16 '90s Closet Staples We're Obsessed With Right Now
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From baggy jeans to tube tops and chunky sandals, we can't get enough '90s fashion as of late. These throwback trends are nostalgic yet they feel decidedly fresh for 2020, including tops, dresses, sandals, sneakers, hats, and scrunchies. Even better is that there's a '90s item for a range of aesthetics, whether your taste skews minimalist, eclectic, or sporty, and a lot of them look great in combination. Need further proof? OK!
For a laid-back summer look, how chill does a simple tube top look with a baggy pair of jeans? For a minimalist outfit with feminine flair, you can't go wrong with a slip dress and strappy sandals — bonus points if you add a scrunchie into the mix. If you're here for a chic reveal of skin, we love the look of a crop top and denim midi skirt with a pair of platforms. If you want to take things a step further, finish the look with a bucket hat! Even better if it's printed or a crochet style. For a preppy and polished outfit, take a page out of Cher Horowitz's book and team a plaid miniskirt with chunky sandals and a cropped cardigan. If you're thinking that sounds too '90s, we have two words for you: as if!
Now that we've dutifully made our point that '90s trends are where it's at, keep scrolling for a breakdown of the 16 wardrobe staples we swear by from the decade. Plus, shop our edit! Everything is $215 or less, and most pieces come in under $100.
'90s Fashion Trends We Love
We love Hannah Baxter's combination of a polo tee, a denim miniskirt, platform sandals, and a beaded bag. The pops of bright green make it super playful.
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The '90s Trend: Tube Tops
What's more '90s than a good ol' tube tube? Whether in a bright color or neutral tone, we love this look with high-waisted bottoms like skirts, pants, and shorts. For more polish, try layering one under a blazer.
Express x Karla Ribbed Bandeau Tube Top ($5, originally $20)
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The '90s Trend: Tube Tops
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The '90s Trend: Platform Sandals
A range of platforms capture a '90s vibe, but these ultrathick flatforms embody the decade best.
Zara Platform Wedges ($60)
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The '90s Trend: Baggy Jeans
Give your skinny jeans a break in favor of loose legs á la the '90s. With plenty of versions out there, choose from high-rise fits, low-slung styles, acid washes, and versions with rips and distressing.
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The '90s Trend: Baggy Jeans
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The '90s Trend: Baguette Bags
Fendi gave us the most famous versions of these slim shoulder bags that tuck perfectly under the arm, and the style is major for 2020. Our favorites include faux croc, neon colors, and pastel hues.
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The '90s Trend: Baguette Bags
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The '90s Trend: Slip Dresses
Perhaps the most ubiquitous piece to come out of the '90s, slip dresses are incredibly versatile whether you wear one on its own or layered under knits, over tees, or with a denim jacket. From solid colors to floral prints, this wardrobe essential truly stands the test of time.
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The '90s Trend: Slip Dresses
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The '90s Trend: Classic Sneakers
From New Balance to Nike and Reebok, the '90s were all about classic sneakers with just about everything. Go the "grandpa" route by styling a pair with loose trousers, or pair yours with a denim skirt or minidress.
New Balance 574 Sneakers ($80)
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The '90s Trend: Classic Sneakers
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The '90s Trend: Crop Tops
Baring a bit of midriff is hardly exclusive to the '90s, but there are plenty of quintessential outfits where these skin-baring tops are at the crux, particularly a plaid or sweater style.
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The '90s Trend: Crop Tops
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The '90s Trend: Chunky Sandals
For a '90s grunge look, chunky sandals are the pièce de résistance. This trend is undoubtedly our favorite "ugly" shoe trend of the moment.
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The '90s Trend: Chunky Sandals
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The '90s Trend: Plaid
We can't talk about '90s trends without discussing plaid. Whether you are here for a preppy interpretation à la Cher Horowitz or prefer a grunge vibe, checked skirts, trousers, dresses, and tops totally reference the decade.
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The '90s Trend: Plaid
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The '90s Trend: Bucket Hats
It doesn't have to be a rainy day to rock a bucket hat. You can instantly add '90s factor to any outfit with one of these in the mix.
L*Space Sunchaser Hat ($55)
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The '90s Trend: Bucket Hats
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The '90s Trend: Long Denim Skirts
The 2000s were all about the denim mini, but longer denim skirts are more specific to the '90s. Pair yours with a tube top, platform sandals, and a bucket hat for a super-'90s look.
Mango Midi Denim Skirt ($60)
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The '90s Trend: Heeled Flip-Flops
Heeled flip-flops are another quintessentially '90s shoe trend that's back with a vengeance. Try them with a pair of baggy jeans, a denim midi skirt, or a slip dress for throwback chic.
Dolce Vita Bruna Heels ($120)
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The '90s Trend: Heeled Flip-Flops
Aqua Elsie High-Heel Thong Sandals ($64, originally $92)
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The '90s Trend: Loose Trousers
Baggy trousers are one of those so-wrong-it's-right kind of trends. You know, the type we picture on dads and grandparents. Well, in the '90s, this look was major (think Meg Ryan at the end of You've Got Mail) with a baby tee, sneakers, and a cute mini bag.
Levi's Dad Chino Pants ($70, originally $98)
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The '90s Trend: Loose Trousers
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The '90s Trend: Strappy Sandals
Barely there sandals made a considerable comeback last summer, but they're a trend straight out of the '90s, in fact. We love them with just about everything, from dresses to jeans. Heck, even sweats if that's your vibe!
Reformation Pari Sandal ($198)
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The '90s Trend: Strappy Sandals
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The '90s Trend: Scrunchies
Carrie Bradshaw squealed with disdain at the idea of stylish women wearing scrunchies, but little did she know the hair accessory would be such a staple in 2020. From silky versions to fuzzy fabrics and printed styles, we're all about them!
Cotton:On So Me Scrunchie ($3, originally $4)
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The '90s Trend: Scrunchies
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The '90s Trend: Platform Sneakers
Another platform shoe trend to emerge from the '90s is sneakers, and boy, do we love this look for casual-chic style. They are the perfect offset to a miniskirt and pretty top for date night and look just as great with baggy jeans and a tube top.
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