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:
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'90s Minimalism Is My Summer Aesthetic—This Is My Capsule WardrobeTimeless.
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I'm a Professional Shopper—These 37 J.Crew, Banana Republic, Zara,Replica Store, and Shopbop Items Are GivingFrom pretty tops to cool pants.
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J.Crew's Latest Collab Is Cool, Dreamy, and Perfect for SummerYes to every single item.
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If I See You Swap Your Classic Black Pumps for This Specific Color Trend, I'll Know You Have Expensive TasteIt works for the summer and the fall.
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J.Crew Is Having a Major Sale RN—Here Are 29 Pieces I Immediately Added to My CartUp to 50% off.
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I'm a Corporate Girlie Now—32 J.Crew Pieces That Have Me Excited for My Morning CommuteFor a fashionable 9-to-5.
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Dear, Everyone Who Hates Jorts—This Pretty Shorts Trend Is About to Take Over Summer 2025How to style it like an NYC-based fashion editor.
