1990s: Women's Fashion
A Fashion Comeback...
From the overwhelming catalogs of flare jeans and slip dresses, it's no secret that a "new" wave of fashion has hit our generation. This past year, Generation Z was able to reclaim the hottest trends of the 90s and call it their own. Here's a look into 2021's most entertaining moment yet: The Return of the 90s.
Fashion History: 1990s
Fashion in the 90s was defined as being the "return to minimalism." Rather than keeping up with the fun and flashy trends of the 80s, many gravitated towards the comfy and casual look. Loose, oversized clothing became a staple in one's closet, and bright colors were traded in for more neutral and grunge tones.
However, there were some pieces of each decade that were incorporated into the looks of the 90s. Mini skirts, flare jeans, and punk/grunge styles of the 70s took part in 90s fashion...while biker shorts, leggings, and oversized sweatshirts of the 80s continued past its decade too.
Top 5 Comebacks
1. Baggy Jeans
Skinny jeans are so last year! Now, many are opting for looser, baggier jeans that not only suit comfort, but style as well.
Retailers such as Gap, Old Navy, and Tommy Hilfiger were very popular in the 90s for their baggy jeans clothing line. These designers copied a street style referred to as "Urban Prep", where baggy jeans were paired with neat, white button up shirts.
Retailers such as Gap, Old Navy, and Tommy Hilfiger were very popular in the 90s for their baggy jeans clothing line. These designers copied a street style referred to as "Urban Prep", where baggy jeans were paired with neat, white button up shirts.
Photo via @kiran_clack on Instagram
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Photo via @shellycakess on Instagram
Tina Awny | Styling Baggy Jeans | Baggy Jeans Lookbook 2020/2021, digital video
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Photo via @coreyylynnn on Instagram
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2. Crop Tops
Scissors are your new best friend. From t-shirts to sweaters, anything above the belly button is right on trend.
In the 90s, crop tops were actually worn by both men and women. It was associated with sports, athleticism, and masculinity! Now, the perception of a man wearing a crop top is that he must be gay or "too feminine". But ironically, it's actually credited to one of the most hyper-masculine activities of all time... American football.
In the 90s, crop tops were actually worn by both men and women. It was associated with sports, athleticism, and masculinity! Now, the perception of a man wearing a crop top is that he must be gay or "too feminine". But ironically, it's actually credited to one of the most hyper-masculine activities of all time... American football.
Photo via @flamingo.srilanka on Instagram
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Photo via @wildoakboutique on Instagram
Glamrs | The Ultimate Crop Top Guide | How To Wear A Crop Top, digital video
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Photo via @aliass.official on Instagram
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3. Claw Clips
These 90s hair accessories have made a huge comeback... and it looks like they aren't going anywhere anytime soon. Not only are they trendy and stylish, these clips also make for an easy and affordable way to throw up those luscious locks.
Claw clips were actually inspired by the banana clips from the 1980s, but hair contraptions like these have long been used in many different cultures around the globe.
Claw clips were actually inspired by the banana clips from the 1980s, but hair contraptions like these have long been used in many different cultures around the globe.
Photo via @peachetcream on Instagram
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Photo via @cheerscharlie on Instagram
La passion | 7EASY CLAW CLIP HAIRSTYLES ('90s), digital video
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Photo via @everydayscrunchie on Instagram
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4. Slip Dresses
From British supermodel Kate Moss to American singer-songwriter Courtney Love, slip dress were all the rave back in the 90s. These simple yet elegant loungewear pieces are becoming increasingly popular, becoming a staple in one's closet.
Back in the Middle Ages, slip dresses were actually worn underneath your outer layer of clothes (as undergarments)! But now, these garments have come back in the form of being your main piece of clothing.
Back in the Middle Ages, slip dresses were actually worn underneath your outer layer of clothes (as undergarments)! But now, these garments have come back in the form of being your main piece of clothing.
Photo via @insanelyerika on Instagram
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Photo via @stephtaylorjackson on Instagram
Tess Montgomery | One silk slip dress styled 3 ways, digital video
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Photo via @stylediarylis on Instagram
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5. Platform Shoes
From platform loafers to platform heels, this 90s trend has re-emerged back in 2021. Not only can they give you extra height, they can also showcase your own individuality and creativity too!
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Nynke Tabak | HOW TO STYLE - Platform Dr Martens - Quad 1461/8053, digital video
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So...
Where can I shop these styles? Fortunately, almost every fast fashion company manufactures and sells these trends. Brands like Zara, H&M, Forever 21, and Shein profit greatly off of the latest trends, retailing inexpensive clothing to high demanding consumers like us.
With 2021 nearly over, let's brace ourselves for a new storm of trends coming our way. 2022, our closets are ready for you!
With 2021 nearly over, let's brace ourselves for a new storm of trends coming our way. 2022, our closets are ready for you!