90s Fashion Trends: Top Ten from the 1990s - Men & Women (2024)

90s Fashion Trends: Top Ten from the 1990s - Men & Women (1)

The 1990s was a decade of significant change in fashion. It was a time when fashion became more individualistic and less influenced by traditional styles. The decade saw the emergence of new fashion trends that are still popular today. Here are the top fashion trends of the 1990s.



  1. Grunge: Grunge was a style that emerged in the early 1990s and was popularized by the music scene of Seattle. It was characterized by flannel shirts, ripped jeans, combat boots, and oversized sweaters. The style was a rebellion against the polished, preppy look of the 1980s and was a symbol of individuality and nonconformity.



  1. Sportswear: The 1990s saw a rise in sportswear as a fashion trend. Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Reebok became popular for their stylish and comfortable athletic wear. This trend was inspired by the popularity of hip-hop and streetwear, and people began to wear athletic wear as casual clothing.



  1. Denim: Denim was a staple in 1990s fashion, and the decade saw a rise in denim as a high fashion trend. Designers began to create statement pieces, such as denim jackets, overalls, and skirts, that were both stylish and practical. Denim became a symbol of casual, yet fashionable, style.



  1. Slip Dresses: Slip dresses became popular in the 1990s and were a staple of the decade's fashion scene. The dresses were simple, strappy, and often made of silky or satin materials. They were worn as a casual, yet sexy, option for both day and night.



  1. Platform Shoes: Platform shoes were a popular trend in the 1990s and were often worn with slip dresses. These shoes were made with chunky soles and added height, making them a statement piece. Platform shoes were available in a variety of styles, including sneakers, sandals, and boots.



  1. Scrunchies: Scrunchies were a popular accessory in the 1990s and were used to tie back hair. They were made of soft, stretchy fabric and were available in a range of colors and patterns. Scrunchies were a fun and affordable way to add a pop of color to any outfit.



  1. Choker Necklaces: Choker necklaces were a popular trend in the 1990s and were often worn with slip dresses and oversized sweaters. These necklaces were made of ribbon, velvet, or metal and were often decorated with charms or beads. Choker necklaces were a simple and stylish way to accessorize any outfit.



  1. Tracksuits: Tracksuits were a popular trend in the 1990s and were often worn as casual or athletic wear. The suits were made of comfortable, stretchy fabric and were available in a range of colors and patterns. They were often worn as a complete set or as separate pieces, paired with sneakers or athletic shoes.



  1. Bucket Hats: Bucket hats were a popular trend in the 1990s and were often worn by both men and women. These hats were made of cotton or canvas and were available in a range of colors and patterns. They were a practical and stylish way to protect from the sun and add a touch of personality to any outfit.



  1. Overalls: Overalls were a popular trend in the 1990s and were often worn as casual or streetwear. The overalls were made of denim or cotton and were available in a range of colors and washes. They were a comfortable and stylish option for both day and night.



The 1990s was a decade of significant change in fashion. It built on the wave of top trends from the 1980s. However, the 90s saw a wider acceptance of trends, such as Grunge, Sportswear, Denim, Slip Dresses, Platform Shoes, Scrunchies, Choker Necklaces, Tracksuits, Bucket Hats, and Overalls, which were all reflective of the individualistic and non-conformist attitudes of the time. These fashion trends have had a lasting impact and continue to influence fashion today. The 1990s was a decade that celebrated self-expression and individuality through fashion, and it paved the way for a new era of fashion.



90s Fashion Trends: Top Ten from the 1990s - Men & Women (2024)

FAQs

What was the fashion for women in the 1990s? ›

Many women wore denim button-down Western shirts, colored jeans in medium and dark green, red, and purple, metallic Spandex leggings, halterneck crop tops, drainpipe jeans, colored tights, bike shorts, black leather jackets with shoulder pads, high waisted ankle length jeans (aka mom jeans) and pants both styled plain ...

What is 90's fashion for men? ›

Unlike previous decades' polished, preppy looks, 1990s men's fashion embraced a more relaxed and casual aesthetic. This meant wearing oversized clothes, mixing patterns and textures, and experimenting with various subcultures' styles simultaneously.

What outfits were iconic in the 90s? ›

Scrunchies, acid-wash jeans, tube tops, and capri pants reigned supreme among '90s style trends, along with crimped hair, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and punk rock.

What are 90s themed outfits? ›

Let's take a look into some key elements to help you craft the perfect '90s-inspired ensemble.
  • Denim Everything. When it comes to what to wear to a '90s party, denim is the go-to choice. ...
  • Plaid and Grunge. ...
  • Neon Brights. ...
  • Athletic Wear. ...
  • Pop Culture Icons. ...
  • Animal Print Fun. ...
  • Graphic Tee and Hip-Hop Style Baggy Jeans.
May 5, 2024

What was big in the 90s? ›

The 1990s were also marked by a number of influential cultural events. The sitcom Friends debuted, while a landmark “show about nothing” ended. A little movie called Titanic packed theaters, becoming the first film to earn $1 billion at the box office. And when it came to music, grunge and hip-hop made a lot of noise.

What was everyone wearing in the 90s? ›

Slip dresses, bomber jackets, scrunchies and plaid flannel shirts were all the rage during the '90s — and many of these fashion trends are working their way back into vogue (although some of these pieces may have never left your closet).

What did boys wear in the 1990? ›

Young boys and girls in the 1990s wore casual styles throughout the decade. Jeans with flannels or sweatshirts worn over turtlenecks were popular in the early part of the decade for both boys and girls. Layers were especially prominent, as were denim accents (Fig. 3).

What did men wear to prom in the 90s? ›

We're big fans of men's ties doing the speaking when it comes to formal events like proms, but it seems like the late '90s and early 2000s had a different idea. During this era, it was common to see guys wearing long scarves draped over suit jackets or tuxedos as an extra accessory.

Who was the biggest fashion icon in the 90s? ›

There's no disputing that Kate Moss was the ultimate 90s it girl. Fashion as we know it wouldn't be the same without her effortless chic meets edgy grunge style that influenced multiple generations. Even the simplest of looks, like a pair of jeans and a plain t-shirt, became instantly stylish on her.

What are iconic 90s colors? ›

Alternatively, the 1990s are also known for noisy jewel-colored fashion, composed of rich blues, bright purples, deep greens, and hot reds.

What makeup was popular in the 90s? ›

Celebrities and models were seen rocking everything from dark lip liner to bold, sparkly eyeshadow, and the maximalism didn't stop there. Authentic '90s makeup meant ultra-thin eyebrows, frosted lips, and even face gems.

What was the dress code in the 90s? ›

A new trend that emerged during the late '90s was the casual chic dresscode. Slightly 'washed' jeans, tank tops with spaghetti straps, crop tops and sportswear were some of the main items of clothing of the casual chic trend. Around this time in Europe denim clothing had once again become very popular as well.

What jewelry was popular in the 90s? ›

The '90s were a time of bold and eclectic jewelry trends. Our personal favorites like choker necklaces, bangle bracelets, and hoop earrings make stunning statements, and arm cuffs, gemstone pendants, and anklets are dainty but daring.

What were the popular pants in the 90s? ›

The nineties were all about loose and oversized silhouettes. Flared and wide-leg pants were popular since the 1970s, but the style made a comeback in the 1990s. Their ability to transform any outfit makes flare pants popular. Brands should look for variety—from micro to macro flares and vintage denims to yoga pants.

What was going on in the 1990s for women? ›

As the 90s dawned things were looking up for women. Daughters of second-wave feminism came of age and chose new paths unavailable to their mothers: delaying marriage and children, pursuing higher education, joining the workforce, and assuming independence and identities outside of the home.

What was the ideal woman in the 1990s? ›

In the beauty department, makeup and hair trends dictated that the skin should appear matte and flawless, eyebrows defined or super thin, noses very narrow and small, "sucked in" cheeks was hot, body glitter and bedazzling was cool, and lips were supposed to be full with a deep red lipstick or frosted with a pencil ...

What were the 90s female body standards? ›

The 90s fashion scene brought about an array of styles from grungy looks to slip dresses, but it also sparked the “heroin chic” trend. This, unlike mini skirts or platform heels, was a trend in body type. It put emphasis on emaciated features, dark under-eye circles, and pale skin.

What kind of jeans did women wear in the 90s? ›

90s jeans mimic the style of the decade in all its variations: mom jeans, baggy jeans, tapered jeans and even the occasional pair of flares. The only things that don't fall under the umbrella are skinny jeans and stretch denim.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Last Updated:

Views: 6069

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Msgr. Benton Quitzon

Birthday: 2001-08-13

Address: 96487 Kris Cliff, Teresiafurt, WI 95201

Phone: +9418513585781

Job: Senior Designer

Hobby: Calligraphy, Rowing, Vacation, Geocaching, Web surfing, Electronics, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Msgr. Benton Quitzon, I am a comfortable, charming, thankful, happy, adventurous, handsome, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.