggy jeans, crop tops, skirt sets, and more, book a one-on-one in-store or virtual appointment with a Neiman Marcus style advisor.