A Look Back at ’90s Red Carpet Style (2024)

FAQs

What did the 90s style look like? ›

Common raver fashion styles of the 1990s included tight-fitting nylon shirts, tight nylon quilted vests, bell-bottoms, neoprene jackets, studded belts, platform shoes, jackets, scarves and bags made of flokati fur, fluffy boots and phat pants, often in bright and neon colors.

Grunge. The grunge movement emerged in the early 90s and had a huge influence on fashion and design. It was characterized by its rebellious and non-conformist attitude, reflected in its casual, second-hand style. Flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and band tees were inspired by famous style icons like Kurt Cobain.

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).

Late 1990s style essentials

Popular clothing items were black or red leather (or pleather) pants, fitted shirts, halter tops, cropped tanks, flared pants, and platform shoes. The color palette brightened up from the darker grunge tones to plums, navys, and reds.

Things You Should Know. Wear a grungy look with loose-fitting, dark colored clothes and ripped pants. Accessorize it with messy hair and rock band merch. Channel the "babydoll" look with bodycon dresses, butterfly clips, and dress-down shoes like combat boots or sneakers.

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.

Jewel Tones: Deep blues, rich reds, emerald greens, and vibrant purples often make appearances on the red carpet, offering a lush, opulent look.

The first step in preparing for a red carpet event is to understand the nature of the occasion. The invitation usually provides a hint about the expected dress code. If it's a black-tie event, formal attire is a must. On the other hand, a co*cktail party might allow for more relaxed attire.

What year was red carpet popular? ›

The late 1990s and early 2000s are considered the peak of red carpet fashion. “You had these women who loved fashion and knew how to wear it and knew how to work it.

Both men and women adopted grunge fashion in the early part of the decade and loose, oversized clothing and jeans became staples. As the decade progressed, women's fashion became more streamlined as minimalism became de rigueur, while children's clothing often featured popular Disney characters.

Many artists in the grunge genre sported oversized clothes, flannel shirts, and hefty boots. The effortless appearance made the style more appealing to the masses. Men who participated in the aesthetic usually wore graphic tees, flannels, cardigans, army jackets, cargo pants, or even leather jackets.

The 90s graphic design style was marked by bright and bold colors, such as yellow, purple, pink, cerulean blue, and fluorescent green, among others. Designers also experimented with neon lasers, and used them to great effect. The result was highly creative and tantalizing designs that appealed to everyone.

The 1990s. After two decades of saturated and vibrant colors, the 90s grunge scene brought darker, subdued colors into style. Dark plum, forest green, dark brown, black, and deep red began to emerge as fashion turned towards flannel shirts, jeans, and combat boots[5].

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.