Top 10 Trends Back from the '90s

By Lizbeth Perez

I’ll let you in on a little secret: fashion comes in cycles. Every 20 years or so we tend to see a reemergence of styles, 20 years ago we were in 1994. So, what does that mean for all of us who grew up in the 90s – we’re getting old. Yes, the truth hurts. I still reminisce about my Lisa Frank trapper keeper, how badly I wished Mrs. Doubtfire was my babysitter, and the days where my Tamogotchi was my only responsibility. There’s no denying it, the 90s were all that and a bag of chips. 

Looking back at my fashion choices though, I’ll admit to making my share of unfortunate fashion choices. And a recent flip through old photographs of me in the early 2000s makes me shudder. So yes, there are plenty of trends that have been popping up that just need to stop. (AE: high-heeled timberlands and scrunchies; in my opinion…)  But there is also more than a few really ‘bitchin’ trends that have reemerged in full force that have me more than a little excited. And if you just so happen to need a little inspiration, these are the top ten trends you need to get your hands on.

• Overalls

I never thought that this would be a trend that would EVER come back. I was honestly never even a fan the first time around. But, after seeing several celebrities sporting updated, chic, and non-farmer like versions I have been seriously debating getting a pair. The secret here to make overalls look cool and updated instead of straight out of an early 90s sitcom has more to do with fit than anything else. Opt for tighter more flattering fits opposed to the baggier kind; fabrics other than denim are also a pleasant updated surprise.

• Jelly Shoes

This is, hands down, my favorite reemergence this season. Jelly shoes bring me back to my childhood. Days of running through dew splayed grass, or summers full of riding my bike at the nearby park. The moment I laid my eyes on a pair of clear glitter speckled jelly shoes at one of my favorite stores; I did not hesitate in finding a pair in my size and adding them to my shoe collection. Yes, jellies are back and better than ever with intricate styles that are bound to bring the right amount of nostalgia to your perfectly polished pedi.

• Plaid

Ok, so plaid never really went out of style, but this season it’s everywhere. I’m talking pants, flannels, and tartan prints. This is probably the easiest trend to pull of this season since most people probably already own something plaid. My advice, stay away from the head to toe plaid ensembles a la Cher from Clueless and instead try a plaid shirt with a denim vest, or maybe even a plaid shirt tied around your waist. 

Club Fashionista girl Amra B. wearing 1990s flannel,
more here

• High-Waisted Anything

High-waisted skirts, pants and shorts are another one of my favorite trends. So much in fact that there are plenty of pieces in my closet that over the years I just refused to get rid of. Boy am I happy I kept them! They are uber-flattering on most body types and are an easy way to accentuate curves while hiding trouble areas. If you want to grab an awesome pair of anything high-waisted, I suggest checking out your local American Apparel store. 

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• Crop Tops

This is EXACTLY what you would wear with high-waisted anything. From fancy to casual, long sleeved to sleeveless there’s a crop top out there for everyone. It’s without a doubt one of the most versatile shirts out there and can be dressed up, or down, for pretty much any occasion. The possibilities are endless!

More on how to pull-off a crop top here

• Acid Wash

Our denim is probably our hardest working staple in our closets. I know I have multiple pairs in various cuts, yet I always seem to go back to the same few pairs. One of the pairs I seem to put into my regular rotation is a pair of acid washed skinny jeans. The trick to making the acid washed denim look work for you has a lot to do with the fit. Stick to the more modern fits and cuts and pair them with a nice pair of heels for a more modern, updated twist.

• Grunge

Grunge was a fashion during the 90s that can best be described as the ‘anti-fashion’ fashion. It was more about comfort than anything else really and can best be replicated as by combining a few of the already popular trends this season or mixing and matching unexpected items. Think flowered rompers with combat boots and a bowler hat, or ripped high-waisted shorts with a flannel shirt and a beanie. 

• Dark Lips/Minimal Makeup

I’m not exactly proud to admit this, but I was one of those girls who wore black eyeliner as lip liner and super-dark lips in high school. Luckily, that trend has not reemerged (and hopefully never will) but dark lips are definitely the it makeup look this season. No, this is not a summer that nudes or pinks reign supreme, but instead darker hues we normally reserve for winters such as deep plums, dark rich burgundies and  for the truly bold even black.

• Fanny Packs

I’ve never really been a fan of purses. I know that this is blasphemy to most women but its true. I just rather deal not have to go digging for items that get lost in the abyss that is my purse. With that said, I love the idea of fanny packs being back in style, and yes I do own one. The one that is currently in my closet is made black leather and covered in silver spikes. Unexpected, yes. The trick to getting away with this trend successfully is to pick up a modern version and let it be the focal point of your outfit.

• Snapback Hats

Snapbacks are pretty much the same as regular fitted caps, with the exception that the back of the hat has a row of adjustable snaps on the back that make it wearable by just about anyone. These hats are everywhere and easy to buy in an infinite array of colors or cheeky slogans from the mall to your local second hand shop.