Can you believe that it has been almost 20 years since we left the 90’s? The decade of boy bands, hip-hop, great sitcoms and crazy hair has, honestly, been one of the best, bringing back a wave of nostalgia whenever we think back to the good ol’ days.

The 90’s also gifted us with tons of iconic fashion styles, although we have to admit that 90’s fashion was hit-and-miss. That being said, the skyrocketing popularity of all things nostalgic has resulted in the re-emergence of the once popular styles of the years leading up to the new millennium. Thankfully, only the best of 90’s fashion has made a comeback. Here are some of our favourite 90’s fashion trends that you can incorporate into your wardrobe for a throwback look with a modern twist.

Movies are one of the best lookbooks for fashion trends from the past. In our opinion, Clueless (1995) ranks at the top for iconic 90’s outfits. Who can forget Cher’s iconic matching yellow checkered jacket and pleated mini skirt, the simple yet elegant white Calvin Klein dress or Dionne’s grand black and white hat that she casually wore to school? The movie also had an underlying theme of strong females who weren’t afraid to be their own person – an empowering message for females in the 90’s and even for females today.

Pair your checkered suit with a plain shirt and simple black chunky heels to balance out the bright patterns or change out the skirt for a pair of matching pants for a less schoolgirl-vibe.

TOPSHOP Pink Checked Denim Jacket S$99.90
TOPSHOP Pink Checkered Denim Skirt S$76.90
TOPSHOP Daphne Chunky Heeled Sandals S$66.90

The 90’s were all about showing off those abs – whether on the streets or on the red carpet. So with the health and fitness wave that has taken over the world, it comes as no surprise that people are embracing crop tops again to show off their hard work.

Although low-slung jeans used to be paired with crop tops to really show off those solid mid-riffs, we prefer opting for high-waist wide-legged jeans or mom jeans to contrast the fitting crop top. We don’t know if you’ve heard of these before but socks and pumps were a thing, as well. Bold fashionistas today are embracing the “heels with socks” look (you can do a quick Google search) but if you’re not too sure about the look, you can always opt for stiletto booties for a similar silhouette.

TOPSHOP Striped Cropped Top S$29.90
BCBGMAXAZRIA Bali Suede Stiletto Bootie
TOPSHOP Moto Bleach Pepper Side Wide S$139

Spaghetti strap tops are so delicate and elegant yet bring a hint of playfulness to the outfit. If you’re not comfortable with the thin straps, throw on a plain T-Shirt underneath! You could even opt for a sheer top if you’re feeling a little chilly but still want to show off those shoulders. Couple it with a pair of flared jeans that elongate and slim the legs for a truly 90’s look. Top the look off with a baker boy hat and contrast the more feminine pieces with a pair of bulky black boots for a look that’s ready for the streets.

TOPSHOP Petite Unreal Embroidered Cami Top S$29.90
TOPSHOP Leopard Baker Boy Hat S$33.90
TOPSHOP Animal Hiker Boots S$199
TOPSHOP Petite Mid Blue Flared Jamie Jeans S$89.90

Denim played a huge role in the 90’s, especially in the form of jeans and overalls. Many people today are opting for the “one strap on, one strap off” look when it comes to overalls and we admit, we’re digging it. However, if you’re opting for something more put together, overalls may not be the best choice. Instead of going for the usual boring pair of jeans, we suggest slipping into a denim midi skirt.

With regards to footwear, knee-high anything was all the rage in the 90’s, paired with mini skirts or dresses. We recommend a pair of black knee-high boots for versatility or opt for knee-high socks or fishnet stockings to instantly transform your sneakers into a form of knee-high footwear.

TOPSHOP Sequin Cami Top S$59.90
KAREN MILLEN Over The Knee Boots
DOROTHY PERKINS Midwash Denim Pencil Skirt S$63.90