A Dive Into The Revival of '90s Fashion Trends
By : Olivia Nerpouni
The '90s – an era of unapologetic grunge, pop culture craze, and unforgettable fashion moments. What goes around comes around, and the fashion world is no exception to this cyclic movement. It seems that some '90s trends never left the spotlight – beloved classics like baggy denim jeans, scrunchies and claw clips are still topping the charts of 2024 trends. Trends with substantial influence and impact simply never fade away; they hibernate, waiting for the perfect moment to shine once again. The 1990s were a decade defined by bold experimentation in all facets of culture, and one of the most influential style eras that trends continue to emerge from.
Supermodel Kate Moss, whose memorable sheer slip dress became a piece of fashion history at the ‘Elite Model Agency Look of the Year’ party in 1993, was just 19 years old when she became an accidental catalyst for sheer fabric and spaghetti strap styles. Today, slip dresses are being layered over t-shirts or paired with chunky boots, creating a contemporary outtake on fashion theory. Modern-day trends of combining delicate silks with rugged footwear reinvents '90s juxtaposition – a creation of artfulness through material pairings that make sense to the aesthetic eye.
The classic baggy denim look was popularized by hip-hop and R&B stars in the '90s – a trend that is making a triumphant comeback in today’s fashion landscape. Boyfriend denim jean cuts are back, offering an air of dual masculine and feminine cool. Denim jackets have returned and further evolved as a staple of inventive and creative design, emphasizing both style and functionality for men and women alike. In the '90s, baggy jeans were the epitome of cool; celebrities like Aaliyah and TLC embraced this trend wholeheartedly, sporting jeans with wide leg space and unique waistbands. The result was a laid-back, legendary look that communicated self-assurance, style expertise, and nonchalance. Today, fashionistas are trading in their skinny jeans for looser, more relaxed silhouettes. Modern designers are drawing inspiration from the '90s to infuse their pieces with oversized fits, distressed finishes, and unique embellishments, capturing the spirit of the '90s era while staying original in modern senses. The best-dressed figures of today are still pairing oversized jean jackets with slip dresses, or throwing denim jackets over a simple tee and baggy jeans for a low-effort, yet chic ensemble. '90s style scrunchies have also returned to modernity with a vengeance. Independent label Good Squish has captivated the fashion marketplace with XXL deadstock-derived scrunchies, offering a nostalgic nod to the past. Positioned as more than the average hair tie, scrunchies have once again become vibrant, playful, and sexy. Made from fabrics like silky satin and retro patterned cotton- scrunchies are still the perfect way to add a pop of personality to any hairstyle. The claw clip, another favorite among “clean girl” devotees, is also a versatile accessory that adds a touch of flair to any hairstyle. Whether you’re rocking a messy bun or sleek up-do, claw clips encapsulate both effortless and styled confidence. The next time you reach for a scrunchie to add a playful touch to your ponytail, or effortlessly rock a slip dress at your next dinner, remember that you are the new embodiment of a trend from the best days of fashion. You are participating in, and cultivating uniquely, a fashion revival of the now with a fresh, modern twist. The '90s were about embracing comfort without sacrificing originality – a philosophy that resonates with modern fashionistas like you.