The New Nineties
90’s Back, Alright!
Photo by Katsiaryna Endruszkiewicz on Unsplash
Whether it be through a music video tribute to a movie or the reboot of a show, the 90’s are creeping back into the 21st century. While the heavy grunge looks remain a minor part of the revival, the more casual, chic and simplistic style has made a heavy comeback. Slip dresses, loose fitted jeans, cardigans, oversized jumpers and tracksuits are among just a few of the looks that are back with a greater appreciation. Taking a look back at some revolutionary 90’s characters who were definitely fashion icons, let’s see who's closets we would still love to raid!
Cher Horowitz
It is no doubt that the cult comedy film Clueless (1995) created a whole new era of fashion looks that still reign supreme. Although every character in the 1995 flick sported timeless wears, Cher Horowitz outfits have invaded the lookbooks of several people for the last 25 years. Whether it be her iconic plaid ensembles or her white Calvin Klein slip dress, Cher’s wardrobe could easily pass as acceptable in today’s age. Her classy yet trendy looks never exhibited the typical 90’s fits that come to mind as they were heavily influenced by the elegance of upper-class Valley Girls. This allowed the looks to remain timeless as they have never been locked down to a specific era’s trend.
Rachel Green
You cannot discuss 90’s fashion without bringing up the girls from the show FRIENDS (1994). Among the three of them, Rachel’s style is one that is never forgotten. Her upper-class background brought about rather refined versions of casual wear. Be it her recognizable “schoolgirl” ensemble, which easily reinstates the plaid looks from Clueless, or the series of looks she created with a basic black mini skirt, that could easily pass as trendy today, Rachel’s closet seemed to exude the simplistic attires which are being embraced nowadays. Though Rachel displayed a greater fashionable taste for clothing, even her more casual denim looks would not be frowned upon. The fitted high-rise jeans with a loose leg, paired with a basic t-shirt exemplifies the kind of 90’s looks which have made a comeback. Rachel’s fashion career seeped into her outfits, which were constructed to pass as elegant yet casual, to bring out an everyday, undying style.
Monica Geller
While Rachel’s clothes convey elegance and sophistication mixed with the need for daily function, Monica’s style introduced classy twists on basic looks for any occasion. It is almost impossible to talk about Monica’s style without bringing up her array of athleisure looks. Whether it’s her oversized zip-hoodies or her biker shorts, Monica’s workout looks can easily double as lazy day wear which can be worn any day, especially during quarantine! One of her looks which has come back with as much appreciation is her basic red tank top paired with those typical 90’s mid-rise boyfriend jeans. The effortlessness the outfit expresses is countered by the amount of style that it displays. Although comparing the looks of Rachel and Monica may not be a fair game, given the few differences their closets seem to hold, both characters influenced the fashion game not only for the 90’s, but for the decades that followed.
Fran Fine
When it comes to considering the fashion icons of the 90’s, it’s unfortunate that the stylish character of Fran Fine, from the show The Nanny (1993), is often overlooked. Sophisticated gowns, the latest Chanel or even floral bathrobes, Fran had a way of pulling off looks that were so tasteful that wearing them today would still receive the same awe-struck reactions. Little black dresses, basic turtlenecks paired with miniskirts - it’s almost difficult to make her style fade out. Looking past the usual outrageously, fluorescent pieces she confidently wore, Fran’s style expressed a level of grace which was countered by her on-screen persona, making her looks even more memorable.
Will Smith
It’s hard to speak about the impact 90’s fashion has held without mentioning the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990). It is no lie that Will Smith sported some pretty outrageous looks as his career grew, but there are some trends that he started that have found their way back. A staple of both the Fresh Prince and looks within the past year have been sweatsuits, tracksuits and the cherry on top of every outfit, the right pair of sneakers. Whether it was the revival of a decade or the comfort of working from home, these laid-back looks have been making their rounds once again. Stemming from these relaxing styles, oversized windbreakers and jackets have also come up once again as not only an element that keeps you warm but serves as an outfit upgrade. Clothes representing comfort are rare to go out of style since they are usually worn within one’s own 4 walls, but the trends set forth by Will Smith were so sensational that the athleisure looks dominate closets.
Ashley Banks
While Hilary Banks was defined by her aristocratic style, her younger on-screen sister, Ashley Banks, quickly grew to be considered a trend setter for the younger generation. Ashley grew out of school uniforms and entered into outfits we are still envious of. She fashioned several styles that have come back around, such as cardigans, monochrome ensembles and tapered mom jeans among others. The trendy yet nonchalant looks have seen a revival and are more appreciated now than they likely were back in the day. Though Hilary was known for her fashion, Ashley introduced a whole wardrobe fit to dress anyone in the current era. Her range of looks, from dresses to oversized sweaters represent the laid-back and mellow style which reign supreme today.
Oftentimes, looking back at trends make us squirm, but as the 90’s are slowly unraveling before us, it seems almost normal to go back to some of the looks that a lot of us grew up wearing. While the styles of certain eras are slowly reemerging, it’s exciting to already have a collection ready for us to choose our outfits from.
Did we miss some? Let us know your favourite 90’s fashion icons below!
Priya Kar is a Psychology student who finds her own therapy through engaging in a multitude of creative outlets like writing, drawing and playing music. Her old-soul finds comfort in the simplicity of the era prior to cell phones, when the community would connect to listen and tell stories, a tradition she hopes will reemerge. Find her on instagram @priya_kar
