The 90s were a fantastic period for music and pop culture, which greatly influenced the fashions of the time. If you want to create an outfit inspired by this decade, wear clothing such as flannel shirts, baggy jeans and combat boots or opt for other clothes such as anoraks, tube tops and dungarees. Choose the clothing you prefer and combine it with some vintage accessories to easily create your 90s look.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing 90s Sweaters
Step 1. Put on a skateboard shirt for a 90s style
Graphic t-shirts were fundamental elements of the clothing of that decade and skateboard t-shirts were particularly in vogue. Pick a brand like Blind, Toy Machine, Element and Volcom for perfect style.
- If you don't like this style, opt for a vintage tee from a group like Nirvana or Alice in Chains instead.
- You can wear it alone, with a sweatshirt or jacket.
Step 2. Wear a flannel shirt for a grunge touch
It is one of the main clothing items of 90s fashion, especially in the field of grunge music. Throw on a flannel shirt over a skateboard or plain black or white shirt.
- In the 90s, most people wore flannel shirts with baggy or torn jeans.
- Choose one of neutral colors such as dark green, brown and burgundy or brighter colors such as red, orange and yellow.
Step 3. Opt for a bandana or tube top for an alternative to sleeveless fashion
In the 90s, many women wore a bandana as a tank top. To do it too: fold the bandana in half diagonally and place it in front of your chest, then tie it securely on your back. Alternatively, tube tops were also very popular at the time.
- A tube top is a short sleeveless garment that covers only the bust area.
- If you don't want to wear a bandana, opt for a paisley patterned tank top that looks like you.
- Wear the tank top with a pair of jeans or high-waisted trousers or with a pair of leggings.
Step 4. Wear a slip for a trendy look
A petticoat is a thin, silk garment that is usually worn under a dress or shirt. Choose black, white, cream, peach, pink or light blue, then wear it as a regular dress for formal or informal occasions. If you want, you can put a t-shirt or tank top underneath.
- You can also look for velvet petticoats.
- The petticoats are available in different lengths, from the feet to the knee.
Step 5. Combine your outfit with a colored windbreaker to follow the fashion of the 90s
This piece of clothing was very fashionable during those years: they were colored windbreakers that were worn with all kinds of clothes. Wear a shirt under your jacket and decide whether to leave it open or close it with the zipper.
Look for one of two or more colors for an authentic 90s style
Step 6. Wear a colorful Coogi brand sweater to keep you warm during the winter months
They are colorful and thick sweaters, produced by an Australian company; became very famous in the 90s thanks to hip-hop icons, including Notorius B. I. G. They are made of heavy fabric, which makes them perfect as a winter garment.
- Coogi sweaters can be expensive, so try looking for them at thrift stores in your area.
- You can also wear colorful sweaters, perhaps with a diamond pattern, for a blast from the past.
Step 7. Tie a sweatshirt or sweater around your waist in case you get cold
Wearing a sweatshirt tied around the waist was a fashion of the 90s. To mimic this trend, pull the sweatshirt over the back of the body and tie both sleeves around the waist. This was done in case it got cold, but often the sweatshirt remained tied at the waist.
- You can do the same thing with a flannel shirt or cardigan.
- Choose a colorful sweatshirt that matches your outfit.
Part 2 of 3: Matching Pants or Skirts
Step 1. Choose a pair of baggy or torn jeans to match your 90s shirt
These types of jeans were in vogue in those years: they go very well with a skateboard shirt, a flannel shirt or a tube top or tank top.
- In current fashion, they correspond to "boyfriend jeans", ie boyish jeans worn by women.
- Faded jeans were fashionable in the 90s: get a pair that is clear and loose for an authentic look.
Step 2. Choose a pair of worn high-waisted jeans or pants
The "mom jeans" - high-waisted trousers up to the navel typically worn by mothers - were very popular in those years. Choose a pair that is ripped, faded or with a high waist for a true look typical of the 90s.
- Wear a pair of ripped jeans with a tube top or band tee.
- Combine the trousers with a 90s-style blazer or shirt.
Step 3. Put on a dungaree leaving the straps unfastened
This type of garment was fashionable in the 90s; most people either left their suspenders unfastened or only tied one. This garment goes great with a solid color tee or a graphic tee.
Dungarees are back in fashion nowadays, so you can easily find them in a more modern style at department store chains
Step 4. Opt for a suit for a typically 90s choice
This item of clothing consists of a combination of jacket and trousers. Choose a pair of plain-colored trousers and combine them with a suitable jacket or coat: in this way, you will bring 90s fashion to the workplace.
Suits can be found in any color: choose one of a bright color such as red, purple or blue or opt for a neutral color, such as brown (even light) and khaki
Step 5. Put on a pair of leggings for a casual and comfortable style
This item of clothing became popular in the 90s as a sporty and casual garment, to be combined with a large t-shirt or jacket. Choose a pair in a bright color for an authentic look and don't forget to wear a terry cuff too.
Choose a bright color like pink, yellow or purple. Many 90s models were also patterned: zig zag, polka dot and with flames
Step 6. Put on a pair of cycling pants for a comfortable and trendy alternative
In the 90s, men's sports shorts were much shorter than the current ones: for greater coverage, a couple of cyclists were worn under them. In the following years, this garment became very popular for both men and women, making it an excellent choice for casual wear inspired by the 90s.
- The cycling pants are also available in bright colors such as blue, pink and purple.
- Women often wore them under a one-piece swimsuit or leotard during training.
Step 7. Try wearing a sarong as if it were a skirt for a unique style
It is a long piece of fabric that is tied around the bust or waist. Traditionally used in Southeast Asian countries, it became a popular piece of clothing in the 90s: many women used it tied around the waist instead of a skirt.
- To tie a sarong at the waist, hold both ends in your hands and tie them at the navel level. Move the knot to the right or left side and pull the edges so that the fabric stretches.
- Pair it with a t-shirt or tube top.
Part 3 of 3: Choosing 90s Accessories
Step 1. Wear a "mood ring" to show off a classic accessory from those years
It is a ring with a thermochromic element that changes color according to the temperature, apparently indicating the wearer's mood. Choose the model you prefer, for example with a large circle, a butterfly or a dolphin.
- Although they were particularly popular with girls, they are a unisex accessory.
- This type of ring was invented in the 1970s, but only became popular in the early 1990s.
Step 2. Wear a rigid bracelet to add some color and fantasy to your outfit
This bracelet is made of a piece of flexible steel covered with fabric, silicone or plastic; to put it on, just tap it gently on the wrist and it will instantly wrap around your arm. You can combine it with a tube top and a pair of leggings.
This type of bracelet was available in different colors, fabrics and patterns, such as animal prints, zig zags and polka dots
Step 3. Wear a pair of hoop earrings if you have pierced ears
Small and silver hoop earrings became popular thanks to the fact that they were worn by many TV actors. You can wear one for each ear or, if you have several holes, a larger one in the first hole and a smaller one in the second.
You can also opt for black or gold earrings
Step 4. Get a piercing, if you want to follow a fashion of the 90s
Before those years, piercings weren't that popular; the grunge scene helped to spread this trend and soon many teens began to sport nose, eyebrow, lip and nipple piercings. Take it into consideration, if you want to have a true 90s look.
Remember that a piercing is semi-permanent
Step 5. Put on a baseball cap to show off a typical accessory of the 90s
The hip hop fashion of those years inspired many people to wear this type of hat. Choose one with the logo of your favorite team or group and wear it before going out: for a true 90s style turn the visor upside down, bringing it to the back.
- Baseball caps typically have a wide, flat brim as well as an adjustable band consisting of two pieces of plastic.
- You can wear it with a Coogi sweater and baggy jeans for a truly hip hop look.
Step 6. Wear a studded belt to add a grunge touch to your outfit
Studs were very fashionable in the grunge scene of the 90s: many people wore studded belts with t-shirts of bands and flannel shirts, as well as with baggy jeans. Choose one with silver, red, blue or pink studs.
You can also get yourself a studded collar or jacket for a grunge or punk look
Step 7. Choose a pair of shoes from a brand like Kangaroos, Timberland or Dr. Martens
Kangaroos is a sports shoe brand known for its bright colors and a small zippered pocket on the side of the shoe. Timberland boots became very popular in the hip hop scene, while Dr. Martens are typical boots of the grunge scene. Choose the style you prefer and show off your shoes with your 90s clothing.
- For example, you can wear a pair of Kangaroos with a pair of cycling pants.
- Pair the Timberlands with a pair of baggy jeans and a Coogi sweater.
- Show off your Dr. Martens with a flannel shirt and studded belt.
Advice
- You can also bleach the ends of your hair for a 90s hairstyle.
- Other typical themes of the 90s were smileys, yin yang symbols, dolphins, flames and animal prints.
- Fisherman hats and glasses were very fashionable in those years.