1990s fashion trends
The 1990s were a turning point in what became known as the “modern age” of many things. It was the explosion of the internet, mass media and easily accessible information. It was also the beginning of a new era of fashion, a cumulation of the voluminous, bright colors of the 80s — and then split off into different fashion subcultures, each defined by their unique looks and styles. However, to accurately assess ‘90s fashion within its time, an understanding of what made ‘90s fashion so popular is necessary.
The largest component of what truly defined ‘90s fashion is the designers who spearheaded it. At the forefront of ‘90s fashion were visionary designers such as Gianni Versace, Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein. Each designer had a way of appealing to different consumer bases of fashion subcultures. Versace’s bold, vibrant designs and staples became synonymous with the era’s idea of chic. At the same time, Jacobs and Klein played pivotal roles in what became known as the “minimalist” ‘90s fashion movement. Their takes on fashion and its nuances were what defined the first batch of ‘90s trends.
The traits of ‘90s fashion went with their respective subcultures. ‘Grunge’ was a prime example of this, a staple of the minimalist movement. Its flannel shirts, combat boots and disheveled hair became the defining style for a generation mystified with bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam. The subculture of grunge was shaped by an anti-establishment attitude that then translated into the fashion industry itself.
However, on the opposite end of the spectrum, many embraced a different side of fashion. Classy, chic and sharp: that was what ‘90s high fashion was all about. The era of power suits and shoulder pads gave way to slip dresses, crop tops and sleek skirts. Simple and plain, yet elegant, were what fashion icons strove to embody. Models of the time, such as Naomi Campbell and Kirsty Hume, were seen in sleek but eye-catching slip dresses on the runway. However, the most notable staple of this was Kate Moss. Kate Moss wore elegant dresses with ease, such as at the CFDA Fashion Awards in 1995. At this event, she unveiled a dress that was a different idea of glamor than most were used to, a slip dress with a rather form-fitting silhouette. It drew people in and furthered the idea of what made high fashion click during the ‘90s.
Lastly, for those who found themselves on the other side of grunge or high-fashion: the ‘90s introduced a third genre of style. The preppy look, characterized by polo shirts, pleated skirts and loafers, made a resurgence from back in the 1900s. It was a refined aesthetic, with simple patterns that captured the hearts of many. However, the main reason for the subculture’s success was because of who wore it. To be precise, the MTV, Beverly Hills stars of the West Coast skyrocketed the popularity of ‘preppy’ culture. Hit sitcoms like “Friends” and “Seinfeld” utilized these styles to their advantage. It was the idea of casual dressing which made the look so comforting to those who viewed it on their television screens. As such, the idea of a preppy yet casual look became a staple for the ‘90s.
The ‘90s had a vast amount of fashion trends that reflected the culture of the time. From grunge to preppy, the era’s styles continue to shape the fashion landscape, proving that ‘90s fashion is timeless. For many today, whether they know it or not, ‘90s fashion continues to live on through garments that we very well know and love. Between Birkenstocks and Nirvana t-shirts, the fashion that was once a cultural revival is now a trademark of our fashion. ‘90s fashion truly had something for everyone: that same something that keeps drawing us back to it.
