The resurgence of '90s fashion has resulted in a truly mixed bag of emotions. While the decade can be credited with providing us with now-favoured party dresses and kitten heels, there's also a raft of trends we'd like to keep in the past. Of course, some classic '90s trends have arguably reached timeless status, meaning that despite them originating in the last decade of the 20th Century, they've become even more relevant 30 years on. After reaching out to the rest of the Who What Wear team, we reminisced about all the pieces we used to be so proud to own but can't imagine ever wearing again (see: dungarees) and the celebrity looks we'll happily revisit.
Just when you think all of the forgotten looks from the 1990s will remain in the past, along comes another one. How badly do you want a ridiculously tiny bag right now? Or what about those Kate Moss images you come back to time and again for inspiration for what to wear on a night out? That's not even to mention the iconic '90s airport outfits that will always earn our envy. We've recently rediscovered a love for old-school Sarah Jessica Parker looks—which, yes, are very different from Carrie Bradshaw's—and combat trousers, too. The revivals are coming in thick and fast, people. Thick and fast.
Keep scrolling for our guide to the 37 '90s fashion items, trends and combinations we wore to death and then forgot about—until now.
'90s Fashion: 37 Trends That are Still Relevant in 2026
1. Checked Skirts
Style Notes: Perhaps one of the most iconic fashion moments of the '90s, Dionne and Cher's checked skirts from Clueless have come back around in high-fashion circles. Preppy fashion, you win again.
How to Wear the Checked Skirt Trend in 2026:
Faithfull is one of the most in-demand brands for balmy dressing, and this longer take makes this timeless silhouette feel both modern and nostalgic thanks to the sky blue colourway, pleated finish and elasticated waistband.
2. Silk Shirts
Style Notes: One of the decade's most iconic outfits is this green set worn by Gwyneth Paltrow in Great Expectations. With silky fabrics and a single button fixture, this silhouette is something so many contemporary designers like Paris Georgia and Aya Muse produce for the modern age.
How to Wear the Silk Shirt Trend in 2026:
Wear slightly unbuttoned tucked into a mini à la the above, or with denim jeans. Plus, there's something so Tom-Ford-for-Gucci about this colourway.
3. Slip Dresses
Style Notes: Slip dresses will be popular forever and ever, but there's something about the slinky bias cut that feels so right now. Kate Moss has long been an advocate of the simple style, but she was a particularly strong figurehead for it in the '90s.
How to Wear the Slip Dress Trend in 2026:
Australian brand Sir's slip dress is the modern equivalent of Kate's canary yellow style.
4. Logo Bags
Style Notes: Cassette tapes are long gone, but Mariah Carey's monogrammed Louis Vuitton rucksack feels as current as ever.
How to Wear the Logo Bag Trend in 2026:
5. Leopard Print
Shop the Trend:
Style Notes: Be it dresses, coats or a simple trim on a cardigan, leopard print was pervasive in the '90s. From Princess Diana to The Nanny's Fran Fine, the decade really did the pattern with roaring success. It might've had a bit of a dip in the intervening years, but thanks to nostalgic trends like the mob wife aesthetic and the approval of Parisiennes, it's certainly back.
How to Wear the Leopard Print Trend in 2026:
6. Powder Pink
Style Notes: This stunning blush-pink Ralph Lauren red carpet look remains one of the most iconic Oscars dresses of all time. Now, it's back and better than ever with powder pink dominating as one of the decade's most popular hues.
How to Wear the Powder Pink Trend in 2026:
Simply stunning—and a perfect wedding guest dress, too.
7. Sheer Fabric
Style Notes: Mel B's fashion was one of the group's more outré, which made it all the more iconic. Here, she's pictured at an event in 1998 in her full Scary Spice glory, wearing a dainty sheer slip over a pair of leopard print knickers. This might've caused a stir a few decades ago. Now, there are sheer clothing items, including dresses and tops, in spades.
How to Wear the Sheer Trend in 2026:
For a style that's slightly more modest but still minimal, try this angelic pick.
8. Velvet
Style Notes: Velvet was the fabric of the '90s, and this Sarah Michelle Gellar look is representative of the slinky styles popular during the decade.
How to Wear the Velvet Trend in 2026:
A velvet iteration of Toteme's iconic logo shirt? We're engaging. And better still that it's giving Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman in Practical Magic
9. Chain Mail
Style Notes: Elizabeth Hurley will forever be remembered for that safety-pin dress from Versace, but let us not forget this stunning chain-mail number, please. The fabric became popular after Gianni Versace created a more wearable version, and the idea has returned yet again with chain-mail, diamante and mirrored tops popping up all over the high street.
How to Wear the Chain Mail Trend in 2026:
The easiest way to inject new trends into your wardrobe is through accessories, like this iconic chainmail piece from Rabanne.
10. Branded Sportswear
Style Notes: If you saw this in Dalston today, you wouldn't bat an eyelid. So many men and women are adopting the sportswear staples of the '90s, especially when they come logo-emblazoned like Whitney Houston's visor. We've currently got our eyes on this Adidas piece below.
How to Wear the Branded Sportswear Trend in 2026:
Wear with a striped polo in the summer and a longline coat come winter.
11. Corsets
Style Notes: If your top wasn't a vest or a corset in the '90s, then you were living in a bubble! SJP was a strong supporter of boned and bodiced bandeaus, wearing them with everything from short suits to fancy red carpet skirts. Now, it feels very Bridgerton.
How to Wear the Corset Trend in 2026:
Hailey Bieber recently wore something near identical to this Magda Butrym style.
12. Whimsigoth Style
Style Notes: If you weren't grunge or super polished, you probably spent the '90s trying to imitate Lisa Bonet and her artfully thrown-together NYC artistic look. The mini sunglasses and sneakers still stand up today, and we all know celebs continue to love a "naked" dress.
How to Wear the Whimsigoth Trend in 2026:
As Lisa Bonet shows, you can style these pieces up or down.
13. Gingham
Style Notes: Printed leggings started in the '80s and went well on into the '90s. It's not a look we often reach for these days, but there's no denying that Naomi Campbell pulled it off with ease.
How to Wear the Gingham Trend in 2026:
This gorgeous smocked dress feels both nostalgic and contemporary, which is the perfect combination for a print like gingham.
14. Denim Shorts
Style Notes: Will denim shorts ever die out? Probably not. Here's Halle Berry wearing them in the most '90s ensemble possible: with a black belt, socks with hiking boots, and a crop top.
How to Wear the Denim Shorts Trend in 2026:
The ripped hems feels quite West Coast coded.
15. Micro Bags
Style Notes: Tell us the truth: You want a mini bag again, right? Kate Beckinsale's little fabric bag (and pink skirt) look so right for now. We wonder if she still has the pieces she wore to this film premiere. Also, props to Claire Danes on the very au courant tiger-print top.
How to Wear the Micro Bag Trend in 2026:
Bottega Venenta's Mini Jodie is the definition of a fashion sweet treat.
16. Strappy Heels
Style Notes: Take a glance over any sandal collection from the current season, and you'll journey back to 1995 when strappy heels were the only option. Here's Jennifer Lopez giving an excellent "business casual" look in hers.
How to Wear the Strappy Heel Trend in 2026:
These couldn't feel more '90s if you tried.
17. Bucket Hats
Style Notes: Whilst this trend might have started with Liam Gallagher and the Manchester music scene, the likes of Allsaints and Naomi Campbell were seen promoting this look, too. Most recently, the likes of Hailey Bieber, Billie Eilish and Rihanna tried to bring it back again. Opinions are split.
How to Wear the Bucket Hat Trend in 2026:
This accessory is giving Julia Roberts in Notting Hill, if she was on a holiday to
18. Leather Blazer
Style Notes: The leather jacket'spopularity probably has a lot to do with the fact that The Matrix was such a huge hit—everyone wanted to wear Neo's long leather coat. But because that maxi silhouette isn't exactly practical, it evolved into this shorter form as seen on Winona Ryder and Kate Moss.
How to Wear the Leather Blazer Trend in 2026:
Come cold weather, this is the only outerwear piece pared-back dressers reach for.
19. Capri Leggings
Style Notes: As modelled here by Victoria Beckham, pedal pushers weren't shorts or trousers and they definitely weren't cropped kick-flares. Also called capri pants, pedal pushers slightly grazed the calf, revealing just a hint of leg while still feeling modest. These were initially filed under "never to wear again," but never say never…
How to Wear the Capri Leggings Trend in 2026:
Ease into this style with this split-hem style.
20. Halterneck Tops
Style Notes: The halterneck and the handkerchief were the official tops of the '90s, and they were always paired with boot-cut jeans (probably from Miss Sixty).
How to Wear the Halterneck Top Trend in 2026:
That viral dress you've been seeing all over your feed? This is the top version, which makes it perfect for pairing with other separates.
21. Combat Trousers
Style Notes: Seriously, though, who didn't own a pair of combat trousers or cargo pants? Thanks to Allsaints, these baggy 'dad' trousers actually looked pretty sassy when combined with a crop top. Now, everyone from celebrities to influencers has been seen sporting cargo pants.
How to Wear the Combat Trouser Trend in 2026:
This butter yellow and sky blue colour combination is like summer incarnate.
22. Waistcoats
Style Notes: The waistcoat was often worn during the '90s as a piece all by itself rather than as part of a suit. Ideally, it should be worn à la Drew Barrymore with a denim skirt and a bum bag. Today's version is most likely to be worn over a big-collared blouse or simply on it's own.
How to Wear the Waistcoat Trend in 2026:
Stylish women are wearing theirs with tailored trousers today but jeans will work well too. (Just look at Zoë Kravitz's autumn press tour wardrobe from the '90s-set crime comedy Caught Stealing.)
23. Oval Sunglasses
Style Notes: Kurt Cobain was a style icon for many reasons. His baggy cardigans and love for the general grunge look inspired a whole generation of fashion. We still love the extra-large oval sunglasses he wore on the red carpet for the MTV Video Music Awards in 1993. While they've just started to come back into fashion, we'd forgotten about them for so long.
How to Wear the Oval Sunglasses Trend in 2026:
Hailey Bieber and Bella Hadid love wearing these types of frames.
24. Tube Tops
Style Notes: Trust Liv Tyler to really remind us of our youth. The strapless bandeau top was a must for any '90s wardrobe. Preferably accessorised with an oversized necklace, which you can find at contemporary brands like Heaven Mayhem.
How to Wear the Tube Top Trend in 2026:
So comfy and easy to style.
25. Beanies
Style Notes: There are many reasons to love the Gwyneth-and-Brad era. For starters, they always managed to do the stylish celebrity couple thing without appearing to try hard. But they also did casual dressing like no one else.
How to Wear the Beanie Trend in 2026:
Buy now for year-long love.
26. Goth
Style Notes: Thanks to The Craft, there wasn't a group of friends in the '90s that didn't try the "light as a feather, stiff as a board" game. (If you know, you know.) But trying out spells isn't the only thing this goth movie inspired—it also impacted our wardrobes. Cue lots of layered pendant necklaces and black belts.
How to Wear the Goth Trend in 2026:
Take cues from scream queen Neve Campbell and wear a biker jacket.
27. Plaid Shirts
Style Notes: Plaid, flannel and checked shirts were a real grunge '90s vibe, but they didn't just belong to the likes of Kurt Cobain or the grunge set. In fact, Marc Jacobs tried to bring this style into high fashion spheres with the spring/summer 1993 collection for Perry Ellis. Doing so might've gotten him fired, fashion critics called his designs "anathema to fashion" after all, but the impact still remains.
How to Wear the Plaid Shirt Trend in 2026:
An ultra-cosy layering piece.
28. Little Black Dress
Style Notes: Sure, the LBD hasn't exactly disappeared, but in the '90s, it was all about the super-short and sassy version. No one did it better than Jennifer Aniston's Rachel from Friends.
How to Wear the LBD Trend in 2026:
Scoop necklines will forever be chic.
29. Rolled Brim Hats
Style Notes: The '90s were an excellent decade for hats. On one end of the spectrum, we had outlandish styles like the fairy floss-coloured fur hat worn by Pamela Anderson to the 1999 VMAs, while on the other, we had the more wearable styles like the rolled brim hat modelled here by Claudia Schiffer. Sure, her version might be equally lavish, considering it's made of a lilac Chanel tweed, but it's nonetheless synonymous with the headpieces throughout the decade.
How to Wear the Rolled Brim Hat Trend in 2026:
This style has a tweed-esque finish that's synonymous with French style.
30. Dungarees
Style Notes: Oversized denim dungarees were hugely popular amongst hip-hop stars in the early '90s, and it wasn't long before everyone from TLC to Dawson's Creek's Joey Potter had a pair, too.
How to Wear the Dungarees Trend in 2026:
Layer over a button-up shirt for more '90s appeal, or a romantic blouse to make it more 2026-coded.
31. Bum Bags
Style Notes: After '80s fashion gifted us with bright acid hues, '90s style icons like Goldie Hawn and Drew Barrymore gave the look an altogether cooler vibe with black leather bum bags slung around high-waisted jeans.
How to Wear the Bumbag Trend in 2026:
Wear as a crossbody or a classic belt bag, COS's crossbody bag is also a great choice if you prefer a more modern silhouette.
32. Babydoll Dresses
Style Notes: Ahh, the baby-doll dress. They were mainly considered lingerie, and it wasn't until Emma Bunton aka Baby Spice started wearing them as eveningwear that they became such a trend.
How to Wear the Babydoll Dress Trend in 2026:
This floaty version feels a little more casual for day-to-day wearing. Courtesy of My Mum Made It, an independent brand renowned for their sustainable fabrics and celebrity clientele, this style would pair well with knee-high boots and sweet strappy ballet flats.
33. Tinted Lenses
Style Notes: Tinted sunglasses may be popular Instagram fare amongst the likes of Gigi and Bella Hadid, but has anyone really worn them better than fashion's original sister duo Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen?
How to Wear the Tinted Lens Trend in 2026:
This fun peach pair feels totally 90s fashion coded.
34. Tie Dye
Style Notes: If you didn't have a tie-dye T-shirt like the original Destiny's Child lineup, were you really living through the '90s? These were truly everywhere, with even grunge icons like Kurt Cobain getting involved.
How to Wear the Tie-Dye Trend in 2026:
This shirt still feels modern whilst referencing an outdated 90s fashion trend.
35. Floral Dresses
Style Notes: Pamela Anderson's bombshell era delivered many memorable '90s fashion moments, from her leather looks while promoting 1996's Barb Wire at the Cannes Film Festival to her iconic fluffy pink hat from the 1996 MTV VMAs. Yet, we think this sweet floral dress is the bigger encapsulation of a '90s fashion trend that's made a comeback, with brands from Reformation to Réalisation Par making modern versions of the silhouette.
How to Wear the Floral Dress Trend in 2026:
Embracing the best of '90s fashion, this Reformation dress features a cinched bodice, A-line skirt and is available in from size 4- 16.
36. Mary Janes
Style Notes: Sofia Coppola's distinct aesthetic has been cemented on film since her 1999 directorial debut. But even as a teenager, the 'nepo baby' still had an inimitable taste. We love this true minimalist look, with a cardigan, baby doll dress and raised Mary Janes unsung style staples of the decade.
How to Wear the Mary Janes Trend in 2026:
To quote Carrie Bradshaw, Manolo Blahnik's Mary Janes aren't just the stuff of fashion myth...
37. Straight-Leg Jeans
Style Notes: When you fish a pair of vintage Levi's 501s out of a second-hand shop, one of the first things you'll notice is how structured the pair is. This is most likely due to the fact that well-made and heavy-duty straight-leg jeans were all the rage in the '90s. Even supermodels like Cindy Crawford weren't immune to the style's appeal, as pictured here strolling through LAX in 1991.
How to Wear the Straight-Leg Jeans Trend in 2026:
Made of 80% organic cotton and 20% recycled cotton, for that vintage feel.