At this time of year, I’ve already stopped buying winter woollies and my sights are set towards pieces that’ll see me through to spring. While the weather is still firmly screaming winter, brands are already trickling bikinis and swimsuits into their “new-in” sections—yes, really. And while I’m not quite in the market for swimwear yet (despite having already booked a hot January holiday), my focus is on transeasonal pieces I can wear now and continue to get mileage out of next year, too. Naturally, I’ve been digging through the spring/summer 2026 runway images to see which trends are actually worth investing in—and I couldn’t help but notice that many of the standout trends are giving a strong nod to the ’90s.
Valentino, Khaite and Balenciaga all backed animal print—from snake and zebra to leopard—bags, as seen on Jennifer Aniston back in 1998. Saint Laurent has confirmed that the Julia Roberts-style slouchy suiting is continuing from this year into the new season. And when it comes to ‘nice tops’ to look out for, the strapless bandeau styles that were once worn by the likes of Kate Moss and Sarah-Jessica Parker have been spotted at Hugo Boss, Max Mara and Ralph Lauren, all worn similarly with wide-leg trousers. The common thread? These are all wearable, easy-to-copy trends that were backed by celebs in ‘90s and are going to be big news in 2026. Mark my words...
'90s Trends Making a Comeback in 2026
1. Jennifer Aniston's Animal Print Bags
Style Notes: Khaite went for Zebra, Valentino and The Attico had snake and Balenciaga backed leopard print bags for spring/summer 2026—as did Jennifer Aniston in 1998. Animal print bags in all wild forms have made a return, and for the season ahead, make like Jen and wear with a white dress.
Shop Animal Print Bags:
As we know from this year, any form of animal print gets a firm yes.
The 2026 version of Jennifer Aniston's bag.
It's plain black suede on the back so you can switch up the look.
The print, the silhouette, the soft finish—every element of this bag looks luxe.
Well done, M&S.
2. Julia Roberts's Slouchy Suiting
Style Notes: Basically one of the most iconic photos from the '90s, Julia Roberts wore a slouchy suit complete with shirt and tie to the Golden Globe Awards in 1990. Since seen at Saint Laurent for AW25 and throughout the menswear collection for SS26, oversized borrowed-from-your-grandpa tailoring is sticking around.
Shop Slouchy Suiting:
The collarless blazer feels new for the year ahead.
You can also wear these with sandals and a shirt come spring.
Add a '90s style vest top.
Everything about this suit makes me so excited for new season.
All about that oversized fit.
Barrel leg trousers will still be slouchy.
3. Naomi Campbell's Faux-Fur Detail Jackets
Style Notes: A firm favourite this season, faux fur details are key and while the likes of Naomi Campbell wore longline styles in 1997, to make them ready for spring it's all about cropped jackets. Some also have removable collars and cuffs so they're basically a two-for-one buy to take into new season.
Shop Faux-Fur Detail Jackets:
I'm buying this dotty style.
The cuffs and collar are removable on this one.
Naomi Campbell would have worn this one.
A forever buy.
You can take off the collar to transform it into a plain suede jacket.
4. Kate Moss's Bandeau Top
Style Notes: Taking inspiration from Kate Moss in 1998, Hugo Boss put the black bandeau on the catwalk for spring/summer 2026. Confirming that the strapless style is back, Ralph Lauren also added ruffled iterations whereas Max Mara went for super streamline. Take style tips from Mossy and wear with wide-leg trousers or vintage baggy jeans.
Shop Bandeau Tops:
Very Kate Moss.
Love the matching maxi skirt for this one.
You'll be seeing a lot more red in 2026.
I love this with baggy jeans and flip flops.
Just add jeans.
5. Halle Berry's 'Useless' Belts
Style Notes: Throughout the decades we've all most likely made use of the 'useless belt', including Halle Berry, as seen here in a chain belt circa 1996. Basically, it's any belt you add to an outfit that doesn't serve the original purpose of holding up your trousers. While Max Mara championed the high on the waist belt, Tom Ford backed low slung belts worn layered on the hips for spring/summer 2026.
Shop Waist Belts:
A chain belt is so '90s.
Yep, logo belts are back!
This one looks so retro.
Grab in a size up so it sits slightly lower.
This looks so much more expensive than it is.