From biker-chic leather jackets to sleek slip dresses, the '90s [1] were an exciting time for fashion on and off the red carpet. Stars like Naomi Campbell [2], Winona Ryder [3], Halle Berry [4], and Gwyneth Paltrow [5] defined the culture by elevating casual looks. Sexy and daring silhouettes were aplenty throughout the decade that preceded Y2K [6]. Who could forget Princess Diana's sleek off-the-shoulder gown that became known as "the revenge dress" [7] or Mariah Carey [8]'s high-slit skirt? Along with eye-catching cuts, punchy prints also defined the decade, from preppy plaids to wild animal prints. In honour of this edgy time in fashion history, we walked down memory lane and rounded up 35 iconic '90s celebrity looks that continue to influence style to this day.
— Additional reporting by Kalyn Womack and Sarah Wasilak
Madonna's Gothic Street Look in 1990
Madonna [9] infamously passed by the Plaza Hotel in New York wearing this stylish black outfit like a true material girl. Here, she played around with textures, contrasting fishnet details with a shiny vinyl jacket. To top it off, effortless round brown sunglasses and a dark-red lip gave her look a pop of colour.
Julia Roberts's Oversize Suit in 1990
Julia Roberts [10] went to the Golden Globes in 1990 in this boxy Diane Keaton-esque suit and returned home with a win for her role in Steel Magnolias. Completed with a purple jacquard tie, the androgynous outfit went down in history as one of Roberts's most iconic looks [11].
Cindy Crawford's Red Plunge Dress in 1991
Model Cindy Crawford [12] debuted this iconic deep-plunge red Versace dress [13] at the 63rd Academy Awards in 1991.
David Bowie and Iman's Electrifying Suiting in 1997
David Bowie and Iman set the bar high for matching power-couple moments. Whether they were both in suiting or bold colours, their wardrobes together were unparalleled.
RuPaul's Polka-Dot Dress and Gloves in 1993
RuPaul looked glamorous as ever interviewed by Cindy Crawford [14] on the red carpet at the 1993 MTV VMAs in this sparkling sheer dress and elbow-length opera gloves.
Winona Ryder's Grunge Street Look in 1991
Rivaling Beetlejuice fashion icon Lydia Deetz, Winona Ryder [15] embodied '90s grunge [16] with this edgy ensemble, styling a leather jacket with a graphic tee and fitted jeans while attending the premiere of The Commitments.
Geena Davis's Glam-Grunge Look in 1992
Geena Davis gave us '90s princess vibes at the 64th Academy Awards with a long, ruffly dress train. The Thelma & Louise actress complemented her outfit with pearls, sheer tights, white gloves, and whimsical black shoes for a glam-punk look.
Halle Berry's Classic Red Dress in 1992
Halle Berry [17]'s fitted strapless red dress in 1992 embodied pure elegance. The Boomerang actress wore the gown at the 24th NAACP Image Awards with chic drop earrings and classic black heels.
Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell's Fashion Week Looks in 1993
Models Kate Moss [18] and Naomi Campbell [19] were a stylish force to be reckoned with at London Fashion Week in 1993. Moss paired her statement fur-trimmed coat with a white blouse and a grey miniskirt, while Campbell punched up her plaid dress with electric-blue thigh-high socks and platform shoes.
Selena's Custom Grammys Gown in 1994
Just a year before her tragic death, Selena wore this dazzling crystal-covered white halter dress to the 1994 Grammys [20], adding a pop of colour with her signature red lips.
Princess Diana's Revenge Dress in 1994
Princess Diana's Christina Stambolian gown [21] has infamously been dubbed "the revenge dress," [22] as she wore it after separating from Prince Charles. The people's princess elevated this outfit with a pearl choker and sheer tights for an effortlessly sexy look.
Janet Jackson's Simple but Sexy Look in 1994
Janet Jackson [23] celebrated her sold-out concert tour in 1994 by pairing a timeless cropped turtleneck with distressed jeans for a street-chic look.
Drew Barrymore's Classic Hollywood Look in 1995
Drew Barrymore [24] tapped into a classic Hollywood glamour style by wearing a black dress with a sweetheart neckline at the VMAs in 1995. For a whimsical touch, she added two pretty daisies in her hair.
Alicia Silverstone's Preppy Ensemble in 1995
The Clueless star's [25] black blazer, plaid skirt, and high white socks still have us totally buggin' decades later.
Gwyneth Paltrow's Leopard Jacket in 1996
A casual-chic fashion icon, Gwyneth Paltrow [26] matched a stylish animal-print jacket with an all-black ensemble and laid-back sneakers at the From Dusk Till Dawn premiere.
Lisa Bonet's Hipster Look in 1996
Lisa Bonet attended Naomi Campbell [27]'s 20th birthday party in a simultaneously edgy and laid-back look of an oversized black shirt paired with smart red chinos and Mary Jane flats. It's clear that Zoë Kravitz [28] gets some of her stylish sensibilities from her mom!
Mary J. Blige's Leopard Ensemble in 1996
Mary J. Blige wore leopard print from head to toe for her 1996 Grammys look. She accessorised with neutral black sunglasses, gloves, and shoes to balance her wild ensemble.
Reese Witherspoon's Wine Leather Jacket in 1996
Long before she launched charming Southern fashion brand Draper James, Reese Witherspoon [29] rocked a couple of edgy outfits back in the '90s. At the 2 Days in the Valley premiere, she turned heads by pairing this red leather jacket with an all-black ensemble.
Elton John's Checkered Suit in 1995
Elton John had some of his most famous fashion moments on stage, and this checkerboard look complete with dazzling stud earrings and translucent blue lenses at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA, was particularly memorable.
Sharon Stone's Black Velvet Look in 1996
Sharon Stone [30] kept it sleek and simple with a beautiful velvet Armani coat (and a Gap shirt) at the 1996 Academy Awards, accessorising with a white flower and a pair of earrings.
Toni Braxton and Dennis Rodman's Sleek Looks in 1996
Arriving at the MTV VMAs, Toni Braxton kept it simple but sexy with a long white sleeveless dress. Standing next to her, Dennis Rodman wore green velvet pants, held by a sparkling chain. He topped it with an oversize velvet jacket and a sheer gold shirt tied up to show off a tattoo.
Nicole Kidman's Chartreuse Dress in 1997
Nicole Kidman [31] exuded elegance with this satin chartreuse dress at the 69th Academy Awards. The intricate floral detailing and side slit added even more allure to this dazzling outfit.
Jennifer Aniston's Sexy Little Black Dress in 1997
Thin straps defined this sleek and quintessentially '90s little black dress look that Jennifer Aniston [32] wore at her Cosmopolitan cover party in 1997.
Mariah Carey's High Slit in 1997
Mariah Carey [33]'s black two-piece outfit stunned at the 1997 VMAs. The thin straps on her top and heels paired beautifully with her high-slit skirt for a memorable look.
Aaliyah's Yellow Tracksuit in 1997
This iconic Tommy Hilfiger look has been re-created by everyone. The baggy and tight clothing combo was a '90s trend Aaliyah [34] owned. The reflective jacket interior with the matching strappy bikini top was a futuristic fashion statement.
Jada Pinkett Smith's Brown Leather Jacket in 1998
At the Return to Paradise premiere, Jada Pinkett Smith [35] made a statement with this bold long leather jacket, completing her look with sexy strappy heels.
Jennifer Lopez's Cowgirl Hat in 1998
Cowgirl chic [36] was the main vibe of this edgy look Jennifer Lopez [37] wore to the VMAs; it consisted of an oversize blazer, a crop top, and, of course, a wide-brimmed hat.
Salma Hayek's Plunge Pink Dress in 1998
At the Lethal Weapon 4 premiere, Salma Hayek [38] shut down the red carpet with this simple but super-sexy pink plunge dress. Honestly, this look was made for her.
Angela Bassett's Green 1-Shoulder Dress in 1998
Angela Bassett looked divine in this green satin one-shoulder dress at the How Stella Got Her Groove Back premiere in 1998. The thin orange accents added a pop of contrast, and she finished the outfit with effortless strappy sandals.
Brad Pitt's Classic Black Suit in 1998
To be real, Brad Pitt [39] probably looks great in anything he puts on. However, his open-neck classic black suit on the red carpet of the Meet Joe Black premiere put hearts in everyone's eyes. Simple but absolutely effective.
Lucy Liu's Red Fur Coat in 1999
The fur trimming on Lucy Liu [40]'s red suede coat at the Go premiere was simply iconic. The actress kept it sleek with a neutral black outfit underneath her statement outerwear.
Elizabeth Hurley's Barbie Pink Suit in 1999
Actress and model Elizabeth Hurley [41] walked in this stunning pink leather outfit at the Mickey Blue Eyes premiere so Elle Woods could run in Legally Blonde.
Sarah Jessica Parker's Dazzling White Suit in 1999
Let's talk about Sarah Jessica Parker [42]'s appearance in this white ensemble at Rosie O'Donnell [43]'s For All Kids Foundation's 1999 White Rose Awards Gala. This dazzling matching set with elongated sleeves and a bare midriff was walking the perfect line of stylish and classy.
Lil' Kim's Purple Seashell Jumpsuit in 1999
The star of the 1999 MTV VMAs [44] was absolutely Lil' Kim. Known for her monochromatic looks, she flaunted an all-purple half-sleeve jumpsuit. The sparkly seashell nipple covering is still one of the most iconic fashion looks of the decade.
TLC's Black 2-Piece Sets in 1999
The R&B group appeared at the MTV VMAs with matching (and extremely detailed) black matching sets. The bustiers and low-rise bottoms served everything crazy, sexy, and cool.