If you’ve been watching TikTok or Instagram (or flipping through a fashion magazine) lately, you’ve probably already noticed that the ’90s are back. Over 20 years after the decade ended, many of her most iconic designs (think: scrunchies and mom jeans) that were once mocked are now being embraced by General Z.
Such is the cyclical nature of fashion, and with looks—from grunge to goth to hip-hop and more—throughout the decade, there’s certainly plenty of inspiration to draw from. Here are just a few of the many ’90s trends that have re-entered the culture recently. Just don’t wear them all at once!
It was once famously mocked in a 2003 episode of Sex and the City, this simple and elastic fabric hair tie has become popular again. More comfortable and forgiving on sensitive manes than the typical elastic, the scrunchie has been rediscovered for its versatility, ease of wear and ability to add an extra no-nonsense style to a casual outfit.
STORE: Amazon
Easily recognizable by their cork soles and buckles, these comfortable sandals were a ’90s hippie wardrobe staple, but today you’re more likely to see them worn by a trendy crowd. Birkenstocks fit the so-called “normcore” concept of modest and comfortable clothing of the 90s, while actually being subversively stylish. While classic Birkenstocks come in pale tones, today you can buy them in a wide variety of colors and styles.
STORE: Urban Outfitters
Platform shoes, which had previously been fashionable in the 70s, reached new heights (pun intended) in the 90s. Platforms were seen everywhere, from the Doc Martens of grunge kids to the high-top sneakers of ravers (and the Spice Girls!), and even the Mary Janes and loafers of trend-loving teenage girls. Given the popularity of the ’00s-era stilettos with crazy styles, it makes sense that the wildest and most comfortable clunky shoes would finally come back in style. And unlike in the ’90s, you can get Docs made from vegan leather now, as the brand has offered this as an option since 2011.
STORE: Urban Outfitters
These seductive necklaces, which often have a goth look, were all the rage in the 90s. In particular, choke tattoos—a plastic, cheaply made variation on the theme—were particularly ubiquitous later in the decade. These chokers, as well as the more traditional velvet and rhinestone ones, have become popular again, mostly worn by teenage girls and young women looking to add an attractive accessory to their respective outfits.
STORE: Amazon
Mom jeans (or as they were known in the 90s, just “jeans”) have moved away from being the object of ridicule (mostly mocked in 2004). Saturday Night Live first sketch above) for a cute girl staple. Jeans used to be high-waisted and rigid by default, but as more stretchy fabrics hit the scene, skinny jeans became popular and by the ’00s they were inevitable. Low rises were also the norm back then, and the high waists of so-called mom jeans have proven to be more flattering and comfortable for many people, and can have a surprisingly timeless feel.
Store: Levi’s
These stretchy, skin-tight shorts were the pinnacle of athleisure before the word existed. Often paired with t-shirts or oversized sweatshirts, bike shorts are comfortable and casual, with a touch of sexiness in their form-fitting silhouette. Many people discovered the benefits of bike shorts during the pandemic, as they are a good alternative to going pantsless on Zoom calls. They can also have an understated and chic quality outdoors, as evidenced by the many photos of ’90s style icon Princess Diana in bike shorts that frequently circulate on Instagram.
STORE: Athlete
Beloved by ’90s girls like Courtney Love and Drew Barrymore, the slip dress is outerwear at its best. The silky fabrics and spaghetti straps of these dresses have a flirty vibe without trying too hard, and they’re easy to dress up and dress down with a few accessories. The slip dress can look old Hollywood or riot grrrl, depending on its style, and its versatile sexiness and association with ’90s rebels has led to a new appreciation for the style.
STORE: Urban Outfitters
Plaid has always been around, but in the 90s it was everywherefrom the flannel shirt of grunge musicians to the yellow skirt suit famously worn by Alicia Silverstone in the Ignorant. Throwing on a plaid piece is an easy shortcut to daring ’90s style, as evidenced by pop star and Gen Z fashionista Olivia Rodrigo’s penchant for dresses and miniskirts.
Store: Nordstrom
Often paired with the aforementioned high-waisted jeans in the ’90s, the bodysuit gave casual outfits a more put-together look. While some may scoff at the discomfort of a body when it comes to using the bathroom, these body-conscious pieces (which can be minimalistic, athletic, or boudoir-ready) are making a comeback through celebrity-backed brands like SKIMS and Kim Kardashian and more. .
Store: SKIMS