This article was originally published on Kueez
The '90s were arguably the best decade, and luckily for fashion brands, nostalgia sells. While some people think '90s fashion was meant to stay in the past, we are embracing all these trends that we never thought would return. From chunky platform sneakers to scrunchies and claw clips, these fashion trends from the past are here to stay. Check out all the trends that are being recycled because you might have some of these pieces sitting in storage, and if you don't, run to the store to pick them up.
1. Claw Clips
In the '90s, the claw clip was seen as the chicest hair accessory, and Jennifer Aniston's character on Friends was a huge fan. Recently, people have been bringing them back, but they aren't so much chic as they are convenient.
If you are looking for a way to keep your hair out of your face without it looking messy, get yourself a few claw clips. There are so many ways to style them, and it is the perfect way to show off your earrings too.
2. Leather Chokers
The '90s were a time when people explored their inner punk, and if you missed your chance then, don't worry because many of the styles are making a comeback. For example, chunky leather chokers are making a comeback thanks to Christian Siriano's Fall 2020 collection.
This girl is wearing the designer version, but you can find them pretty much anywhere. It is even more trendy if you add an eyeliner heart for that extra punk feel. You have to commit to this bold look, but some people look really cool in this trend.
3. Cardigans
In the '90s, there was nothing more convenient than throwing on a cardigan over a slip dress or spaghetti strap top in case you got chilly. They came in every color imaginable, and people had enough to match every outfit in their closets.
The updated version is much more trendy as people have been wearing cardigans as shirts lately. When you pair them with high-waisted mom jeans and chunky sneakers, you can look like an off-duty model. It's effortless and chic for a day out.
4. Big Headbands
If there is one trend from the '90s making a comeback that we can get behind, it is headbands. These hair accessories were huge in the '90s, and they are back and better than ever.
There is nothing better to hide oily roots than a bold headband to stretch your style until you are ready to wash again. They also spruce up any basic outfit like a white t-shirt and jeans. It the perfect accessory that we can't get enough of.
5. Sheer Dresses
During the '90s, Kate Moss made a bold statement with her iconic sheer dress at an Elite Model Management party. She set off a trend that was quite suggestive for the time, and it is not being retired anytime soon.
Everyone from Kim Kardashian to Bella Hadid has been rocking this trend in recent years. It has also been a staple in many runway shows like Brandon Maxwell's fall 2020 NYFW show. However, no one will ever be able to rock it as Kate Moss did back in the day.
6. Adidas Slides
It was hard to find someone who didn't own a pair of slides in the '90s. Let's face it; they are so convenient and perfect for running to the pool or grocery store in a hurry. If you happen to have yours lying around the house, it's a good thing because they are back in style.
Models like Gigi Hadid and Suki Waterhouse have been spotted wearing these iconic slides. They have become so popular that brands like Gucci are getting in on the sporty trend and creating expensive versions of their own.
7. Animal-Shaped Backpacks
In the '90s, accessories were all about the cuteness factor. From fluffy, animal-shaped backpacks to butterfly clips, if it was cool, people had to have it. One of those trends that are coming back is animal backpacks.
From designers like Philipp Plein and Moschino, they are making the teddy bear stylish again. Even though you might think this is a trend for children, we guarantee you will want to get one after seeing your favorite celebrity carrying a bear backpack around.
8. Bandanas
Bandanas used to be such a versatile accessory to have in your wardrobe because they could be worn in your hair, as a scarf, or even as a top. However, they started to fade out in the 2000s until someone decided they are trendy again.
Today people use them on everything from hair accessories to makeshift shirts to a way to spruce up sandals. While we still associate them with things we wore at summer camp, there are plenty of ways to elevate them to add a colorful touch to any outfit.
9. High-Waisted Mom Jeans
According to many people, skinny jeans are out, and mom jeans are in. While many jokes were made about mom jeans in the past, people have started to embrace this versatile style. Thanks to street-style stars, the high-waisted baggy jeans are here to stay.
Although there was a famous SNL skit about how ugly this style is, the silhouette is actually very flattering on many body types, and stars like Gigi Hadid and Hailey Bieber have shown that there are ways to dress them up and down.
10. Bike Shorts
In the '90s, we remember when Princess Diana made bike shorts part of her iconic gym look. Our mothers would wear them with oversized shirts to emulate her style, and they are making a huge comeback.
Everyone from Naomi Campbell to Kim Kardashian is rocking this effortless look. People wear them to run errands or to classy events because they can be dressed up or dressed down. A simple black pair are a perfect staple for your wardrobe.
11. Bucket Hats
We're not going to lie; we were highly against bucket hats when they came back into style. In the '90s, they were popular in pop culture, and when we look back on pictures, they look cool. However, every time we see someone wear one, we don't know how to feel about it now.
Kylie Jenner and her BFF, Stassie, have been known to rock matching bucket hats from time to time. Influencers make them look so trendy, but when we try to wear them, it looks silly. Maybe we just don't have the head to pull them off, but that shouldn't stop you from trying out this trend.
12. Knee Socks
The iconic 1995 movie Clueless created many popular trends that blew up in the '90s and came back into style recently. One of those trends was school-girl knee socks. Fashion brands like Prada created the updated version that everyone needed to have.
The mesh socks with the Prada logo can elevate any outfit, and many other designer brands have followed suit. The sheer versions are definitely closer to the trends of the '90s, and there are so many options available.
13. Cargo Pants
Remember that famous line from Mean Girls, when someone says, "I saw Regina George wearing cargo pants and flip flops, so I bought cargo pants and flip flops." While that movie might not have been from the '90s, the trend was spot on.
We guess they never really went out of style. Cargo pants are great if you need to carry many small things because they have a lot of pockets, and you don't even need to carry a purse. But, of course, if they are camo patterned, you get extra points.
14. Cat Eye Sunglasses
Cat-eye sunglasses originally became popular in the '50s and '60s and stayed in style through the '90s. The exaggerated frames went out of style during the 2000s, but now they are back, and everyone is wearing them.
Celebrities like Selena Gomez love to wear cat-eye glasses because they complement round faces, as they give the face a lifting effect. Cat-eye glasses are great on other face shapes as well and are definitely worth trying.
15. Chain Belts
If you have gone on Tik Tok or Pinterest lately, you will notice many Gen Z-ers wearing chain belts. However, most probably don't know that the trend started in the '90s during the grunge era because they were the ultimate accessory to wear with flannel shirts and ripped jeans.
Today people wear less grungy versions of the chain belt as some are shaped like hearts and stars. They add a unique touch to any outfit and can even be used to cinch shift dresses without looking out of place.
16. Combat Boots
This is a trend that we have recently come to love. Back in the '90s, during the grunge era, combat boots were all the rage, specifically Dr. Martens. If you didn't have a pair, you weren't trendy. Today, those boots are just as popular as they were back then.
Today people wear them with everything from skirts and dresses to oversized t-shirts and jeans. They add a little bit of edge to any outfit and come in so many different styles, depending on your personal preference.
17. Fishnet Tights
Like many things on this list, fishnet tights were another grunge-era staple quickly adopted by all women of the '90s. Although people wear them in different styles than they did in the past, fishnets are here to stay.
The most popular way to wear fishnets is under ripped jeans, but people have also taken notes from drag queens by purchasing bedazzled pairs to wear on a fun night out. So whether you want to be more grungy or more glam, fishnets can work with any style.
18. Fanny Packs
Fanny packs might have been the punchline for many fashion jokes, but in the '90s, they were all the rage. It was the best way to carry your things without holding onto your purse at all times. Luckily, these belt bags are back with a vengeance.
We might not be wearing them as our moms did in the '90s, but they are the same styles. Many fashion bloggers have been spotted wearing fanny packs, and they make them look cool, so we had to buy one too.
19. Matching Plaid Sets
Whenever we see someone rocking a plaid set, we can't help but think of Cher from Clueless. That movie introduced many trends that have stayed in style well past the '90s, and plaid sets are back and better than ever.
From designer brands to fast fashion stores, everyone is jumping on the plaid set trend, so there is something for everyone to try. Pair it with chunky sneakers and high socks, and you will look like you walked right out of the '90s.
20. Mini Backpacks
Remember when you would try to fit everything you needed for the day into a miniature backpack? Well, get ready to renew your stuffing skills because these mini backpacks are back and smaller than ever.
It is a good way to carry around things while freeing up your hands. However, the smaller the bag, the fewer things you are able to fit inside. If you are just carrying around your wallet, phone, and keys, this could be the perfect trend for you.
21. Wide-Leg Pants
For most of the 2000s and 2010s, skinny jeans have dominated, but it's time for them to move aside because wide-leg pants are making a comeback. They aren't just regular wide-leg pants; they are extremely wide-legged pants.
While many people would think that they wouldn't be flattering, when you wear a tight shirt and sinch in the waist, they are quite nice. When worn with heels, they elongate your legs and make anyone look like a model.
22. Denim Jackets With Patches
Although some people have been saying that denim jackets are out, we disagree because they are a wardrobe staple. However, this is a slight twist on them from the '90s. Patches on denim jackets are coming back into style, and we don't know how to feel about it.
Ironing or stitching patches onto denim jackets was a way to express your individuality and personality. People are bringing these back with designer labels and aesthetically pleasing patches to give the '90s trend a modern spin.
23. Socks With Heels
While we may never try this trend, in the '90s wearing frilly white socks with heels or Dr. Marten Mary Janes was all the rage. Today the trend is slowly making its way back into mainstream fashion, and your feet will probably be thankful.
Although people probably won't be wearing sports socks with their heels, this is a popular look for Instagram pictures.
24. Platform Sneakers
If Baby Spice was your favorite Spice girl in the '90s, then you probably had a pair of platform sneakers. They were not only comfortable, but they made you look so much taller too. It was a great alternative to wearing heels every day, and thanks to Gucci, the trend is back and here to stay.
Today, many people are wearing platform sneakers because almost every shoe brand has made its own version. From Superga and Converse to Vans and Nike, everyone is elevating their shoe game to fit with this returning trend.
25. Scrunchies
When you think about using scrunchies in the '90s, do you have vivid flashbacks of getting ready for school and throwing one of these in your hair? Today we have one of these in our bags or on our wrists at all times because they are not only trendy, but they are more comfortable than traditional hair ties.
There are so many different kinds for every type of hairstyle, like extra-large ones to make a statement or mini scrunchies if you have thinner hair. You can also get them in almost any color, pattern, or fabric to match all your outfits.
26. Slip Dresses
What has now become the go-to style for wedding guests, the slip dress first became popular in the '90s as a staple in every girl's closet. Kate Moss and Courtney Love were some of the many celebrities seen rocking this style.
Today, celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Emily Ratajakowski are huge fans of the style, and they usually pair it with layered necklaces to give it an extra '90s vibe. It is also one of those dresses that is flattering on almost any body type.
27. White Sneakers
We don't remember when white sneakers weren't a must-have for our wardrobes, but apparently, they became popular in the '90s with brands like Keds, Chuck Taylors, Stan Smiths, and Air Jordans. The trend resurfaced in 2017 as the go-to street style.
Celebrities like Zendaya, Kendall Jenner, the Hadid sisters, and everyone else in Hollywood have been seen wearing white sneakers with casual outfits. This is one trend we hope never goes away because the shoes go with almost every outfit.
28. Tommy Hilfiger Logos
The classic red, white, and blue logo was a staple for every "Tommy Girl" in the '90s. Everything from shorts and shirts had the Tommy Hilfiger logo on it, and we couldn't get enough of it then like we can't get enough of it now.
After Gigi Hadid collaborated with Tommy Hilfiger, the brand became more popular than ever, and vintage pieces are coveted items because it is a timeless look. So if you see anything by Tommy Hilfiger at a thrift store, be sure to buy it because you can repurpose it into a one-of-a-kind item.
29. Spaghetti Strap Tops
Made famous by celebrities of the '90s, spaghetti strap tops and dresses were worn to elegant soirees or to club openings throughout the '90s. However, the trend is popping back up again with celebrities like Kendall and Kylie Jenner showing that they can be worn casually or to dress up.
People are also experimenting with the straps by crisscrossing them or making makeshift one-shoulder tops. They're the perfect thing to have in your wardrobe when you don't know what to wear, and this is another trend that will probably be timeless.
30. Tracksuits
Bright tracksuits were made famous in the '90s by rappers and athletes alike. Then, in the early 2000s, Juicy Couture hopped on the trend with the velour version, and today they are back thanks to celebrities like Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian.
Every brand from Adidas to Skims makes their own version of the tracksuit, but nothing will beat the classic ones from the '90s. Thankfully for the athleisure trend, these sets have become a major part of streetwear fashion.
31. Zig-Zag Hairbands
Who else remembers stabbing themselves in the head while trying to put on one of these zigzag headbands? Whether you were pushing the hair back to wash your face or wearing it as a functional accessory, these things weren't the most comfortable, but they were a must in the '90s.
When they resurfaced at the Prabal Gurung Fall/Winter fashion show in 2018, people wondered if this was their big comeback. However, we have only seen a few brave soles wear these, and we still want to know how to put them on without injuring ourselves.
32. Denim Overalls
Remember when Mary-Kate and Ashley rocked matching overalls on TV, and your mom went out to buy you a pair so you could look just as cute as they did? Well, now you can have the grown-up version of them without feeling like a child.
Most stores are selling overalls these days because they are easy to throw on while still looking put together. In addition, you can buy the full-length version for the winter and shorts for the summer.
33. Flannel Shirts
In the '90s, most people wore their flannel shirts tied around their waist, but some wore them as a layered look. Today, flannel shirts are back in style, and people are putting a modern twist on this classic look.
Today, people usually style them with leggings or jeans over a tank top for a casual look that pays homage to the grunge era. However, they are versatile depending on the color and can go with most things.
34. Colorful Windbreakers
Like tracksuits, colorful windbreakers were popular in the '80s and '90s. People would wear them to make their ensembles more sporty and add a pop of color. With the revival of these jackets, they have become more fashionable.
While some people want to look like they are going on an '80s ski trip, the more modern versions have better color combinations that can go with more than one outfit.
35. Velvet
Velvet was another fabric that was made popular during the grunge era. It resurfaced with an elegant twist in recent years in tailored suits and structured outfits. People are even wearing velvet puffer coats, dress pants, and wrap dresses.
Although velvet is a fabric you can really only wear in the winter because it is so warm, it is still a stylish thing to keep in your closet for when the weather starts to cool down.
36. Baggy Sweats
Say goodbye to slim and skinny cut pants because people are switching to baggy sweats and jeans. But, without giving up style or comfort, you can try out this style for a more casual or dressier look.
Here Hailey Bieber is showing how she wears baggy pants in a casual yet stylish way. We can see her running errands or to the gym in this look, and we can all try it to thanks to the '90s comeback.
37. Tie-Dye Everything
In the past year, people have become obsessed with tie-dye again. This is one of those trends that gets popular every few years, but we think it finally hit its prime. In the '90s, every item came in some kind of tie-dye pattern, which has happened again.
The great thing about tie-dye is that it is so easy to do yourself, and it can revamp many pieces in your wardrobe, like old band tees. It also doesn't have to look like you are wearing a rainbow. It's a contagious trend that we think will continue to go in and out of style.
38. Sweater Vests
A popular item in the '80s and '90s was the sweater vest. It was made popular by the style icon herself, Princess Diana. Today they have made a comeback, and we mad about it. They can be worn over dresses, button-up shirts, and much more.
It can give any outfit a vintage vibe, and style casters have predicted that this will be the hottest trend for fall 2021. We could get behind this layered look if Princess Diana was a fan.
39. Denim Skirts
While the '90s were the decade for the ride and fall of fashion's trendiest trends, the one thing that has always been in style in some way is the denim skirt. Everyone and their mother has owned a denim skirt in their lives.
Many fashion brands have revamped the classic denim skirt for years, and it is one '90s trend that isn't going out of style anytime soon. There are so many varieties, so people anyone can make it work in their wardrobe.
40. Heat To Toe Neon
Neon colors made a huge comeback in 2018 in accessories and streetwear. This was an homage to the '80s and '90s when neon was the coolest thing to wear. From mini backpacks to cropped jeans and bike shorts, neon is all over the place.
If you aren't ready to wear a full-on neon outfit, try adding in a few accent pieces like a purse, sunglasses, or a pair of earrings to dip your toes into the neon trend. It will give you some pops of color without being too much.