It’s time to dig out your neon windbreakers and acid-wash denim–we’re going back to the 90s. The 90s were an excellent time for fashion, whether you look at women’s fashion trends from the 90s or 90s fashion for men. While there are plenty of trends that died out for a good reason, there are also some fashion trends from the 90s we think should make a comeback.
To create this list of 90s style and fashion trends that should come back, 24/7 Tempo consulted several lifestyle and fashion publications including Cosmopolitan and BuzzFeed. Here are 12 fashion trends from the 90s we would love to see come back in style. (Check out these 29 fashion trends only 90s kids will remember.)
Plaid Flannel Shirts
Plaid flannel shirts were a staple in every closet during the 90s. The best part about this trend (aside from being able to channel your inner Kurt Cobain) is it’s a great style for men or women and flannel shirts are comfortable enough to wear anywhere. While plaid flannel shirts are still relatively easy to find nowadays, you’ll have to look in your local thrift store to find some of the classic 90s patterns.
Overalls
Overalls were one of the best women’s fashion trends to come out of the 90s, although they were actually a part of the 90s fashion for men as well. This casual, comfortable look can be both stylish and practical, providing you with multiple pockets to carry your stuff. For a true 90s style, you’ll have to leave one side of the overalls unbuttoned. No matter how you choose to wear them, overalls can be a staple in any wardrobe and there’s no reason we need to leave them behind.
Tie-Dye
The classic, swirly blast of color known as tie-dye may bring back many memories if you were around when this trend was popular in the 90s. Not only is it a fun pattern you can use on t-shirts, dresses, bags, and nearly anything else made of fabric, but it’s also a fun activity to tie-dye your own clothes. Tie-dye kits are available in nearly every craft store and they’re easy to purchase online.
Chokers
There are few 1990s female fashion trends that make more of a statement than chokers. Whether you have a simple one you got from Claire’s or an elaborate leather choker that weighs more than all your other jewelry combined, chokers are a fun accessory because they come in so many different styles and they work with a variety of outfits. The choker is definitely a jewelry trend we should bring back.
Leather
Nothing screams “too cool for school” like a leather jacket. Leather jackets didn’t become a trend for the first time in the 90s, but they were a vital part of 90s style. Leather jackets are still a part of modern fashion, but in the 90s, leather wasn’t just for jackets. Some other fashion trends from the 90s included leather shirts, leather skirts, and leather pants.
Acid-Wash Jeans
Acid-wash jeans are the kind of fashion trend you either loved or hated. Either way, acid-wash jeans can surely make a statement. Although acid-washed denim has made an appearance on certain runways, this style of jeans was mostly done away with in favor of ripped jeans, dark wash jeans, and other styles. However, this 90s fashion trend is bold enough to make another comeback.
Cardigans
Long cardigans should be swapped for trench coats.
Cardigans are one of the most versatile clothing items and they were incredibly popular in the 90s. You can throw a cardigan over your favorite t-shirt and jeans or throw it over an a-line dress. While they’re often seen as a more modest addition to your outfit, one of the trends in the 90s was to wear a cardigan on its own like you would a button up shirt.
Windbreakers
Even though windbreakers are still a practical item you can wear or purchase from companies like L.L. Bean, in the 90s, they were a fashion statement. 90s windbreakers specifically had to be neon in color and you could see them from a mile away. If you do need a windbreaker for a particularly windy day, why not make it a fun and colorful fashion statement as well? Pair it with your favorite pair of sneakers and you have the perfect 90s outfit.
Colored Sunglasses
Every decade has its own sunglasses trend. In the 90s, it was all about colored sunglasses. These glasses featured lenses with a range of different colors and they were perfect to pair with any outfit. Sunglasses are a great way to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, but with a pair of colored glasses, you can be safe and stylish at the same time.
Halter Tops
You’d be hard pressed to find a fashion trend more indicative of a 90s pop star than the halter top. While it may not seem like this type of top is a huge fashion statement, they’ve become a more unique look in modern fashion. Pairing a halter top with cargo pants or acid-wash jeans is a great way to relive many of the fashion trends from the 90s.
Scrunchies
Scrunchies may be the most comfortable way to wear a messy bun, but they weren’t just a practical accessory in the 90s. They were also a must-have accessory to keep up with 90s trends. Even though side ponytails were considered an 80s trend, it’s common to see the side ponytail paired with an oversized scrunchie in 90s fashion as well. The scrunchie is still a must-have accessory today.
Blazers
Blazers are another staple included in both 90s fashion trends for men and women. For men in the 90s, the classic look was a plain t-shirt with a blazer over it. But with women, the go-to was a colorful blazer, often in neon colors or bold patterns. While you don’t see as many bold, floral patterns today as you did back then, these bright and colorful blazers were a simple way to make your outfit stand out. (For another blast from the past, check out The Top Toys When Millennials Were Kids.)