The ’90s had a huge impact on our style, whether it’s the latest Netflix documentaries or the clothes we’re seeing on the streets. From binge-watching our favorite shows like Friends to rocking slip dresses, 90s inspired outfits are making a major comeback.
Back then, it was all about spaghetti straps, mom jeans, and cropped cardigans, giving us a different vibe from the flashy ’80s. Accessories were key, too, with scrunchies, chunky platform sandals, and choker necklaces completing the look.
While not all ’90s fashion women was great, there’s no denying its iconic status. Whether you’re feeling nostalgic or looking for inspiration for today’s trends (you might spot some familiar styles from 2023), check out our roundup of the decade’s most memorable fashion moments. Think Kate Moss, the Beckhams, Destiny’s Child, Naomi Campbell, Princess Diana, and more rocking the best looks of the era.
The 90s was a mood. And we are glad it’s making a comeback. Let’s take a look at a few of the 90s fashion dresses styles that are making it back to the racks.
1. Slip Dresses
In today’s fashion setting, this cherished classic is making a reappearance. Slip dresses are receiving a contemporary makeover to appeal to today’s woman, much like a lot of other 90s style clothing that are making a comeback this season.
Put on an oversized blazer for a boho twist, or wear your new dress with nude shoes for an easy fit.
These days, slip dresses fit a wider range of body shapes and are more adaptable and forgiving. The textiles used to make today’s versions are softer and less clinging than those used in their restrictive ancestors. To accentuate bigger bodies, some even have pleats, so anybody can confidently flaunt this style.
2. Floral Prints
Florals are a growingly popular 90s outfits women. There is something for everyone, whether you want to go for a grunge-inspired look with long-sleeved jackets or choose more subdued looks like daisy cut or baby doll dresses with flower motifs. You can also see these sustainable dresses.
3. Plaid Dresses
You may still look great in a bold plaid dress, even if florals aren’t your thing. They were formerly only worn on special occasions, but they’re quickly becoming a wardrobe staple, particularly as boho chic fashion becomes more and more fashionable.
4. Sundresses
You may want to think about the sundress, another popular female 90s fashion item making a reappearance as the warmer months get near. However, did it ever really fall out of style? Did we just forget how comfortable and light it can feel on a sweltering summer’s day?
5. Bodycon
Consider bringing back the Bodycon dress from the ’90s if you want to seem daring for your next dinner date. Often involving pleats for added texture and feminine designs, these dresses have a sleek, form-fitting silhouette.
6. Color Block
The stunning color-blocking trend that is now popular in the fashion world is the last one. For individuals who are self-assured enough to pull off the polished look all day, color-blocked dresses with a ’90s vibe give a daring and bold look.
7. Midi Length Dresses
Given its midi length and snakeskin fabric, we can absolutely see someone wearing this Cindy Crawford dress on Instagram this season. Animal print is still very trendy right now, even if it may have lost some of its appeal in recent years.
8. Statement Dresses
One of the most memorable red carpet looks ever is this stunning lilac ensemble.
9. Sheer Goth Dresses
Wearing a contemporary gold chain necklace with her red carpet gown with transparent sleeves, Helena Bonham Carter perfectly executed the gothic style. Many similar transparent shirts and skirts are also becoming popular this season.
10. Velvet Dresses
In the 1990s, velvet was the preferred material, and Sarah Michelle Gellar’s ensemble flawlessly embodies the slinky looks that were so popular at the time.
11. Slinky Dresses
Elizabeth Hurley will always be remembered for her classic Versace safety-pin dress, but let’s not forget about this gorgeous chain-mail piece. Gianni Versace’s more wearable version of the fabric helped the fabric gain appeal, and now chain-mail shirts are making a comeback, with major retail stores on the high street stocking them.
12. Corset Dress
You were losing out on great fashion in the ’90s if you didn’t own a corset top or vest! Bandeaus with bones and bodices were a favorite of SJP’s, who used them with anything from short suits to elaborate red carpet skirts. It’s starting to feel a lot like Bridgerton.
13. Hippy Dresses
If you weren’t into the highly polished looks or grunge action in the ’90s, you probably tried to emulate Lisa Bonet’s casually put-together NYC hippie appearance. Celebrities continue to like those “naked” gowns, and those little sunglasses and shoes are still in style.
14. Little Black Dress
The Little Black Dress has undoubtedly endured, but in the 1990s, all the rage was the really short, sassy version. And no one did it better than Friends’ Rachel, played by Jennifer Aniston.
15. Baby Doll Dress
Of course, the baby-doll style. Before Emma Bunton, a.k.a. Baby Spice, began wearing them as evening wear, they were seen as lingerie. That’s when the trend really took off.
16. See Through Dresses
The see-through slip dress with contrasting lingerie was another memorable ’90s design moment. Yes, the 90s outfit ideas were ahead of their time when it came to the popularity of the nude look.
17. Leather Dress
When Halle Berry wore a black leather spaghetti strap dress with floral motifs to a 1998 movie premiere, she attracted attention. Her barely-there-heeled shoes completed the ensemble. Another shift from the “more is more” mentality of the 1980s was this minimalistic look.
18. Safety Pin Dress
At the Four Weddings and a Funeral premiere, Liz Hurley made waves by showing up on the arm of her then-boyfriend Hugh Grant, dressed in the Versace safety pin dress. Even after 29 years, it remains one of the most remarkable fashion moments of the 1990s.
19. Revenge Dress
Yes, Princess Diana’s revenge dress was popular around this time. Three years after her split from Prince Charles, Diana disobeyed royal tradition by showing up to a Vanity Fair party in a form-fitting, off-the-shoulder black silk mini dress. Interestingly, Prince Charles admitted to having an affair with Camilla on the same evening. Whoa. Its ‘ revenge’ moniker comes from the fact that we can’t think of a better garment to say, “Charles, who?”
20. Sequin White Dress
In the 1990s, Naomi Campbell’s popularity in the fashion business skyrocketed after her 1987 Vogue cover. Did you know that she even wrote a novel? She created history in 1997 by being the first black woman to host a Prada presentation. We can’t get enough of her look from this decade. Consider the gorgeous white dress with sequins and fringe that she wore to a New York party. It was really quite beautiful.
The Most Unforgettable Fashion Outfits of the 90s:-
Let’s take a look at a few of the iconic 90s outfits by celebrities.
21. Pamela Anderson
At the 1999 MTV Video Music Awards, Pamela Anderson looked stunning in a white bustier and pink fluffy cap. The blue eyeshadow completed the ensemble beautifully.
22. Sigourney Weaver
Among all the slip dresses, this one is unique. Actress Sigourney Weaver demonstrated that sometimes going simple is the best option by dressing elegantly and classic at the 1997 Vanity Fair Oscar Party.
23. Brooke Shields
At the 1998 Golden Globe Awards, Brooke Shields dazzled in a cherry-colored column gown. Red lipstick that complemented the ensemble flawlessly was the model’s finishing touch.
24. Naomi Campbell
Naomi Campbell usually looks amazing in everything she wears, but this pastel yellow boat-necked dress from The 68th Annual Academy Awards in 1996 is one of my underappreciated favorites.
25. Meg Ryan
At the 1997 “Anastasia” New York City premiere, Meg Ryan looked amazing in her coat! You only need to know that!
26. Liv Tyler
Back in 1995, Liv Tyler looked stunning in her simple but cheerful maxi dress. It’s the epitome of style from the 1990s.
27. Christy Turlington
Not only is digital lavender fashionable right now, but it is also quite a well-liked 90s fashion dresses clothing style. Christy Turlington, a supermodel, demonstrated its ageless appeal in 1994 by killing it on the Versace catwalk.
28. Catherine Zeta-Jones
A basic slip dress is loved by everybody! At the 1999 MTV Movie Awards, Catherine Zeta-Jones looks amazing and very ’90s.
29. Karyn Parsons
‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’s’ Hilary Banks, also known as Karyn Parsons, is among the most elegant and brilliant TV characters ever. She’s on my style board all the time.
30. Kelly Ripa
My wedding mood board is now inspired by Kelly Ripa’s slinky white gown covered in pearls from the 1998 5th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards. The hairstyle with a sleek back provides the perfect amount of edge.
31. Brittany Murphy
Validated: Brittany Murphy was a pioneer of the sheer style, which began in the 1990s fashion. This gritty band from 1999 would be amazing in the modern day.
32. Winona Ryder
Another day to obsess over Winona Ryder’s ’90s fashion sense. Though it’s not as stylish as some of her other well-known outfits from the era, this beaded halter from 1998 is still one of my favorites.
33. Kate Hudson
The pastel outfits that Kate Hudson wears are breathtaking. Consider that gorgeous azure gown from “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.” Also, her ice blue outfit for the ‘200 Cigarettes’ premiere in Los Angeles is too gorgeous to ignore.
34. Lil Kim
Throw on some pink, anything if you’re a lover of the color! Even down to the wig, this Lil Kim ensemble exemplifies the beauty of wearing everything monochromatic.
35. Tyra Banks
Supermodel Tyra Banks looked absolutely stunning in an opulent 1920s ball gown at New York City’s Ziegfeld Theater.
36. Jennifer Aniston
We would totally rock Jennifer Aniston’s grey two-piece ensemble from 1998’s VH1 Divas Live if we were to do it again.
37. Iman
At the 1996 launch of Chanel’s new Flagship Boutique, only Iman could have pulled off this multicolored Versace gown.
38. Claudia Schiffer
The Fall/Winter 1993–1994 haute couture collection by Chanel had the privilege of having Claudia Schiffer as the bride.
39. Carla Bruni
Carla Bruni wore this satin piece at the Versace High Fashion Show in January 1995. It would be perfect for one of today’s It-Girls.
40. Elle MacPherson
When she attended the MTV Movie Awards in 1994, Elle MacPherson wore a tiny miniskirt, and she looked stunning.
41. Eve
Eve wore a sparkly micro-mini dress at the 1999 Fifth Annual Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards, demonstrating how the ’90s inspired many of today’s most popular styles.
42. Sharon Stone
Even though opera-length gloves are all the rage right now, Sharon Stone’s 1993 ensemble demonstrates that they were a wise choice all along.
43. Angelina Jolie
At the 1999 Golden Globes, Jolie dove headfirst into the pool only minutes after this shot was taken. For her role in Gia, she was named the series’ Best Actress.
44. Cindy Crawford
Back in 1990, in New York City’s MET, the supermodel was present for the Second Annual Revlon’s Unforgettable Women Contest. She sported a fiery halter-neck dress, matching nude tights and red shoes. The dazzling diamonds that decorate her ears and neck also catch our eye.
45. Jennifer Lopez and Donatella Versace
Evidence of the lengthy relationship between Donatella Versace and Jennifer Lopez. They struck a pose for the cameras while decked up in sparkly, metallic 90s women’s fashion.
46. Madonna
Madonna wore a sparkly strapless gown with a fur stole and Harry Winston jewels at the 63rd Annual Academy Awards.
47. Fran Drescher
Someone needs to tell you about The Nanny if you haven’t seen it. From figure-hugging miniskirts to teeny-tiny sweaters, Fran Drescher’s wardrobe choices on the show were legendary. White halter-neck dresses like this one were more typical of Drescher’s downplayed glamour in real life, but she never shied away from accessorizing with a flowery headpiece or other eye-catching accessories.
48. Tia and Tamera Mowry
Tia and Tamera Mowry are almost as legendary as Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. The twins were the show stoppers on Sister, Sister, and they wore incredible clothes on and off the set. Envision a world where mini shift dresses accessorized with scarves coexist alongside bucket hats and highly sought-after denim overalls! Is it possible that these precise designs may make a comeback on the catwalk?
49. Chloe Sevigny
Unlike your average grunge queen or bubblegum pop lady, Chloë Sevigny has been the quintessential “cool girl” since her debut in the controversial classic film Kids. She became the object of desire for every designer’s date at award shows due to her renown for her fun fashion sense and love of vintage. Many consider her one of the first real street-style stars.
50. Liv Tyler
Do you remember Liv Tyler and Alicia Silverstone from the music video for Aerosmith’s “Crazy” in 1993? They were the epitome of ’90s babes. Long skirts and edgy outfits like this one were commonplace in Tyler’s fashion in 1992.
51. Sarah Jessica Parker
Let me say it again: Carrie Bradshaw. Sarah Jessica Parker’s character created a number of trends in the late ’90s, but many of the world’s most famous fashion designers, particularly Manolo Blahnik, owe her a large debt of gratitude. Here, in this pink and feathery costume, Parker hinted at Bradshaw’s signature style three years before Sex and the City premiered.
52. Halle Berry
Style queen Halle Berry on the red carpet at the 1998 50th Annual Primetime Emmys with a breathtaking bejeweled gown and oversized sunglasses. This ensemble’s resurgence in popularity in recent years is not surprising.
53. Sarah Jessica Parker
At the 49th Annual Tony Awards in 1995, SJP wore our ideal ’90s ensemble: a dress that was partially translucent and partly silky, accessorized with strappy silver heels.
54. Nicole Kidman
At the 49th Annual Tony Awards in 1995, SJP wore our ideal ’90s ensemble: a dress that was partially translucent and partly silky, accessorized with strappy silver heels.
55. Kirsten Dunst
Kirsten Dunst was a natural show-stopper at parties even before her aughts blockbusters brought her A-list status. At the 8th Annual Environmental Media Awards in Los Angeles in 1998, she wore a strappy black-floral dress and Mary Janes, the shoe that you and most others in the ’90s surely possessed numerous pairs of.
56. Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss
The 1990s were the decade of supermodels Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell. They wore the slinkiest, most stylish slip dresses at the Versace Diamonds are Forever show in London towards the decade’s close.
57. Cameron Diaz
Dressed in a way that was very 90s clothing style woman, Cameron Diaz attended the 1999 56th Annual Golden Globe Awards. In addition to a little pocketbook and a pant-dress combination, the actress had crimped hair and grunge eye makeup.
58. Cindy Crawford
At the Rock ‘N’ Rule Benefit for AmFar, Cindy Crawford wore this classic Versace outfit. You can see why it had such a profound effect.
59. Gwyneth Paltrow
Gwyneth Paltrow wore this timeless bubblegum pink Ralph Lauren gown to her 1999 Oscar ceremony for Best Actress in Shakespeare in Love, and the dress is just as iconic now as it was then.
60. Jennifer Lopez
Slip dresses were all the rage in the ’90s, and Jennifer Lopez was a master of the style. At the 17th Annual CFDA Awards in 1998, for instance, she looked amazing in this silky transparent dress.
61. Salma Hayek
At her very first Academy Awards in 1997, Hayek dazzled in a beaded Armani gown—and she may have been the one to initiate the tiara trend because of it.
62. Shania Twain
Shania Twain, a lifelong lover of sparkles, stunned in a 1999 GRAMMYs gown with a sequined turtleneck.
Explore Further
