Page 29
The Relevance of 90s Fashion Today
Words Lily Hall
We all know that trends come in and out of fashion each year. Some, like double denim or flares, make a comeback years later and stick around for the long haul. However, a full decade of fashion seems to be resurfacing more than 20 years later, proving to us all how it revolutionised the fashion industry.
The 90s included many different styles - some of which were a little questionable at the time. Now, decades later we see many of these very same pieces regarded as the height of fashion within high-street and luxury stores. Shops are packed with flared jeans, crop tops and branded sportswear, not to mention the bombardment of chokers, big hoop earrings and scrunchies. We are also noticing a revival of the grunge scene. This is characterised by Doc Marten boots, oversized fits and leathers. So, why are we obsessed with 90s fashion today?
Starting with grunge, this has never really left the fashion world. It has just become more pronounced as a trend. We have designers to thank for this. Cast your minds back to A/W15; the rise of grandad cardigans, oversized jackets and baby doll dresses, drowned in tulle paired with combat boots. And just like that, 90s grunge was back.
Maybe it was this that led to more 90s aspects unwillingly coming back onto the scene, like bum bags and pastel slip dresses. The ‘babyish’ style of fashion was all the rage in the 90s and while it is no doubt here to stay, it has a more stylish element - think Baby Spice mixed with Paris Hilton.
Instagram is flooded with influencers sporting the relaxed, oversized, athletic craze. It may seem like this is a relatively new trend brought about by the influencers of the moment, but it is, well and truly, a reflection of 90s vibes. Here are five icons of the time for inspiration!
Cher & Dionne
Clueless has to be one of the only 90s rom coms to have such an impact on the fashion industry. 26 years after the film was released, people are still mesmerised by the styling of Mona May, the film’s costume designer.
For the Grammy Awards at the start of this year, Harry Styles stole the show in a Clueless inspired look. Honouring Cher’s iconic look, Styles donned a yellow plaid blazer from Gucci and paired it with a lilac feather boa. This is cemented evidence that the 90s are back.
Hilary Banks
One of the most underrated style icons of all time is Hilary Banks during The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. She expertly pulled off power suits, tailoring and chokers. While Hilary favoured a more structured ensemble, she could also turn up the heat with tight dresses and cut outs. Not to mention the meringue, off the shoulder wedding dress which gave brides everywhere major inspiration.
Fran Fine
Fran is the epitome of nineties fashion. The bold colours and obvious shapes were iconic throughout the series, The Nanny. Fine made a statement with her garment choices and was known for pushing cultural boundaries within the show. Her matching houndstooth skirt suit with big, backcombed hair was a look not to be missed.
Tyra Banks
Another Fresh Prince star, Tyra created the trend of androgynous street style. She made baggy jeans and oversized flannels look sexy. She paired tight tank tops with boyish denim and caps to cement her individual style which soon took off. This is the style that influencers these days are always trying to perfect, and it all came from Tyra.