Best '90s Fashion Trends - Fashion Trends Inspired by the '90s
Skip to Content

Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

1998 mtv video music  awards

The Most Iconic '90s Fashion Moments to Re-create Today

These looks are all the inspiration you need for fall.

By and

The 1990s have influenced modern fashion in a major way. An era praised for effortlessly chic aesthetics, the decade gave birth to some of the most memorable style moments in sartorial history, while simultaneously cementing the icon status of key names in the industry: Naomi Campbell, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, and Sarah Jessica Parker. Now, with new and legacy brands alike opting for a less-fussy approach to '90s fashion—think: Michael Kors, Puppets and Puppets, Maisie Wilen, and Bevza—it's an ideal time to re-create some of the most iconic celebrity looks from the era.

From chunky loafers that boosts anyone's height (Simon Miller, Bottega Veneta) to minimal staples that can be mixed and matched with ease (The Row, Kiki de Montparnasse) it's clear that the '90s never left designers' mood boards. Proenza Schouler's collared cardigan set is reminiscent of Gwyneth Paltrow's collared cardigan from the set of Great Expectations, and the sheer volume of cut-on-the-bias slipdresses available will bring back memories of Tom Ford–era Gucci throughout the iconic decade.

And then there's Princess Diana's off-duty style, which inspired many a designer to consider a more practical approach. Investing in an oversized puffer coat or a pair of bold biker shorts inspired by the princess is a no-brainer this season. Regardless of your personal style, there are looks worth bookmarking for inspiration before doing your fall shopping. Ahead, the most iconic '90s fashion moments to recreate now.


Naomi Campbell, 1991

naomi campbell at bloomingdale's, 1991
Allan Tannenbaum//Getty Images

The supermodel's well-tailored leather skirt suit—an example of the hold menswear trends had on us in the '90s—is a timeless classic that will work well in every wardrobe for seasons to come.

Gwyneth Paltrow, 1996

gywneth paltrow, 1996
Lawrence Schwartzwald//Getty Images

If you're looking for pieces to help transition you through the seasons, you can't go wrong with a summer knit similar to the one the actor wore on the set of Great Expectations. (Bonus points if it comes in a coordinating set, one of the biggest '90s trends to make a comeback of late.)

Elle Macpherson, 1996

elle macpherson, 1996
Evan Agostini//Getty Images

Take a page out of supermodel Elle Macpherson's book and swap your traditional trench for a posh navy-colored style. Not only is the reflective fabric a '90s-specific trend, but it goes with everything.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Elizabeth Hurley,1997

iconic 90s fashion moments
Ron Galella, Ltd.//Getty Images

Elizabeth Hurley's airport look back in 1997 is nothing if not fall outfit inspiration. Plus, pay attention to the hem of her bootcut jeans—another present-day trend we stole from the '90s.

Jada Pinkett Smith, 1997

iconic 90s fashion moments
Ron Galella, Ltd.//Getty Images

Jada Pinkett Smith knows how to wear a suit. Seen here at the Men in Black premiere, she opted for a low-cut style with nothing underneath.

Sarah Jessica Parker, 1999

sarah jessica parker, 1999
Robin Platzer/Twin Images//Getty Images

No stranger to a memorable fashion moment, SJP's midi skirt is on par with styles on the market today. Dress yours up for fall with a pair of knee-high boots for a modern take on the '90s skirtsuit.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Winona Ryder, 1992

iconic 90s fashion moments
Ron Galella, Ltd.//Getty Images

Winona Ryder's leather jacket—forever a wardrobe staple—is the perfect fall layering piece.

Grace Jones, 1990

grace jones, 1990
Dave Benett//Getty Images

Very few do airport style quite like Grace Jones, so if you're looking for a cozy look ahead of your next flight, opt for a (faux) fur coat layered over a hoodie with a super-chic hat.

Naomi Campbell, Claudia Schiffer, and Elle Macpherson, 1995

iconic 90s fashion moments
JON LEVY//Getty Images

Three models, three iconic looks that we'd very much still wear today. (We're pretty sure Claudia Schiffer's skirt-and-knee-high-boots outfit just walked more than a few SS23 runways.)

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Angela Bassett, 1998

iconic 90s fashion moments
Ron Galella//Getty Images

It's possible that Angela Bassett, seen here at the 1998 premiere of How Stella Got Her Groove Back, didn't have any idea how many times this cut-on-the-bias gown would be referenced on runways years later.

Jennifer Aniston, 1998

"scream 2"   london premiere, 1998
Tom Wargacki//Getty Images

Jennifer Aniston's pinstriped suit is a true closet must-have. Give it a 2020 update by pairing it with bolder prints, à la the Friends star.

Halle Berry, 1998

iconic 90s fashion moments
Steve Granitz//Getty Images

Halle Berry—at the fourth annual Blockbuster Awards, no less!—is iconic. The silk dress is an absolute must-have, and the sheer lace overlay is just the icing on the cake.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Iman, 1995

iconic 90s fashion moments
Ron Galella, Ltd.//Getty Images

Model Iman demonstrates the power of the slipdress-oversized blazer combination.

Jennifer Lopez, 1998

1998 mtv video music  awards
Jeff Kravitz//Getty Images

One of her most iconic looks, Jennifer Lopez's monochromatic outfit with low-rise jeans would work just as well today as it did in '98.

Princess Diana, 1995

princess diana, 1995
Anwar Hussein//Getty Images

A look that's been re-created several times over the years, Princess Diana's biker short ensemble is a foolproof way to be sporty chic.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Kate Moss, 1994

iconic 90s fashion moments
Jim Smeal//Getty Images

Take a page out of Kate Moss's book and mix textures for an all-black look that's visually appealing too.

Naomi Campbell, 1996

iconic 90s fashion moments
David M. Benett//Getty Images

The silk slipdress, the round-toe Mary Janes, the dark sunglasses: Naomi Campbell's nightclub look is quintessential '90s.

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, 1996

carolyn besette kennedy 1996
Lawrence Schwartzwald//Getty Images

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was a true style icon, so it makes sense that just about anything she wears would stand the test of time. This midi skirt-and-sweater combo is sure to be your go-to during winter months.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Elle Macpherson, 1995

iconic 90s fashion moments
Ron Galella//Getty Images

Is it Miu Miu spring/summer 2023, or is it Elle Macpherson in 1995? Who can say.

Cindy Crawford, 1994

cindy crawford, 1994
Jeff Kravitz//Getty Images

It's nearly impossible to talk about '90s style without mentioning Cindy Crawford—both on and off the catwalk. Invest in a suede coat to complete her effortless off-duty look.

Headshot of Shelby Ying Hyde
Shelby Ying Hyde

Shelby Ying Hyde is a Brooklyn-based shopping and fashion contributor BAZAAR.com, with bylines on The Zoe Report, Teen Vogue, Essence, Nylon, Elite Daily and more. Prior to entering the editorial space, she worked at luxury e-commerce giants Net-a-Porter and Moda Operandi on the product editorial team, where she gained an extensive understanding of the luxury market as it pertains to shopping and engaging customers in a digital space. Follow @theshelbyying on Instagram for shopping advice, sale updates, and tips for building a well-rounded wardrobe.

Lettermark

Lauren Caruso is a freelance writer, consultant, and digital media strategist that splits her time between NYC and Los Angeles. She has more than ten years of experience within the publishing industry with a focus on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, with tenures at Refinery29, Allure, and The Zoe Report.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

90s Fashion

l r elizabeth tilberis, editor in chief of harpers bazaar magazine w models linda evangelista and naomi campbell  photo by robin platzertwin imagesthe life images collection via getty imagesgetty images

Eight Trends That Defined High Fashion in the '90s

Fashion, Fashion show, Runway, Fashion model, Event, Fashion design, Haute couture, Model, Dress, Style,

Naomi Campbell Opened Alaïa's Couture Comeback

hbz-clueless-karl-lagerfeld-index

Your Favorite '90s Sandals Are Officially Back

Hair, Face, Head, Human, Smile, Eye, Hairstyle, Textile, Plaid, Tartan,

In Photos: Naomi & Kate's Supermodel Friendship

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Logo
tiktok
youtube
facebook
instagram
pinterest
Hearst Fashion and Luxury Collection - A Part of Hearst Digital Media

A Part of Hearst Digital Media

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back.

©2024 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy NoticeCA Notice at CollectionYour CA Privacy Rights/Shine the LightDAA Industry Opt OutTerms of UseSite Map