If you want to channel a style of dress from one of the greatest times of all time, this article will teach you the basics!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Style Trends
Step 1. Use grunge style
The grunge style is a look that is overall "sloppy" and gives the impression that you don't spend a lot of time getting dressed, but still look cool. To create this grunge look, choose three main ones: denim, band t-shirt, and leather jacket.
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Wear loose clothing.
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Use jeans that are cut, acid washed, or crushed.
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If possible, make holes or rips in your clothes.
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Consider using imitation instead of genuine leather.
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Leave your hair messy. For an ideal look, avoid washing it for a few days to achieve an oily look.
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Look for T-shirts for bands that were popular before and during the '90s like Nirvana, Nine Inch Nails, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and The Doors.
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Step 2. Use a babydoll style
Babydoll dresses were very popular in the '90s, and were usually short-sleeved and floral. These babydoll dresses are variations of floral dresses that were popular in the 1930s. They are usually "worn" during the day with a combination of a pair of war boots, sneakers, and/or a jean jacket.
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Fitted velvet dresses (try maroon or black) were also very popular at the time.
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Wear a cropped top. Try pairing high-waisted jeans with a cropped t-shirt, tank top, or cardigan. T-shirts (choose a size or two smaller than what you normally wear) were also trendy for women in those days.
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Wear butterfly clips in your hair. These small plastic clasps of various colors are very popular among women of all ages. One trendy look is to pull the front of your hair back, in 2.5 cm long segments, and use a butterfly clip for each segment. The end result will look as if you are wearing a butterfly "headband".
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Step 3. Wear plaid with lots of it
Checkered button-down shirts, plaid skirts, and plaid dresses were all '90s style. Try lining your outfit with a plaid button-down jacket (but don't button the jacket), or loop a plaid T-shirt around your waist.
Step 4. Go for work overalls - long ones, shorts and dresses like these were the trend in the '90s
This was also a common fashion for teenage girls in the 1930s, especially those who lived in suburban areas. To add a level of authenticity, leave one of the clasps unattended.
Step 5. Layer the shirt with a vest, long sleeve shirt, or dress
Vests in the 90s had a variety of prints and colors; try a denim, knit, or floral vest.
Step 6. Revisit the 70s and the Great Depression
Keep in mind that during the '90s, there was a fashion revival from the '70s, which included disco and hippie-inspired trends. With the economy booming in the '90s, many teens and young adults made the "poor life" of the 1930s, which included grunge fashion, into something glamorous.
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Use something that's colored, peace signs, or contains flowers.
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Look for bell pants. These pants are pants that fit the body at the top and expand dramatically at the bottom. Try a genie or corduroy type. Add a peace sign or floral print to your pants for an extra look!
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Wear tall shoes. These disco-inspired shoes were an overarching trend of the '90s. High shoes can be found in sandals, heels, strap sandals, and even sneakers, and consist of various colors.
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Part 2 of 3: Shoes and Accessories
Step 1. Wear colorful sneakers with raised toes
Try Converse, Nike, Reebok, and Vans. If you want a grunge look, use shoes that are worn, and have holes or have mud stains.
Step 2. Buy war boots
Doc martens was one of the trends of the 90s for both men and women.
Step 3. Look for jelly shoes
These shoes are available in every color you can imagine: purple, pink, green, gray, blue, even transparent!
Step 4. Put on the headband
Look for something thick (about two fingers thick), brightly colored and matches your top or dress if possible.
Step 5. Put on a hat
The black fedora and upside down baseball cap are the main '90s gear here. Women often wear hats with flowers or ribbons that are too big.
Part 3 of 3: Where to Shop
Step 1. Buy by brand
Some of these were popular shoe and clothing brands in the '90s: JNCO, Tommy Hilfiger, Hypercolor, Umbros, Calvin Klein, Roxy, Keds, Reebok, Guess, and Nike.
Step 2. Look for it from your local flea store
It can be difficult to find authentic '90s clothing in modern clothing stores, so a flea store is a good choice. Plus, you'll save a lot of money by shopping second hand.
Step 3. Shop on eBay, Etsy, or other sites that sell vintage items
These and others similar to them may sell old or past-inspired items that may no longer be available in stores today.
Step 4. Raid the wardrobe
Check your siblings' or parents' wardrobes, or ask your friends if they have any '90s clothes they no longer want. Look in your own wardrobe (if you were born in the '90s) to see what clothes you have!
Tips
- If you're dressing up for a special themed party, consider dressing up as a certain character from a famous '90s movie or teen show like Clueless, Clarissa Explains it All, Can't Hardly Wait, 10 Things I Hate About You, Cruel Intentions, and much more.
- Watch old music videos, read old magazines, and watch movies/shows from the 90s for more fashion inspiration.
- Remember that women's styles in the '90s are back in vogue. Floral babydoll dresses, war boots, and grunge are all back in fashion, so consider visiting modern clothing stores.
- You can go for the mod look, inspired by rock roses and faded oasis colors, this is in the original Adidas line, dark jeans and beige shorts. Fred Perry and Ben Sherman polo shirts were also very popular, as were Parkas and Harrington coats.
