Main Fashion Trends of the 90s

The 90s fashion era was defined by the return of minimalist fashion which is a heavy contrast to the bright, colorful and bold trends of the 1980s.

/left side: example of 80s fashion, right side: example of 90s fashion/

"A fashion that does not reach the streets is not a fashion." -Coco Chanel

Early 1990s

Majority of the trends from the late 1980s were still relevant in the early ’90s, including the use of bright colors on t-shirts, sweatpants and jackets. The most popular colors used for clothing were green, orange, pink, blue and yellow which were sometimes mixed together into patterns inspired by comic books and pop art.

Popular looks for women were babydoll dresses over leggings, black leather jackets, jeans.

As for men: t-shirts, colored and basic jeans, striped sweaters, denim and leather jackets, as well as sneakers.

Mid 90s fashion

By 1994 style trends took a turn to creating a more polished form-fitting looks.

Popular outfits for women included tailored skirts and pantsuits, slip dresses and skirts made of satin, metallic or sequin fabrics. Animal prints and bright colors were popular carryovers from the early years of the decade.

Men’s looks also included bold prints, as well as graphic t-shirts, leather jackets and velvet blazers.

Late 90s fashion

The two main influences on late ’90s fashion were: the supermodels era that was reigning in high-fashion and popular culture during that time period in women’s clothing, and the return of the business casual style for men.

Popular fashion trends from 1997 to 1999 included glamour wear, plastic chokers, knee socks, tight pants, slip dresses, turtle-neck sweaters, high-waist trousers, and different cardigans.