I love the fashion of the '90s [1]. That casual grunge that was equal parts easy-going and fun-loving was, whether you follow the retro trends to a T or take a few updating liberties, a simple example of camp brought to the streets. Sure, it wasn't a dress made of meat or a tulle confection that made it hard to sit down without taking up three seats, but the kind of fashion that came with the '90s reminded us all that style is really about how you mix and match a look to make it uniquely yours, not about buying something stuffy right off the rack.
One of the best go-to looks [2] to come out of the decade was the t-shirt and sleeveless dress combo. Not only does it have very deep roots in my heart (it was certainly part of my daily uniform for more years than I care to admit), but it's coming back with a vengeance, and I have already completely reverted back to my old layering ways. There is something for everyone in this high-low look, as you can go from a vintage rocker tee and slip dress to a more fitted and clean white t-shirt [3] and printed silk dress for a slightly more elevated take on the theme.
For all that and more, shop my favourite combinations of the moment right here.
For the most classic of T-shirt and dress looks, throw a black silk slip dress over a vintage printed tee.
Dress down your most fancy of looks by slipping a classic white tee underneath a printed or layered maxi dress.
Keep it classic and easy with a white tee and navy mid-length dress on top.
For that asymmetrical structured mini, make it a little more daytime appropriate by throwing it on over your favourite cotton tee, no matter the colour or style.
Turn super low necklines a little more conservative in depth with a layered white tee underneath that boudoir-inspired dress.
Go for a denim dress instead of jeans this season, by way of a button-front style layered on top of a cotton T-shirt.
Re/Done + Raey
Re/Done Classic Tie-Dyed Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt [4] ($140).
Raey Fitted Deep V-Neck Silk Slip Dress [5] ($163).
Vince + Dannijo
Vince Cotton T-Shirt [6] ($77).
Dannijo Neon Swirl Tie Dye Mini Slip Dress [7] ($350).
Miu Miu + Topshop
Miu Miu Appliquéd Striped Cotton-Jersey T-Shirt [8] ($595).
Topshop Yellow Broderie Mini Dress [9] ($85).
Everlane + Zimmermann
Everlane The Cotton Crew [10] ($18).
Zimmermann Striped Tiered Maxi Dress [11] ($640).
La Ligne + Réalisation Par
La Ligne Ringer Tee [12] ($95).
Réalisation Par The Isabelli [13] ($180).
Ninety Percent + Brock Collection
Ninety Percent Linen-Jersey T-Shirt [14] ($55).
Brock Collection Patti Gingham Wool-Blend Dress [15] ($1690).
J.Crew + Alexander Wang
J.Crew Essential T-Shirt [16] ($15).
Alexander Wang Houndstooth Tweed Mini Dress [17] ($318).
Theory + Loveshackfancy
Theory Tiny Tee [18] ($75).
Loveshackfancy Belle Smocked Cotton Mini Dress [19] ($395).