Long live maxi skirts and micro-shades—two staples of '90s style. Between Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy's New York street style and Miuccia Prada's pre-smartphone runways, the time period between 1990 and 1999 may be my favorite yet. Although I didn't exactly live through it as a Gen Z fashion editor, every scroll on Pinterest provides me more and more opportunities to channel my inner Kate Moss and Julia Roberts, two leading ladies of the decade.
Known for its preppy, sophisticated style, J.Crew is certainly serving up elevated basics and chic silhouettes that all the It girls of the time were wearing. Olympia Gayot's new era at J.Crew has ushered in stylish garments that rival minimalist cult designers, a major plus in my book as someone who's slowly building their forever closet.
While I've dipped my toe into Y2K butterfly tops and low-rise jeans, there's nothing quite as comfortable to me as neutral long-sleeve shirts, boxy menswear jackets, and oversize denim jeans. Add a tortoiseshell headband, some vampy Chanel nail polish à la CBK, and a sleek black purse, and you're practically a carbon copy of the coolest fashion people back in the day.
Below, you'll find all the J.Crew staples that work just as well today as they would have back then.
WHO: Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy
WHO: Julia Roberts
WHO: Iman
WHO: Gwyneth Paltrow
WHO: Halle Berry
WHO: Kate Moss
Shop more J.Crew finds:
-
I've Been Wearing My J.Crew Rollneck Sweater Every Day—Here's What I'm Wearing With It to Look Chic in NYCI already want another color.
-
Gwyneth Paltrow and Apple Martin Star in GapStudio's Fall Campaign—Shop Wholesale Replica Bag CollectionThe mother and daughter model the new 38-piece capsule.
-
I Love the Sweaters at J.Crew, COS, and Zara RN—40 Worth Adding to Your CartThese will elevate your fall outfits.
-
I Got Stares and Compliments at a Boston Coffee Shop While Wearing This J.Crew Approved Fall OutfitShop the effortless three-piece look.
-
Wait, Everything Is on Sale at J.Crew—These 29 Elegant Fall Finds Are the StandoutsGet 40% off full-priced items.
-
J.Crew Just Partnered With the Luxury Afrofuturist Jewelry Brand You Should Know About—6 Gorgeous Pieces From the Capsule CollectionAn elegant collaboration with Khiry's Jameel Mohammed.
-
FYI: If You Wear This Dated Sneaker Trend in Fall 2025, Make Sure It's With Baggy JeansBecause Gwyneth Paltrow says so.
-
Cool-Girl Fall Era Loading—31 Picks From Zara, J.Crew, and Gap That Fit the BillI'm a senior shopping editor, and these have my stamp of approval.
