From fur jackets to platforms, these '90s trends have resurfaced and are demanding the spotlight

In case you missed it, ’90s trends are having a renaissance. If 2024’s sartorial guidelines were any indication, these styles are certainly ones to carry through into 2025—simply because they are too good to stay in the past. The ’90s were an era of expressive fashion, with bold styles and statement-making pieces defining the decade. Think Rachel Green’s classic wardrobe or The Spice Girls’ eclectic and experimental style for reference. Today, the fashion crowd seems to be re-embracing the nostalgia, with signature styles finding their footing in modern wardrobes and proving they are here to stay. Plus, as winter is here, there’s no better time to take inspiration!

Here’s a closer look at the most iconic ’90s trends resurfacing in the fashion zeitgeist today. Aren’t you itching to know why these staples ever went out of style in the first place?

Platforms

Platforms were the go-to footwear of the ’90s for a reason. With their chunky soles and sky-high elevation, they’re ideal for adding a bit of drama to your ensemble—without the need to precariously balance as with stilettos. It’s no surprise platforms have returned with a vengeance, from chunky sneaker renditions to booted versions. Pairing these with dresses, jeans, or skirts can not only add to your height but elevate your fashion quotient as well.

Faux Fur

Faux fur was a major staple of ’90s glam. Actual fur coats were largely absent from the scene, and today, faux fur is back—more luxurious than ever. Modern versions are not only sustainable but also incredibly stylish, appearing in everything from cosy jackets to statement scarves. This trend allows you to channel that same high-fashion aesthetic without compromising your values.

Faux Fur Jacket, Guess

Full Fur Overcoat, Kazo

Streetwear 

If you’ve ever gone thrifting, you know the unmatched charm of an oversized graphic tee. From band logos to cheeky phrases, graphic tees were as much a part of youth culture as the cinema they celebrated. The ’90s were a time of cultural revolutions, and graphic tees were essential to that expression. Today, with vintage-inspired designs and modern takes on retro logos, streetwear has evolved. Paired with jeans or skirts, a graphic tee remains an easy yet statement-making wardrobe essential, with premium iterations now making headlines.

Cardigans

Once synonymous with a ‘grandma-chic’ look and dubbed a granny staple, cardigans have now become a fashion-forward favourite. Back in the day, a cardigan was worn loose, oversized, or as a buttoned-up top, and it’s back with a contemporary edge. Cardigans today can traverse the spectrum from being cropped to oversized. Whether you opt to wear it as a cover-up or overlay it on a dress, a fuzzy one in vibrant pink, or one doused in muted hues, a cardigan remains a staple in every closet.

Front Open Knit Cardigan, Virgio

Sheer dresses

Sheer fabrics made their mark in the ’90s, seen extensively from the runways to the red carpets—perfect for creating that elusive combination of sensuality and sophistication. Retaining their status as a statement-making ensemble, they can be dressed up by layering or styled with bold accessories to ensure they remain as contemporary as they are alluring. Opt for a sheer dress to exude confidence, offering a perfect blend of mystery and exposure in the most elegant manner.

Corsets

Corsets have been back as the ultimate going-out uniform for a while now, and we can totally see why. The silhouette this piece of clothing creates, along with the renditions it offers with various necklines and a myriad of prints and patterns to choose from, certainly makes it a crowning choice of the Noughties.

Medusa ‘95 Corset Top, Versace

Knee-length socks

Ankle-grazing socks have been dubbed the favourites by the fashion frow for too long. The tides have turned, and opting for schoolgirl-esque socks extending up to your calves or knees is the way to go. Knee-high socks offer a nostalgic nod to the ’90s while adding a bit of flair to modern looks, making them a playful choice for those looking to experiment.

Maximalist charms

Charms seem to have found their place in the fashion diaspora, dangling from phone cases to making a fitting accessory when attached to bags and even shoelaces. Take Balenciaga’s Le City Mini Bag to Coach’s runway sneakers for proof of the charm of whimsy they add. Layer them in a bracelet and go all out because injecting your own custom flair into your ensemble through charms seems to be all the rage right now.

Claw clips and thick headbands

The cool girls have warmed up to quintessential Noughties hair staples—think Rachel Green’s trusted accessories on the set of Friends. Since 2024, these fuss-free accessories have made their way to everyone’s accessory box as they remain as fashionable as they are hassle-free. From velvet to satin, thick headbands are an easy way to make a statement while keeping your hair in place, while reimagined claw clips come in many designs and varying sizes, perfect for creating those tousled, lived-in looks. It’s no surprise these accessories continue to stake their claim on fashion even in 2025.

Avaste Beige Headband, Aldo

Kedenawien Women’s Claw Clip, Aldo

Bucket Hats

A signature piece of ’90s street style, the bucket hat has made its return, offering a playful, laid-back look that pairs perfectly with all outfits. Today’s bucket hats come in an array of materials, from denim to leather, giving them an edge while retaining their appeal. All in all, bucket hats remain the versatile and cool girl essential to take any look up a notch.

Nike Apex Futura Washed Bucket Hat, Limited Edt

Cargo Pants

Long gone is the relation of this bottom with construction workers or a hiking duo. Instead, the fashion frow seems to have warmed up to this Y2K garment and embraced it as a must-have wardrobe item. The ’90s cargo pants, once synonymous with street style and loved for their practicality and laid-back aesthetic, have re-emerged, with even designers reinterpreting the cargo pants into more flattering styles and materials. Team them with a simple top or a cropped jacket—cargo pants remain a versatile piece that adds a bit of edge and structure to any look.

Aalya Cargo Pants, Style Island

Outre Cargo Pants, PHUE

Plaid 

Who could forget Cher Horowitz’s yellow plaid blazer and skirt set in Clueless? The set spoke to a generation. Plaid was the pattern of choice for ’90s grunge and punk movements, often also seen in oversized shirts and skirts. That iconic Clueless ensemble didn’t just define a moment in cinema but cemented plaid co-ords as a cultural fashion staple. Of late, designers have revived the print on the runway, and as fashion continues to fancy office-core ensembles, plaid prints strike the perfect balance of playful yet put together to curate a look that feels refreshing yet straight out of the Noughties.

Eris Pink Plaid Workwear Set, Lea Clothing Co

Fanny Packs

The fanny pack was the ultimate ’90s accessory, offering a no-fuss way to carry your essentials while still looking stylish. Today, more people are reaching for the fanny pack. Reimagined in sleek leather and designer fabrics, it’s now worn as a crossbody or belt bag, making it the perfect practical yet fashion-forward addition to any ensemble.

Combat Boots

Combat boots were the footwear of choice for ’90s grunge, offering a tough, no-nonsense aesthetic (think Doc Martens). Today, these boots are back in full force, styled with everything from dresses to jeans. Combat boots round out any look, and their versatility makes them work for both casual and statement outfits.

Scrunchies

Once a staple of every ’90s accessory box, scrunchies are back on everyone’s wrists—and in everyone’s trusted collection. They ruled the ’90s, and it’s easy to see why. Today, they’ve made a comeback, offering a fun and chic way to style your hair. Available in a wide range of fabrics, from velvet to silk, scrunchies can add a pop of colour or texture to your hair while keeping things effortlessly stylish. Bonus points for being gentle on your mane and non-damaging.

Borrea Green Scrunchie, Aldo

Slip Dresses

Slip dresses were favoured by all the ’90s it-girls, both as loungewear and as evening wear. Today, slip dresses are back, perfect for layering or wearing on their own. With their fluid fabric and sultry silhouette, slip dresses embody a quiet elegance that makes them a go-to piece for any modern wardrobe. Turn to Emily Ratajkowski for inspiration.

Velvet

Velvet was a fabric synonymous with ’90s glam, making its way onto everything from dresses to accessories. Whether in the form of a slip dress or a plush blazer, velvet adds a touch of opulence to any look. It’s perfect for those seeking to infuse a bit of glamour into their everyday style.

Strapless High Slit Draped Velvet Gown, Mac Duggal

Co-ord Sets

Co-ord sets were a ’90s style staple, offering easy yet coordinated outfits that made fashion look effortless. Today, these sets have made a return, with modern versions featuring risqué cuts, bold patterns, and luxe fabrics. Whether worn to the office or out for a nighttime soirée, co-ord sets offer a chic, put-together look with minimal effort but maximum style.

Nouria Kelly Co-ord Set Camel

Waistcoats and vests

In the ’90s, waistcoats and vests weren’t just reserved for boardrooms or formalwear—they became a style statement in their own right. From effortlessly layered looks over crisp white shirts to being worn solo with nothing but confidence underneath, these pieces blurred the lines between masculine tailoring and feminine charm. Icons like Kate Moss and Winona Ryder showed us how versatile a waistcoat could be, pairing them with everything from slip dresses to slouchy trousers.

Today, this trend is back, reimagined with modern silhouettes and softer textures. Whether buttoned up for structure or left undone for a relaxed vibe, waistcoats and vests remain a timeless nod to ’90s minimalism with just the right amount of edge.

Lead image credit: Getty Images 

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