Chokers Aren't the Only '90s Trend That's Back…

We currently can’t stop pinning the early ’90s It-girl crowd: our angsty queen, Winona Ryder; dark-lipped flower child Drew Barrymore; and essentially the entire cast of My So-Called Life. Oh, how we loved channeling the grittier edge of '90s fashion—a time before we cut our hair like Rachel Green. The key? Outfits had to involve something seemingly borrowed from our favorite ’90s poster boys: We’re talking combat boots, waist-tied flannel shirts, and oversize everything (especially denim jackets).

As with any decade-driven trend, when it resurfaces, we try to reimagine it with a fully of-the-moment twist. To make sure we weren't making any new faux pax with this fashion throwback, we checked in with resident NYC cool girl Charlotte Groeneveld of The Fashion Guitar. She created three outfits we can’t wait to copy using her favorite casually-cool, unfussy denim pieces from AG’s fall collection, all of which were inspired by the offbeat Hollywood cool kids who ruled the red carpet in the early ’90s—the ones we're still pinning today. 

See Charlotte's key ’90s denim pieces, plus what to wear them with now.

Relaxed Jeans + Chunky Footwear

In contrast with the tight, hip-hugging denim of the early 2000s, the ’90s were all about lived-in, looser-fitting jeans. Think relaxed (if not baggy) denim inevitably teamed with boxy leather jackets and boyish T-shirts. Groeneveld accessorized with modern takes on the era’s must-haves: retro-inspired aviator sunglasses, a minimalistic black choker, and a black leather belt à la Neve Campbell on Party of Five. Her favorite element of this look? The worn-in fit of the jeans, perfect for running after her two kids in.

Lived-In Denim Skirt + Ribbed Tanks

Groeneveld points out that this vibe doesn’t have to feel grungy. She loves a polished yet sporty spin on the ’90s vibe and tells us a classic midi denim skirt is a must-have. Her tricks to keeping it feeling like 1993? A racerback tank (bonus points for ribbed cotton) and beat-up classic sneakers for a key undone twist south of the ankles. Slightly tousled locks complete the model-off-duty vibe.

Oversize Jackets + Lots of Leg

Our favorite young stars of the ’90s all had one thing in common: looking like they borrowed half of their wardrobes from a guy's closet. Follow their lead by wearing oversize denim jackets and logo tees—a sharp contrast to the cropped, fitted versions that followed in the latter part of the decade. Groeneveld recommends buying a baseball-style sweater two sizes too big and rolling up the sleeves for that lived-in vibe. Pair the pieces with white vintage high-tops to complete the look.

Are you ready to relive the best of the ’90s? Shop the rest of AG’s fall collection to get the look.