HOW DID FEMALES DRESS IN THE 1990S?

When Taylor Swift said, “I come back stronger than a 90s trend,” she established the fact that what goes around comes around—and not just for karma. This saying is perfectly relatable to fashion trends, too. New fashion trends are born, rise to the ultimate heights, and die down only to be reborn 20 or 30 years later. The same is the case with women’s 90s fashion trends. Popular 90s outfit styles, like mom jeans and puffer jackets, are all the rage now in 2022. Crop tops, Doc Martens, and chokers are everywhere, from catwalks to stores to the streets.

This enthusiasm toward 90s trends got me to do some digging and round up this detailed guide about how females dressed in the 90s. So, here’s everything you need to know about 90s female fashion.

Types of ’90s Fashion Looks for Women

There are different types of ’90s fashion looks for women, but some of the most popular ones are as follows:

Grunge

Grunge was a style that emerged in the early ’90s. It was characterized by its loose, comfortable clothing and often DIY aesthetic. This trend was popularized by grunge bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam in 1992.

This look included ripped or stonewashed jeans paired with dark-colored plaid flannel shirts. The outfit was completed with a pair of combat boots, high-top sneakers, Birkenstocks, or Doc Martens.

Hip Hop

Hip-hop fashion also became popular in the ’90s, characterized by baggy pants, tracksuits, and gold chains. Although this style was more common among men inspired by Tupac and MC Hammer, women didn’t hold back with their wide-leg jeans, bomber jackets, and snapback hats. Besides, top female celebrities of the 90s, including Britney Spears and Destiny’s Child, have also rocked the hip-hop look with bright colors and bold headwear.

Preppy

Another popular trend in the 90s was the preppy or modern preppy style. This style was typified by polo shirts, khakis, and boat shoes for men. But for women, this trend was a godsend as it brought so many style choices. Think of Cher Horowitz from Clueless to get an idea of this look. Knee-high boots, tartan or plaid skirts, slip dresses, and sweaters were all the rage back then.

Punk

Taylor Bazinet

“In the 90’s, the punk fashion movement was changing while still maintain the staple style of ripped jeans, leather jackets and hardcore messages of rebellion. During this time, the grunge movement was starting to take form.  The typical grunge look consisted of flannel shirts, Dr. Martens, and untamed hair.”

Think of Drusilla from Buffy the Vampire Slayer if you want to get the true essence of the punk dressing style. As the name suggests, this look was popularized by punk rock bands like Green Day and Sum 41. It mainly included dark-colored outfits, with black and red being the most prominent. Tartans, t-shirts, leather jackets, hoodies, skate shoes, and boots would be the top choice in a punk-inspired wardrobe.

Most Fashionable Trends of 90s

YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW

1990S WOMEN FASHION TRENDS

Bodycon dresses, bootcut jeans, chokers, and platform shoes are just some of the trends that were popular among women in the 1990s. While some of these styles have made a comeback in recent years, others have been long forgotten.

Here are some of the most fashionable trends from the 1990s that have stood the test of time and that women are still wearing. Moreover, the predictions are they’ll be in for the upcoming year, 2023.

1. Crop Tops

One of the most iconic fashion trends of the 1990s was the crop top. This style made a comeback in recent years and is still going strong. Whether you wear it with high-waisted jeans or a skirt, a crop top is a great way to show off your midriff.

Fun fact: Crop tops were originally popular among men, especially bodybuilders in the early 70s.

2. Bodycon Dresses

Another 90s trend that made a comeback in recent years is the bodycon dress. This figure-hugging style is the perfect way to show off your curves. Whether you opt for a short dress or a long one, bodycon dresses are always in style.

3. Bootcut Jeans

Bootcut jeans were trendy in the 1990s, and they are still going strong today. This timeless style is flattering on all body types and can be dressed up or down. Whether you wear them with a crop top or a sweater, bootcut jeans can help you make a true statement without making it look like you’re trying too hard.

4. Chokers

Chokers were all the rage in the 1990s, and they’ve been getting attention once again. These neck-hugging accessories are an effortless way to add a touch of glamour to any outfit. Besides, depending on the occasion, you can opt for a simple chain or a more elaborate style.

5. Platform Shoes

Platform shoes are another 90s trend that has managed to stand the test of time. This style is perfect for adding a bit of height and can be dressed up or down. Whether you opt for a pair of sneakers or heels, platform shoes can easily amp up your outfit. 

6. Hoop Earrings

If you talk about effortless fashion, I believe there’s nothing more fitting than hoops.

Hoop earrings were a must-have accessory in the 1990s and are still popular today. You can wear them with a casual outfit to look more put together or add them to a more formal one to tone it down a little. No matter your style choice, hoop earrings can easily add a touch of style to any look.

7. Scrunchies

Scrunchies were a popular hair accessory in the 90s, and they are making a comeback today. Whether you wear them to keep your hair out of your face or as a fashionable statement, scrunchies can enhance the personality of any outfit.

Final Thoughts

Women have been making and breaking fashion trends throughout the course of history. Taking a look back at how ladies of the 90s dressed is not as nostalgic as it is relatable. This sense of familiarity is because most of the fashion trends from the 90s are coming back in 2023. Mom jeans, scrunchies, combat boots, and hoops are everywhere.

All these style choices are no more a homage to the past; these are our present. So, women of today are more connected to the women of the 90s through fashion than anything else.

We noticed a comeback of the ’90s-era pared-back looks on the street style scene during fashion month, indicating that women are interested in streamlining their appearances and going back to simple basics. In line with the decade’s minimal fashion, fashion designers are exhibiting elegant interpretations on everyday items like black minidresses and sunglasses. It’s important in particular because ’90s fashion mode has been on the increase over the past year, and it’s expected to continue through 2023.

So, what’s your next style from the 1990s? Let me know down below in the comments section.