Sorry, But the '90s Did Summer Dressing Better—15 Looks Fashion People Are Copying Two Decades Later

Twenty-five years ago, the '90s were starting to come to a close and the aesthetic of the decade was fully formed. Sorry to be meta, but you might even say that it was peak '90s. And since that decade is such an overarching theme in 2024, we were curious to see exactly what the coolest girls were wearing in July 1998, in both the spirit of nostalgia and in hopes that we'd walk away with some fresh outfit or shopping inspiration. Sure enough, we got both.

Cool girls such as Halle Berry, Cameron Diaz, Sarah Jessica Parker and Leelee Sobieski were living in a world of slip dresses and skirts, tube tops, pouch bags, and platforms—and we're 100% here for it. The 15 photos below provide a slew of summer outfit inspiration, so read on to see what the coolest girls were wearing. Then, shop pieces inspired by these July 1998 looks.

1. Halle Berry: Slip Skirt Tank

Style Notes: As Halle Berry shows here, it doesn't get more classic '90s cool girl than a spaghetti-strap tank top and a slip skirt paired with strappy sandals.

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2. Leelee Sobieski: Leopard Print Dress

Style Notes: Leelee Sobieski wore a maxi dress in July 1998 that makes us see why the leopard-print trend is back with such a vengeance (if it ever left).

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3. Salma Hayek: Lavender Mini Dress

Style Notes: Salma Hayek wore three things that people are wearing again in 2024: lavender, pouch bags and minimal sandals.

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4. Sarah Jessica Parker: Printed Midi + Vest

Style Notes: Leave it to SJP to find the easiest-to-copy outfit of July 1998.

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5. Lark Voorhies: Blue Jeans + Black Top

Style Notes: Saved by the Bell's Lark Voorhies proved that straight-leg jeans and a sweetheart neckline will always be a good combo.

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6. Cindy Crawford: Bright Satin Mini

Style Notes: Who wore it best—Cindy Crawford or Barbie?

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7. Michelle Williams: Black Bandeau Dress

Style Notes: Michelle William's choker, strapless LBD and furry shoes make for a combination we've definitely seen repeated in the current decade.

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8. Jennifer Lopez: Simple White Dress

Style Notes: Two observations: Jennifer Lopez clearly doesn't age, and she could undoubtedly get away with wearing this chic slip dress today.

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9. Claire Danes: Sheath Dress

Style Notes: If it's the '90s minimalist look that you love the most, look no further than Claire Danes' simple sheath dress and slingback sandals. TBH, '90s style doesn't get more timeless than this.

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10. Cameron Diaz: Low-Rise Trousers + Tube Top

Style Notes: Cameron Diaz's tube top and low-slung trousers were a uniform for many cool girls in the late '90s.

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11. Jennifer Aniston: Bright Maxi Dress

Style Notes: Jennifer Aniston (and plenty of others who are in-the-know) have been wearing sheath dresses for years.

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12. Jessica Biel: Mini Skirt + Strapless Top

Style Notes: Believe it or not, everything about Jessica Biel's quintessential '90s look is back in style: oval glasses, ruched tube top, miniskirt, anklet and platform shoes included.

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13. Christina Applegate: Penci Skirt + Sheer Top

Style Notes: Two decades ago, Christina Applegate displayed the most sophisticated way to wear the sheer trend.

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14. Claudia Schiffer: Metallic Gown

Style Notes: Claudia Schiffer's silver cowl-neck gown is the epitome of evening dressing in 1998.

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15. Courtney Cox: Lingerie-Style Mini Slip

Style Notes: We're pretty sure we've seen Courtney Cox's exact outfit on Instagram this year.

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This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.