Sorry, But the '90s Did Summer Dressing Better—6 Looks Inspiring My Wardrobe Now

If you ask any chic person where they seek out outfit inspiration, they'll tell you the off-duty wardrobes of stylish celebrities from the '90s. Ahead, see six iconic summer looks from the decade to inspire your own.

An image of '90s celebrity summer outfits.
(Image credit: Who What Wear UK)

While '90s fashion gave us countless celebrity outfits made infamous by their boldness and creativity—Liz Hurley in the Versace safety pin dress, Naomi Campbell's thigh-high cobalt blue socks from Vivienne Westwood, Kate Moss's nearly-naked slip dress—not all of them are easy to replicate for everyday wear. But if you dig through the archives, you'll discover plenty of understated A-lister looks that don't just shine quietly in the context of the decade, but also fit into 2025's fashion landscape.

Indeed, mine the off-duty looks from tastemakers of the time period and you'll find a bevvy of '90s celebrity summer outfits to inspire your own. With a new, warmer season to dress for, I've looked to six trendsetters for guidance when compiling a chic summer look. The era's aesthetic continues to inspire modern collections, and it's easy to see why: amidst the grunge accessories and daring runway looks, the style was defined by simple silhouettes and elevated basics.

From Kate Moss's timeless jeans outfit to SJP's linen-trouser styling, these looks perfectly show the lasting appeal of ’90s fashion.

6 '90s Celebrity Outfits I'm Copying This Summer

1. Kate Moss: Tank Top + Jeans

90s celebrity summer looks: Kate Moss

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Kate Moss is famous for transforming simple wardrobe staples into it pieces. Looking at this effortless outfit, I'm suddenly convinced a tank top and jeans are the hottest buys of the summer.

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2. Tyra Banks: Yellow Dress + Metallic Heels

90s celebrity summer outfits: Tyra Banks

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Style Notes: Trends really are cyclical, because this butter yellow dress could have been pulled from a 2025 runway. (Namely, Chloé or Christopher Esber's.) Tyra Banks has styled it for the red carpet with metallic heels, but you could easily swap them for ballet flats, flip-flops or loafers à la another supermodel, Kendall Jenner.

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3. Sarah Jessica Parker: Tube Top + Linen Trousers

90s celebrity summer outfits: Sarah Jessica Parker

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Style Notes: Rewatching Sex and the City has made me appreciate Carrie Bradshaw's style all over again, but Sarah Jessica Parker's off-screen ’90s looks were also on-point.

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4. Claudia Schiffer: Floral Dress + Espadrilles

90s celebrity summer outfits: Claudia Schiffer

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Style Notes: If I didn't know better, I'd think this photo was taken yesterday. Nothing about Claudia Schiffer's outfit feels dated—in fact, I've already spotted some very similar summer looks on social media.

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5. Jennifer Lopez: Button-Front Dress + Mules

90s celebrity summer outfits: Jennifer Lopez

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Style Notes: On a warm day, this is exactly the kind of dress that will keep you comfortable and looking cute. If it was good enough for Jennifer Lopez circa 1994, it's good enough for us.

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6. Jennifer Aniston: Denim Shorts + Flip-Flops

An image of Jennifer Aniston wearing a chic '90s celebrity summer outfit.

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Style Notes: Jennifer Aniston's '90s summer wardrobe proves why investing in timeless pieces is worth the pay-off. If it wasn't for the subtle grain and the fact she's sporting a grown-out version of 'The Rachel', we could've easily believed she was wearing pieces that she picked up this year. From the flip-flops to the denim shorts, navy sweater and oversized leather bag, you can bet these style staples will still be sitting somewhere in her Californian closet.

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Freelance Fashion Editor

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 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.