From baggy jeans [1] to tube tops and chunky sandals, we can't get enough '90s fashion as of late. These throwback trends are nostalgic yet they feel decidedly fresh for 2020, from tops to dresses, sandals to sneakers, and hats to scrunchies. Even better is that there's a '90s item for a range of aesthetics, whether your taste skews minimalist [2], eclectic, or sporty, and a lot of them look great in combination. Need further proof? OK!
For a laid-back summer look, how chill does a simple tube top [3] look with a baggy pair of jeans? For a minimalist outfit with feminine flair, you can't go wrong with a slip dress and strappy sandals — bonus points if you add a scrunchie into the mix. If you're here for a chic reveal of skin, we love the look of a crop top and denim midi skirt with a pair of platforms [4]. If you want to take things a step further, finish the look with a bucket hat! Even better if it's printed or a crochet style. For a preppy and polished outfit, take a page out of Cher Horowitz's book and team a plaid miniskirt with chunky sandals [5] and a cropped cardigan [6]. If you're thinking that sounds too '90s, we have two words for you: as if!
Now that we've dutifully made our point that '90s trends are where it's at, keep scrolling for a breakdown of the 16 wardrobe staples we swear by from the decade. Plus, shop our edit! Everything is $215 or less, and most pieces come in under $100.
'90s Fashion Trends We Love
We love Hannah Baxter's combination of a polo tee, a denim miniskirt, platform sandals, and a beaded bag. The pops of bright green make it super playful.
The '90s Trend: Tube Tops
What's more '90s than a good ol' tube tube? Whether in a bright colour or neutral tone, we love this look with high-waisted bottoms like skirts, pants, and shorts. For more polish, try layering one under a blazer.
Express x Karla Ribbed Bandeau Tube Top [7] ($5, originally $20)
The '90s Trend: Tube Tops
Urban Outfitters Tal Cropped Tube Top [8] ($20)
The '90s Trend: Platform Sandals
A range of platforms capture a '90s vibe, but these ultrathick flatforms embody the decade best.
Zara Platform Wedges [9] ($60)
The '90s Trend: Platform Sandals
Jeffrey Campbell Matain Slides [10] ($88, originally $125)
The '90s Trend: Baggy Jeans
Give your skinny jeans a break in favour of loose legs á la the '90s. With plenty of versions out there, choose from high-rise fits, low-slung styles, acid washes, and versions with rips and distressing.
Bershka '90s Ripped Flare Jeans [11] ($50)
The '90s Trend: Baggy Jeans
ASOS Design Curve High Rise Relaxed Dad Jean [12] ($56)
The '90s Trend: Baguette Bags
Fendi gave us the most famous versions of these slim shoulder bags that tuck perfectly under the arm, and the style is major for 2020. Our favourites include faux croc, neon colours, and pastel hues.
Topshop Eve Faux Leather Shoulder Bag [13] ($48)
The '90s Trend: Baguette Bags
Charles & Keith Leather Shoulder Bag [14] ($83)
The '90s Trend: Slip Dresses
Perhaps the most ubiquitous piece to come out of the '90s, slip dresses are incredibly versatile whether you wear one on its own or layered under knits, over tees, or with a denim jacket. From solid colours to floral prints, this wardrobe essential truly stands the test of time.
& Other Stories Shoulder Tie Midi Slip Dress [15] ($69)
The '90s Trend: Slip Dresses
ASTR the Label Gaia Floral Midi Dress [16] ($98)
The '90s Trend: Classic Sneakers
From New Balance to Nike and Reebok, the '90s were all about classic sneakers with just about everything. Go the "grandpa" route by styling a pair with loose trousers, or pair yours with a denim skirt or minidress.
New Balance 574 Sneakers [17] ($80)
The '90s Trend: Classic Sneakers
Reebok Club C Double Sneaker [18] ($80)
The '90s Trend: Crop Tops
Baring a bit of midriff is hardly exclusive to the '90s, but there are plenty of quintessential outfits where these skin-baring tops are at the crux, particularly a plaid or sweater style.
Free People Real Love Plaid Tank [19] ($78)
The '90s Trend: Crop Tops
Millau Fine Gauge Short Sleeve Cardigan Sweater [20] ($108)
The '90s Trend: Chunky Sandals
For a '90s grunge look, chunky sandals are the pièce de résistance. This trend is undoubtedly our favourite "ugly" shoe trend of the moment.
Dr. Martens Blaire Hydro Leather Gladiator Sandals [21] ($100)
The '90s Trend: Chunky Sandals
Vagabond Shoemakers Dioon Fisherman Sandal [22] ($140)
The '90s Trend: Plaid
We can't talk about '90s trends without discussing plaid. Whether you're here for a preppy interpretation à la Cher Horowitz or prefer a grunge vibe, checked skirts, trousers, dresses, and tops totally reference the decade.
Banana Republic Plaid Mini Skirt [23] ($80)
The '90s Trend: Plaid
Eloquii Plaid Fit and Flare Dress [24] ($130)
The '90s Trend: Bucket Hats
It doesn't have to be a rainy day to rock a bucket hat. You can instantly add '90s factor to any outfit with one of these in the mix.
L*Space Sunchaser Hat [25] ($55)
The '90s Trend: Bucket Hats
Genie by Eugenia Kim Sara Reversible Bucket Hat [26] ($68)
The '90s Trend: Long Denim Skirts
The 2000s were all about the denim mini, but longer denim skirts are more specific to the '90s. Pair yours with a tube top, platform sandals, and a bucket hat for a super-'90s look.
Mango Midi Denim Skirt [27] ($60)
The '90s Trend: Long Denim Skirts
AG The Lana Skirt [28] ($215)
The '90s Trend: Heeled Flip-Flops
Heeled flip-flops are another quintessentially '90s shoe trend that's back with a vengeance. Try them with a pair of baggy jeans, a denim midi skirt, or a slip dress for throwback chic.
Dolce Vita Bruna Heels [29] ($120)
The '90s Trend: Heeled Flip-Flops
Aqua Elsie High-Heel Thong Sandals [30] ($64, originally $92)
The '90s Trend: Loose Trousers
Baggy trousers are one of those so-wrong-it's-right kind of trends. You know, the type we picture on dads and grandparents. Well, in the '90s, this look was major (think Meg Ryan [31] at the end of You've Got Mail) with a baby tee, sneakers, and a cute mini bag.
Levi's Dad Chino Pants [32] ($70, originally $98)
The '90s Trend: Loose Trousers
Pull&Bear Basic Slouchy Jeans With Darts [33] ($40)
The '90s Trend: Strappy Sandals
Barely there sandals made a considerable comeback last summer, but they're a trend straight out of the '90s, in fact. We love them with just about everything, from dresses to jeans. Heck, even sweats if that's your vibe!
Reformation Pari Sandal [34] ($198)
The '90s Trend: Strappy Sandals
Steve Madden Loft Beige Snake Sandals [35] ($93)
The '90s Trend: Scrunchies
Carrie Bradshaw squealed with disdain at the idea of stylish women wearing scrunchies, but little did she know the hair accessory would be such a staple in 2020. From silky versions to fuzzy fabrics and printed styles, we're all about them!
Cotton:On So Me Scrunchie [36] ($3, originally $4)
The '90s Trend: Scrunchies
Donni Mini Sherpa Chiquita [37] ($40)
The '90s Trend: Platform Sneakers
Another platform shoe trend to emerge from the '90s is sneakers, and boy, do we love this look for casual-chic style. They are the perfect offset to a miniskirt and pretty top for date night and look just as great with baggy jeans and a tube top.
Superga Zebra Platform Sneakers [38] ($99)
The '90s Trend: Platform Sneakers
Vans Leather Era Stacked Sneakers [39] ($80)