I'm a Child of the '90s, and These 25 Dresses Make Me So Nostalgic
Raise your hand if, when you were younger, you wanted to be just like Rachel Green when you grew up. I still do, if I'm honest, and I'm exactly the age she was in the pilot episode of Friends. Besides her quick wit and signature hairdo, Rachel's outfits alone deemed her worthy of icon status. Her dress sense captured exactly what was great about 1990s fashion. Think simple, flattering silhouettes and a moody palette of chocolate brown and black punctuated with brighter neutrals.
If you hadn't heard, '90s minimalism has been solidified as one of the biggest autumn/winter trends by designer labels like Bottega Veneta and Etro, so now is the perfect time to look to our fashion-savvy sitcom friend for style guidance. And dresses feel like an obvious place to start, given that Ralph Lauren's finest protégé was partial to a form-fitting midi.
I love the addition of the pendant belt here.
There are a few telltale signs that a dress has been influenced by this era. First, there's the neckline. If you spot spaghetti straps, a cowl-neck or a racerback, let the feelings of nostalgia commence. A dress that hits the 1990s minimalism mark will be light on the details and embellishments (think of the iconic slip dress), so the less fussy, the better. That being said, check prints, velvet and chiffon ruffles have a place here, too.
But why describe the aesthetic when I can show you exactly what I mean? I've picked out the best '90s-inspired dresses you can buy now—scroll on to see and shop.
Shop '90s-Inspired Dresses
I would style this exactly as Rouje has, with matching calf-high boots and a mini shoulder bag.
Wear with heels on nights out, or layer over a knit for a more relaxed look.
Now that's a classic '90s neckline.
We centred a whole article around this best-selling Ghost dress, which is available in five shades, by the way.
You could style this dress a million ways—I'd start with a cream turtleneck underneath.
This ribbed texture has been around for a while, and it's just as cool as ever.
& Other Stories has met all your dress needs this season. Seriously.
This feels familiar but fresh because of the unique chain detailing.
Can you guess which '90s film icon this check-print dress reminds me of?
I couldn't do a '90s dress list without including a mesh option.
When it comes to LBDs, focus on a sleek silhouette and minimal detailing.
Not everyone would consider a mohair dress with cut-outs minimalistic, but I do.
If you want a dress that will hug your figure perfectly, Skims is your best friend.
I'm all over rich brown shades this autumn and winter.
Next up: The 9 Most Expensive-Looking Pieces on the High Street This Week
Bébhinn Campbell is an Edinburgh-based fashion and lifestyle writer and editor. She started her first blog at age 14 and went on to intern at print and digital publications in Berlin and London, including Dazed & Confused and Indie magazine.
A job at a fashion startup took Bébhinn from Ireland to Scotland in 2019, where she now works as a freelance journalist and copywriter covering everything from travel and interiors to styling advice. As a contributor to Who What Wear, Bébhinn always keeps her eyes peeled for emerging trends and looks worth writing about. She prides herself on her ability to cut through the noise and identify solid investment buys, exciting new brands and fresh takes on classic design.
In her spare time, Bébhinn enjoys perusing Edinburgh’s best vintage shops, working through her out-of-control book collection and watching dog reels on Instagram.
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