When we talk about the 1990s, many things come to mind: NSYNC, Friends, grunge culture… But for me, the fashion tops the list. Specifically, '90s minimalism. Personally, I can take or leave the jelly shoes and neon parachute pants that dominated certain aspects of the decade, but there's something about the pared-back ensembles from those 10 years that just hit right—and still do.
As someone who looks at grainy paparazzi shots with a pang of envy for the effortlessness on show, I started wondering what a '90s capsule wardrobe would look like in 2025. By this, I mean a selection of pieces that work seamlessly together, can be mixed and matched and aren’t tied to a specific moment in time, but have the air of my favourite fashion decade. So, whilst my selected pieces might have originated in the '90s, they feel just as wearable now.
Sarah Jessica Parker wearing a black satin minidress in 1994
Some pieces are obvious go-tos (hint: light-wash denim) that feel just as relevant today as they did back then; when a design defines an entire decade, it’s usually for good reason. But there are also a few nearly forgotten gems making a quiet comeback, and I couldn’t be happier to see them return.
The best part? Every piece in this edit is carefully chosen to work with the wardrobe staples many of us already own. I'm not advising a complete overhaul; that would miss the point entirely, so keep wearing your favourite jeans, your most-reached-for layers and the accessories that always earn you compliments. These additions are meant to accompany, not replace, what you already love.
Do you also seek style inspiration from times gone by? Keep scrolling to discover the building blocks of your ultimate ’90s capsule wardrobe.
7 ’90s-Coded Staples to Add to Your Capsule Wardrobe
1. Slip Dress
Style Notes: Paired with strappy sandals in the summer and a cardigan and tall boots come winter, the slip dress is rightly considered a year-round staple. We have the ’90s to thank for solidifying this slinky silhouette, which comes in many forms in 2025. Choose your fighter: floor-sweeping, lace-adorned or the classic calf-grazing, spaghetti-strap iteration.
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The perfect soft hue to form the foundation of your outfit.
I can see Jennifer Aniston wearing this heather-grey number.
The square neckline is another nice nod to the ’90s.
2. Tank Top
Style Notes: Tank tops might not be '90s-specific, but if you look back on photos from the time, you'll start to notice a pattern. Worn with miniskirts, pedal pushers and everything in between, this basic item was a fixture of most people's wardrobes. And with the versatility it offers, can you blame them?
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The wide neck and thin straps is a combination I don't see often enough.
A touch of embroidery always adds interest to an outfit.
I usually look to Arket for simple basics done well.
3. Light-Wash Denim
Style Notes: If you've ever watched Friends, you'll know just how popular light-wash jeans were in the ’90s—particularly high-waisted, loose-fitting cuts. Today, we're expanding the nostalgia with boxy jackets, skirts and Bermuda shorts, all realised in pale-blue denim.
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These look like they were plucked straight from 1995.
I'm into the longer length; it makes the jacket feel more wearable than cropped denim styles.
Agolde is the go-to for denim shorts that last.
4. Flip-Flops
Style Notes: Flip-flops might seem like a passing throwback, but for practicality purposes alone, this beachy style deserves a permanent spot in your footwear rotation. I'm willing to bet they're the quickest shoes to slip on and off, hands down. And that’s exactly what you want when you’re dashing out for a park picnic or running errands in the sun (read: ice-cream runs).
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A leather pair will stick around longer than your average flip-flops.
I wouldn't be surprised to spot something similar in a paparazzi snap from the ’90s.
Just look at how chunky that sole is: so fun.
5. Bandeau Top
Style Notes: Invest in a comfy strapless bra, and a basic bandeau will be just as effortless as your tank tops. All the '90s icons wore them—Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, SJP—so you'll be in good company. This season, we're loving tube tops teamed with maxi skirts (more on that later) and flip-flops for a full throwback look.
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Aptly named the 'Carrie' tube. Need I say more?
Night-out ready.
A bandeau top in light-blue denim= double the nostalgia.
6. Maxi Skirt
Style Notes: If you're tuned into 2025 trends, you might already own a maxi skirt, one of this season’s standout pieces. The beauty of this longline style is that it’s just as breezy as its shorter counterparts (especially cotton and linen iterations) with the bonus of leg coverage, which is ideal if you're sun-sensitive or dealing with a patchy tan. It’s a win-win.
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Chinos, but in skirt form.
The allure of a black slip skirt never fades.
Tiered skirts like this will be everywhere over summer.
7. Waistcoat
Style Notes: Once a '90s essential, waistcoats are back and cooler than ever. No longer reserved for officewear, this tailored piece has found its way into everyday wardrobes. Worn solo or layered over a tee, it adds just the right amount of structure to laid-back summer outfits.
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I haven't seen a pale-pink waistcoat before, and now I'm wondering why.
The chocolate-brown shade and shell-look buttons make this feel even more ’90s-coded.
A classic piece, modernised with tie-front detailing.
