As a child of the '90s, I'll admit that there are many trends of that decade that I'd rather leave behind (pencil-thin eyebrows and towering Spice Girls esque platform sneakers among them). And while I did dabble in some of the era's more questionable looks—including butterfly clips and plastic chokers—I'm convinced the decade is far chicer than we give it credit for.
You only have to look as far as celebrity throwbacks featuring Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Campbell or Kate Moss to see that the most standout looks from the '90s were often the simplest. From knit dresses to chic silk slips, the outfits that can be categorised as easy and effortless are also the most prominent looks that have stood the test of time.
With this in mind, I delved into the archive and found a treasure trove of easy '90s looks that I'd happily wear today. Keep scrolling to see the easy '90s outfits I'd still wear today. I promise you, they're still worth a space in your wardrobe.
1. The Slip Dress
Style Notes: Let's start as we mean to go on, with one of the decades biggest style influences Gwyneth Paltrow. The actress was a '90s It girl, as evidenced by her penchant for sleek, minimalist looks like the silk maxi dress above. This awards look is a classic silhouette, only made better by the must-have accessory (not Brad Pitt), silver jewellery.
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Silk slip dresses never go out of style.
Easily one of the best strappy heels on the market right now.
Want to the channel 90s? You're going to need a mini baguette.
An everyday hoop to lift any outfit.
2. Cardigan and Silk Trousers
Style Notes: This look may be from almost three decades ago, but it feels more relevant than ever post-lockdown. A simple cardi and silk trousers that could pass as pyjamas? Talk about a perfect WFH outfit. Thank you, J.Lo (although, I'll take mine in easy neutrals).
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Wear with jeans, mini skirts, over slip dresses, with leather trousers...
This is what comes to mind when I think of "quiet luxury."
If there is any casual outfit that an easy loafer can't improve, I'm yet to see it.
3. Logo Top and Jeans
Style Notes: This understated look, courtesy of Naomi Campbell, just might be the most classic outfit formula of all time. Jeans and a white top are a timeless combination no matter the era. and the key to nailing off-duty supermodel style.
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Understatedly chic.
The perfect high-waisted, straight-legged vintage fit.
Keep it classic in high top Chuck Taylors.
4. Knit Dress and Statement Bag
Style Notes: Keeping it relatively simple, our favourite Friend Jennifer Aniston opted for a timeless knit dress and paired it alongside a statement leopard bag for the GLAAD awards red carpet. It might not be the first formal look you think of, but the unexpected combination still manages to make sense with a 2024 update.
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The perfect foundation for some elegant accessorising.
Dressing up? Swap a boring black clutch for a statement print bag.
I'm calling it now the mule is the biggest shoe trend to come out of the 1990s.
5. Leather Blazer Over a T-Shirt and Jeans
Style Notes: Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm willing to bet I've seen several influencers in this exact outfit lately. Clearly a boxy leather blazer and vintage-wash jeans are guaranteed to stand the test of time.
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A leather blazer is an outerwear piece you'll never regret owning.
My go-to for good quality white t-shirts on the high street?It's got to be Arket.
Agolde jeans are an influencer favourite.
The key to making any outfit feel immediately more 90s the skinny tortoiseshell lens.
6. LBD and Strappy Sandals
Style Notes: There's no debating the ease and effortlessness of the LBD. Find yourself a great, versatile fit, and you'll wear it for any occasion, and for years to come. That's what we a call a very sound investment.
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I love the knit detailing on this LBD.
Such a versatile kitten heel.
An all-black look will benefit from a pop of colour like bold, confident red.
7. Denim Jacket and Leggings
Style Notes: While travelling isn't always on the cards quite as much as we'd like, that doesn't mean we can't still appreciate a chic airport look. Here, Tyra Banks opts for a denim jacket, a Calvin Klein tee and leggings, and honestly, the picture looks like it could have been taken yesterday.
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The perfect wash that will go with anything.
(And yes, you can still buy the exact CK tee that Tyra wore nearly 30 years ago. Talk about a throwback).
8. A Basic Top, Pencil Skirt and Knee-High Boots
Style Notes: It's impossible to talk about 90s outfit inspiration without mentioning Carolyn Bessett-Kennedy. From maxi coats and column dresses, to her impeccable taste in eveningwear, Bessett-Kennedy set the tone for the modern minimalist brands like The Row, Tibi and Khaite that we love today.
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When it gets chilly again, swap a jersey top for a fine knit cardigan. It's equally fitted, but a little bit cosier.
A casual top + a formal pencil skirt is the high/low styling combination I didn't know I needed until now.
Paris Texas were the most talked about shoe brand of 2023, and with styles this good, it's easy to see why.
How to add expensive-looking detail to your outfit for well under three figures.
9. A Knit, Mini Skirt and Ballet Pumps
Style Notes: If you needed any further proof that fashion is entirely cyclical, just look at the journey of the ballet pump. From the stage to the street via Audrey Hepburn, Kate Moss, and Alexa Chung, we're wearing them on repeat this spring/summer, and a mini skirt is the simple shoe's best friend.
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Up the luxe factor with a Merino top.
Really show off the pins in this mini.
Easy, simple, chic.
Shop More 90s Inspired Key Buys:
This '90s style is back in a major way.
This comes in six different colours and prints, so there's one for every occasion.
Nothing says "90s model" quite like a tube jersey dress.
If it's not a baguette, we don't want to know.
This summer, go full throwback with this chic update on flatforms.
This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.
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