As a child of the '90s, I'll admit that there are many trends of that decade that I'd rather leave behind (pencil-thin eyebrows and towering Spice Girls–esque platform sneakers among them). And while I did dabble in some of the era's more questionable looks—including butterfly clips and plastic chokers—I'm convinced the decade is far chicer than we give it credit for.
You only have to look as far as celebrity throwbacks featuringGwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Campbell orJennifer Aniston to see that the most standout looks from the'90s were often the simplest. From knit dresses to chic silk slips, the outfits that can be categorised as easy and effortless are also the most prominent looks that have stood the test of time.
With this in mind, I delved into the archive and found a treasure trove of easy '90s looks that I'd happily wear today, including a particularly lockdown-friendly Jennifer Lopezoutfit and throwback Julia Roberts look that has been re-created by many an influencer. Keep scrolling to see theeasy '90s outfits I'd still wear today. I promise you, they're still worth a space in your wardrobe.
1. The Slip Dress
(Image credit: Getty)
Style Notes:Let's start as we mean to go on, with one of the decades biggest style influences–Gwyneth Paltrow. The actress was a '90s It girl, as evidenced by her penchant for sleek, minimalist looks like the silk maxi dressabove. This awards look is a classic silhouette, only made better by the must-have accessory (not Brad Pitt), silver jewellery.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Reformation
Annabelle Silk Dress
Silk slip dresses never go out of style.
Russell & Bromley
Noodles Strappy Sandals
Easily one of the best strappy sandals on the market right now.
Staud
Ollie Glossed-Leather Shoulder Bag
Want to the channel 90s? You're going to need a mini baguette.
Whistles
Mini Huggie Earring
An everyday hoop to lift any outfit.
2. Cardigan and Silk Trousers
(Image credit: Getty)
Style Notes: This look maybe fromalmost three decades ago, but it feels more relevant than ever post-lockdown. A simple cardi and silk trousers that could pass as pyjamas? Talk about a perfect WFH outfit. Thank you, J.Lo (although, I'll take mine in easy neutrals).
SHOP THE LOOK:
Abercrombie and Fitch
Classic Short Cardigan
Wear with jeans, mini skirts, over slip dresses, with leather trousers...
H&M
Satin Trousers
This iswhat comes to mind when I think of "quiet luxury", and for under £25.
Khaite
Pippen Leather Loafers
If there is any casual outfit that an easy loafer can't improve, I'm yet to see it.
3. LogoTop and Jeans
(Image credit: Getty)
Style Notes: This understated look, courtesy of Naomi Campbell, just might be the most classic outfit formula of all time. Jeans and a whitetop are a timeless combination no matter the era. and the key to nailing off-duty supermodel style.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Loewe
Anagram Tank Top in Cotton White
One of the most sought after tops in recent years is back.
Arket
Straight Cropped Stretch Jeans
The perfect high-waisted, straight-legged vintage fit.
Converse
Chuck 70 Textured-Leather High-Top Sneakers
Keep it classic in high top Chuck Taylors.
4. Knit Dress and Statement Bag
(Image credit: Getty)
Style Notes: Keeping it relatively simple, our favourite Friend Jennifer Aniston opted for a timeless knit dress and paired it alongside a statement leopard bag for the GLAAD awards red carpet.It might not be the first formal look you think of, but theunexpectedcombination still manages to make sense with a 2023 update.
SHOP THE LOOK:
H&M
Rib-Knit Dress
The perfect foundation for some elegant accessorising.
Staud
Bean Beaded Shoulder Bag
Dressing up? Swap a boring black clutch for a statement beaded bag.
Russell & Bromley
Mojito Mules
I'm calling it now–the mule is the biggest shoe trend to come out of the 1990s.
5. Leather Blazer Over a T-Shirt and Jeans
(Image credit: Getty)
Style Notes: Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm willing to bet I've seen several influencers in this exact outfit lately. Clearly a boxy leather blazer and vintage-wash jeans are guaranteed to stand the test of time.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Bershka
Faux Leather Oversize Blazer
When it comes to leather, vegan alternatives look and feel just as good as the real thing.
COS
V-Neck T-Shirt
My go-to for good quality white t-shirts on the high street?It's got to be COS.
Agolde
90s Light Blue Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans
You'll find Agolde jeans in the wardrobes of fashions best dressed.
Linda Farrow
Matthew Williamson Bluebell Cat Eye Sunglasses in Tortoiseshell
The key to making any outfit feel immediately more 90s–theskinny oval lens.
6. LBD and Strappy Sandals
(Image credit: Getty)
Style Notes: There's no debating the ease and effortlessness of the LBD. Find yourself a great, versatile fit, and you'll wear it for any occasion, and for years to come. That's what we a call a very sound investment.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Reformation
Ida Cashmere Sleeveless Sweater Dress
Reformation dresses are unbeatable for their contemporary design, flattering fit and quality fabrication.
Dear Frances
Bailey Sandal, Black
Let's be honest, this sandal looks like wearable art.
Zara
Mock Croc City Bag
An all-black look will benefit from a pop of colour like bold, confident red.
7. Denim Jacket and Leggings
(Image credit: Getty)
Style Notes: While travelling isn't always on the cards quite as much as we'd like, that doesn't mean we can't still appreciate a chic airport look. Here, Tyra Banks opts for a denim jacket, a Calvin Klein tee and leggings, and honestly, the picture looks like it could have been taken yesterday.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Agolde
Charli Oversized Denim Jacket
The perfect wash that will go with anything.
Calvin Klein
Logo T-Shirt
(And yes, you can still buy the exact CK tee that Tyra wore nearly 30 years ago. Talk about a throwback).
Totême
Cork Stretch-Jersey Leggings
Ah, leggings. How we love you. So much in fact, that we've come up with7 entirely different ways to wear them.
8. A Basic Top, Pencil Skirt and Knee-High Boots
(Image credit: Getty)
Style Notes:It's impossible to talk about 90s outfit inspiration without mentioning Carolyn Bessett-Kennedy. From maxi coats and column dresses, to her impeccable taste in eveningwear, Bessett-Kennedy set the tone for the modern minimalist brands like The Row, Tibiand Khaite that we love today.
SHOP THE LOOK:
Autograph
Pure Cashmere Crew Neck Cardigan
It's still chilly, so swap a jersey top for a fine knit cardigan. It's equally fitted, but a little bit cosier.
Karen Millen
Structured Crepe Tailored Midi Skirt
A casual top + a formal pencil skirt is the high/low styling combination I didn't know I needed until now.
Paris Texas
Croc-effect leather knee-high boots
Paris Texas were the most talked about shoe brand of 2022, and with styles this good, it's easy to see why.
Missoma
Classic Pave Huggies
How to add expensive-looking detail to your outfit for well under three figures.
9. A Knit,MiniSkirtandBalletPumps
(Image credit: Ron Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Style Notes: If you needed any further proof that fashion is entirely cyclical, just look at the journey of the ballet pump. From the stage to the street via Audrey Hepburn, Kate Moss, and Alexa Chung, we're wearing them on repeat this spring/summer, and a mini skirt is the simple shoe's best friend.
Raey
Dropped-Shoulder Silk Top
Up the luxe factor with a silky soft crepe top.
Arket
Cotton Twill Mini Skirt
At mid-thigh length, this mini is short without being too short.
Aeyde
Kirsten Leather Ballet Flats
Easy, simple, chic.
SHOP MORE 90s INSPIRED KEY BUYS
Mango
Oversize Leather-Effect Trench Coat
It's a wonder that this is still in stock.
Reformation
Layla Silk Skirt
This comes infive different colours and prints, so there's one for every occasion.
Skims
Soft Lounge Sleeveless Stretch-Jersey Maxi Dress
Nothing says "90s model" quite like a sleeveless jersey dress.
Gucci
Ophidia Small Handbag
If it's not a mini baguette, we don't want to know.
Toteme
Kitten-Heel Suede Ankle Boots
If you weren't wearing trainers or flatforms in the 90s, chances are, you were wearing a sock boot.
Up Next,I Created 5 Outfits For Every Conceivable Occasion With This Blazer–Here’s How
This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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90S FashionJulia RobertsJennifer LopezNaomi CampbellGwyneth PaltrowJennifer Aniston
