When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn commission. Read our full commerce guidelines here.

90s fashion trends that still bang in 2024

Check out the pre-millennium trends that we're still obsessing over today...

Updated on 24 Jan 2024

Content Writer

For some, the 1990s were a time in fashion history that they'd rather leave firmly in the past.

It was the age of MAC's unforgettable 'Spice' lip pencil, Jennifer Aniston's iconic 'Rachel' hairstyle, and, naturally, Tamagotchis constituted the height of technological innovation.

However, the decade represents the origin of some of our all-time favourite style moments – the Big Six were cleaning up on the runway, meaning that the 90s fashion photo archive makes for some seriously decent viewing.

Don't Miss

MORE: 7 style lessons we learnt from 90s Kate Moss

The industry's most bookable names included Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer and Christy Turlington, each paving the way for a new breed of runway star.

Popular 90s Fashion

Naomi Campbell smiling in a white mini dress — The 90s saw the birth of the supermodel

How long have you got? The 90s saw a slew of major trends, captured best by the decade's most iconic films – think Clueless, She's All That, and 10 Things I Hate About You. Chokers, scrunchies, baby tees, jelly shoes, and bandeaus came to define the era, among many more.

The preppy look - which dominated in the previous decade among wealthy US teens - borrowed elements from hip hop fashion, incorporating sweatshirts, baseball jackets and slouch socks alongside pleated mini skirts, ballet flats and cricket sweaters.

MORE: 1970s fashion trends that we still love in 2023

READ: 20 decade-defining 80s fashion moments

Grunge blossomed, and an almost 'anti-fashion' spirit reared its head. The slouchy, bedraggled vibe favoured ripped tights, band T-shirts, distressed jeans, leatherette coats, combat boots (often Doc Martens), and longline skirts.

Is 90s fashion still trending?

Helmut Lang SS24 model wearing black spaghetti strap dress and zig-zag hairband — Helmut Lang SS24

This season, plenty of brands are taking their cues from the 1990s. At Helmut Lang, the spaghetti straps were paired alongside zig-zag hairbands, and whereas cargos made a resurgence at The Attico and JW Anderson, among others.

Honing in on the accessories, scrunchies are back and they're bigger than ever. It-girl adored independent label Good Squish has charmed the Instagram crowd with its super cute XXL deadstock-derived accessories, and the claw clip is still going strong among 'Clean Girl' devotees.

How we chose:

Style and 90s appeal: Naturally, style is paramount. All our fashion picks are trend-relevant and but with a distinctly 90s feel.
Price: Whether you're planning on splashing out or bagging a bargain, we've got a nostalgic piece in your price range. We've selected this season's best, ranging from high-street brands to luxe designer labels.

Hello! Fashion shares the 90s fashion trends that still bang in 2024:

Slip Dresses

Kate Moss wearing a sheer slip dress — Kate Moss is the OG slip icon

Kate Moss' sheer slip dress is a piece of fashion history in its own right. Aged just 19, the freckled ingénue stepped out at the Elite Model Agency Look of the Year party and found herself pretty shocked to see the results the next day. "I had no idea why everyone was so excited," she later told Vogue. "In the darkness of Corinne [Day]'s Soho flat the dress was not see-through!"

MORE: Lila and Kate Moss' most stylish moments

Cut from polyester, this silver slip by Massimo Dutti has a beautiful, molten quality to it. The spaghetti straps feel super 90s and the backless element exudes party elegance. All you need is a cig in your hand and you'll be giving Miss Moss a run for her money.

~~£129.00~~ £79.95 AT MASSIMO DUTTI

Claw Clips

Alexander Wang AW18 model with a claw clip in her hair — Alexander Wang AW18

The 1980s favoured the humble banana clip, whereas it was the claw clip that reigned supreme in the decade that followed. Nowadays, the accessory feels very in keeping with the 'Clean Girl' aesthetic, especially on days when only off-duty chic will do.

Need? No. Want? That's a whole different question. If, like me, you are a claw clip obsessive, Prada's sleek metal version is hard to resist. Yes, the price point is eye-watering, but the iconic triangle logo in elegant gold makes even the most everyday of accessories appear seriously luxe. For guaranteed updo chic, look no further.

£390.00 AT PRADA

Dungarees

Hip-hop and R&B stars breathed a new lease of life into the denim classic over the course of the 90s, often styling them open and favouring super baggy fits. If you're looking to bag a pair yourself, check out those by denim specialists – 7 For All Mankind, Frame and SLVRLAKE and the like.

D'Arcy Distressed Denim Dungarees - R13 — D'Arcy Distressed Denim Dungarees - R-13

With a lived-in feel, R-13's D'Arcy dungarees exude weathered cool. Featuring faded colouring and gentle fraying around the button holes, I love the unfussy, slouchiness of the silhouette. If you're looking to switch it up a bit, team with a boxy leather jacket and metallic ballet flats.

£880.00 AT NET-A-PORTER

Plaid Skirts

Cher Horowitz wearing yellow plaid skirt ensemble — Cher Horowitz's plaid ensemble is truly the gift that keeps on giving

Alicia Silverstone in her role as Clueless' iconic Cher Horowitz launched the plaid skirt into the fashion stratosphere, and we couldn't be any more grateful. With a playful preppy edge, pleating with a mini length is the winning combination, as far contemporary wearability is concerned.

British heritage label Burberry represents the pinnacle of tartan excellence, and this mini would make for an prudent, timeless skirt investment. Infused with punky flair, I love the double buckle detailing and the kilt construction.

£840.00 AT FARFETCH

Velvet

Rich and luxuriant, velvet has an unmistakably decadent appeal. A party dressing classic, the fabric was all over the runway in the 1990s – Gwyneth Paltrow's red Gucci suit moment springs to mind, but Winona Ryder and Sarah Jessica Parker were also partial to a spot of velvet. For 2024, I love the textural element of devoré to add depth to an otherwise classic floral print.

Kaila Embellished Velvet-Trimmed Crepe Mini Dress - Saloni

Cut from smooth crepe and teal velvet, Saloni's Kaila dress is the perfect party piece if you're looking for elegant dazzle. The crystal and faux pearl embellishment focal point feels standout, and I love that it has a slightly mermaid appeal.

£625.00 AT NET-A-PORTER

Platform Flip Flops

Platform flip flops are having a moment and we're here for the renaissance of the 90s footwear classic. Offering fun, cushy comfort and a major height boost, check out styles by Coperni and Balenciaga if you're looking to invest, otherwise there are heaps of cheap and cheerful styles available on the high street.

If you're not ready to say goodbye to Barbiecore (there's no shame in it - we totally sympathise), these chunky flip flops by Pull & Bear would make for an excellent summer wardrobe addition. Style with bold cat-eye shades and an airy mesh mini dress.

~~£22.99~~ £7.99 AT PULL & BEAR

Cargo Pants

Britney Spears wearing pink bandeau top and white cargo trousers — Britney rocked the trouser trend onstage in 1999

Everyone is wanting to get in on the action when it comes to cargo trousers. The utilitarian trouser trend has turned into something of a contemporary street style hero, worn by Emily Ratajkowski, Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid and more. Back in the 90s, baggy fits and low-rise waistbands defined the age, but this season I'm super into denim iterations with wider, more relaxed leg silhouettes.

BDG White Strappy Baggy Cargo Pants - Urban Outfitters

Inspired by classic workwear, this low-rise pair by Urban Outfitters is a great high street option if you're looking to lean into cool-girl casual. Featuring silver-tone hardware, loose straps and utility pockets, the baggy silhouette would work well with a seamless stretchy bodysuit.

£75.00 AT URBAN OUTFITTERS

Cycling Shorts

Vibrant cycling shorts may not be what immediately springs to mind when one thinks 'Princess Diana style' – after all, she had so many unforgettable formal fashion moments. However, casual dressing was one of the many areas in which she excelled, case in point: her ability to pull off graphic oversized sweatshirts and brightly coloured cycling shorts.

Take your cues from Princess Diana and add a pair of orange shorts into your sportswear repertoire. So many of us go for a super muted colour palette when it comes to gym clothes, but these striking shorts by Gymshark have a playful edge. Cut from DYNMC, a fabric developed with both durability and breathability in mind, style yours with a slouchy sweatshirt from Adanola or Anine Bing.

~~£45.00~~ £31.50 AT GYMSHARK

Corset Tops

Madonna wearing cone bra bodysuit — Madonna's famous Blonde Ambition cone bra was designed by Jean Paul Gaultier

Waist-cinching reached a whole new level when Thierry Mugler's structured corsets graced the runways, making a case for the super-snatched silhouette. Another stellar example of 90s corsetry? Madonna's pink conical extravaganza, crafted by Jean Paul Gaultier.

Featuring a beautiful Renaissance print, this corset by Manière De Voir is fitted with internal boning for a structured silhouette. The racer back adds an air of casual, and for maximum 90s cool, team yours with cargo pants and platform mules.

~~£59.99~~ £29.99 AT MANIÈRE DE VOIR

Platform Heels

Lauryn Hill wearing black strappy 90s platform shoes — Platforms are a 90s footwear classic

The popularity of platform heels rose steadily in the 1990s, and we're very much here for the height boost. Mary Janes, loafers and mules all made the cut, but hip hop star Lauryn Hill's strappy sandals? Not a want, but a need.

Sita Suede Platform Sandals - Amina Muaddi

Amina Muaddi is known for its dazzling party footwear, but even these more understated platforms have a luxe, celebratory spirit. Cut from smooth black suede, they feature clear PVC straps and square shaping around the toes - another key 90s trend detail.

£635.00 AT MYTHERESA

Why you should trust me:

Orin Carlin is Hello! Fashion’s SEO Content Writer. Promising to leave no stone unturned in the name of fashion and beauty journalism, she is the proud creator of our ‘Try The Trend’ series. With a particular interest in formula innovation, microtrends, royal and bridal beauty, perfume, rituals, treatments, fashion history and vintage icons, she can either be found interviewing major industry names (previous subjects include Georgia May Jagger, Mary Greenwell and Sam McKnight) or scouring the internet for must-have pieces. It's not just a job; it's a personal quest to unearth noteworthy pieces that resonate with style and beauty enthusiasts.

Like this story? Sign up to our Hello! Fashion newsletter to get your weekly 'Fashion Fix' delivered straight to your inbox.

HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.