Five 90s Fashion Trends Making a Comeback in 2024

Were you aged ten or older in the 1990s? If so, it may surprise you to learn that we’re as far from the 90s today as we were when sixties fashion was popular in the early 90s. Just like polka dot and miniskirts made a return in the 1990s, so too has 90s fashion been making a comeback in 2024. In fact, we’re currently amid a major 90s nostalgia period, where everything from toys to video games are all highly collectable, and television shows and films are being given sequels.

If you want to relive the 90s through fashion, we’ve got all the tips to bring back your 90s self in 2024. Thankfully, you don’t have to dust off your scrunchies, chockers, floral patterns and hi-vis boob tubes with belly-button rings. Let’s touch on a few popular 90s fashion trends that are very much doable right now.

Our Top Five 90s Fashion Picks for 2024

The 90s was a decade of change. It may have begun with the remnants of the 80s, with metallic dresses, leg warmers and hairspray, but by its end, it had evolved into early 2000s fashion, with bell-bottoms, bucket hats and low-riders aplenty. If you feel those are a bit controversial, even during a period of 90s nostalgia, let’s explore some of the more mainstream fashion elements that you may feel you can pull off.

Straight Leg Jeans

Watch any of the early reruns of Friends or other television series, and you’ll notice that everybody is wearing jeans. That’s no surprise – everybody did. Pale blue jeans are one thing, but straight leg jeans were the in-thing in the early 90s. When the decade evolved, low-riding jeans with visible thongs may have been the look, but right now, it’s the earlier years of the decade that are catching the eye of today’s youth and that means classic straight-leg jeans suitable for all sizes.

Caps and Ponytails

Okay, so caps and bobbles may be more of an “accessory” than clothing, but they are starting to make a comeback. Women love to go running wearing tight-fitting spandex-style attire today but check out their heads. You’ll often see a front-facing cap with their hair carefully tied up in a ponytail, bobbing along as they run. This look is making a comeback, and if you want to run free without the sun on your face, this simple, casual look is coming back.

Slip Dresses

Who remembers slip dresses? Back then, it was the likes of Kate Moss rocking these right-fitting dresses, often wearing knee-length boots and a loose-fitting cardigan in the process. However, today, slip dresses are back, albeit with some modifications. Today’s slip dresses are designed with everyone in mind – not just runway models. Moreover, some women are going all the way back to the beginning of the decade, by throwing on a t-shirt underneath.

Wedge Sandals

We wanted to include some footwear in this blog, and there was no way we were ever going to advocate the return of the dreaded blister-giving Jellies. Thankfully, wedges are, apparently, cool again. Designed for comfort, these sandals support huge heels and certainly wouldn’t look out of place with a pair of straight-leg jeans or wide-leg trousers and a minimalist top – more on that in a second.

Tracksuit Bottoms

Who wasn’t wearing tracksuits during the Cool Britannia phase of the 90s? Popular with both men and women and worn by icons such as the Spice Girls (well, some of them), tracksuit bottoms provide comfort. They are also suitable for all purposes – whether that’s a quick run, lounging around on the sofa, or meeting friends. The best part about bringing back tracksuit bottoms is that the same brands and color schemes are available. Admittedly, “trackies” aren’t really a revival – they’ve never gone away. They’re just back in fashion. Just stay away from the “shell-suit”.

Other Notable 90s Trends

There are other notable 90s trends creeping into everyday wear, too. We didn’t want to leave you hanging without at least touching on some of these options.

To begin with, let’s talk about an alternative to straight-leg jeans – wide-leg jeans or bell bottoms. More notable in the 70s, they made a resurgence in the late 90s and could easily work with a pair of wedges. If it’s too hot for full-on jeans, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Pedal Pushers. Back from the dead, Capris (as they are also known) look great with a light-colored pair of mules and a minimalist top. Speaking of minimalist clothing, we’ve got something to say about that, too.

Finally, if you want the complete 90s setup, don’t be afraid to go for the minimalist look. Many women went braless, and the tank top coupled with a pair of jeans was the in-thing. If that’s not you, sweaters were also huge, and we’re seeing a resurgence of these among today’s younger generation. Minimalist is the name of the game here, so stay away from logos and patterns, and you’re good to go.

Bring Out the Wardrobe or Buy All New?

90s fashion may be back, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you want to recycle all your old attire (if you still have clothing from the era). Many top brands are currently bringing out “their take” on 90s fashion, and naturally, it is this attire that is finding a place in women’s hearts right now. That said, you can’t beat the original.

If you want to stand out from the crowd by wearing original and authentic 90s wear, then we have a top tip for you. If you don’t already own 90s garb, then don’t hesitate to explore flea markets, car boot sales, and second-hand/charity shops. You’ll often find genuine 90s wear, especially when it comes to minimalist tops, for next to nothing that will take you right back.