90’s Clothing That Brings Back the Nostalgia

It’s no secret that we love the 90s. The TV, the movies, and the music are all iconic, and let’s be honest — we never pass up an opportunity to watch reruns of Friends, and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Our obsession with Britney Spears, Jennifer Aniston, Justin Timberlake, and the Spice Girls is shared by millions of others, and we can recite the entire scripts of Clueless and Pretty Woman from memory.

Being fashion-conscious also means looking back to previous decades for inspiration, and the 90s are the decade we have our small-sunglasses gaze focused on. The 90s were the last decade before the internet took over most aspects of our lives, and we long to experience what it was like in all its 90s glory.

Nostalgia is a pretty powerful force. While we love all the ways that we are connected through technology and social media, like how easy it can be to hail a ride or grab concert tickets, we sometimes look back on the days when we were younger (and even before we were born) with warm, fuzzy feelings.

Feeling the pull to earlier decades is completely normal; those feelings of nostalgia allow us to look back on the past with fondness. While the world around us is constantly changing, we can look back on a time when things were a little less connected to the internet and social media. Of course, one of the easiest ways to do this is through clothing. Let’s dig in on all the 90s trends we are currently shopping for on Cider.

Grunge 90s Style

The grunge music scene in the 90s was the basis of the inspiration for the grunge fashion aesthetic. Oversized sweaters, leather jackets, and goth-inspired dresses go perfectly with the punk and heavy metal vibe you’d hear at shows. Flannel shirts were a go-to, and easily removed and tied around the waist when shows got too hot.

Cider’s Feeling Grunge Collection is the perfect place to shop when you want to go against the norm and play into the disheveled vibe that ruled the grunge scene. Pair an oversized knitted top layered over a t-shirt with wide-legged jeans, and don’t forget the 90s-necessary choker necklace. Extra points if you keep your hair from looking too done.

Slip dresses are often seen in the grunge scene too. Pair them with an oversized leather jacket or cardigan to keep the silhouette loose and androgynous.

Preppy 90s Fashion

If your vibe is more Clueless and Rachel Greene from Friends, then you need girly dresses, skirts, and matching sets. Our Too Cool for School edit has everything you need to get that polished look that brings a classic and chic look to your school or workplace.

Look for knitted turtleneck sweaters and vests with stripes or patterned weaves, and pair them with fun, bold skirts. Knee-high socks or tights paired with a midi skirt are an adorable addition as well. Don’t be afraid to add unique and vibrant accessories to make your look match your personality. Fun hoop earrings, handbags, and hats are chic additions that keep your preppy outfit fresh and prevent it from looking too school-girlish. However, if you’re going for that schoolgirl vibe, a fun color block backpack or fanny pack will do the trick.

Materials like satin, silk, and chiffon are sophisticated when paired with knits. Fun colors and prints also keep things fun when the silhouettes are more structured. If it’s a little chilly outside, a structured blazer or windbreaker will give you that retro, laid-back look.

Hip-Hop 90s Looks

The 90s was an iconic era for hip-hop, and not only for the music that was on MTV. The fashion that was inspired by the music is legendary and blazed a trail for what has been in style since. So many trends that were started by hip-hop artists have migrated into other categories of trends.

Baggy crew neck shirts have been a trendy staple whether plain colored or with artistic graffiti-inspired graphics. Rapper LL Cool J made bucket hats popular during the 90s and you could see this trend crossover from hip-hop into the mainstream. The same goes for wearing overalls and tracksuits that were first primarily worn as streetwear.

Just like in the grunge scene, flannel shirts were also popular for those who wanted to give off a cool, hip-hop vibe. While grunge fanatics may pair a plaid flannel with a slip dress or an oversized cardigan, those who preferred the hip-hop aesthetic would wear a silver or gold chain and finish the look with loose cargo pants.

These days the silhouette is a little less on the baggy side, but still loose. Matching sets are super popular and there is no shortage of cool graphic tees that you can wear with bike shorts or high-waisted jeans.

Rave and Clubwear Fashion Inspo

In the 90s, the rave scene became more popular with the rise of electronic dance music (EDM). Also known as club music or house music, EDM is primarily played in clubs or raves where DJs play only EDM. Raves could take place anywhere, from warehouses to abandoned buildings.

All that dancing can get hot and sweaty, and the popularity of rave or clubwear began to make waves across the scene. Less restrictive clothing helped keep rave-goers cool as they danced the night away. You couldn’t dance for very long in a hoodie or blouse, so the norm became less fabric and more breathable items. Of course, everyone wants their outfit to be an extension of their personality, and this is where all the fun colors, materials, and accessories came in.

Today, EDM is still popular and those who frequent the scene have the 90s to thank whenever they plan their outfits. In the early rave days, outfits that were loose and had plenty of pockets were popular, think overalls, mom jeans, and chunky boots to support hours of dancing.

The New Millenium

As we got closer and closer to the millennium, the internet started to have its influences on fashion and this is where we see the rave wear we normally think of becoming more popular. Neon colors, shimmery fabrics, and psychedelic patterns became all the rage. Instead of baggy and loose outfits, we saw hemlines creep up and midriffs peek out from underneath tank tops and crop tops.

Whenever you want to dance the night away at a rave, look to Cider to help you pick the best outfit as you pick out what favorite songs you want to hear. Our Music Festival Collection is perfect for those looking to express their unique sense of style. Pair neon mini skirts with shimmery tops, or choose a functional and fashionable one-piece that keeps things simple.

Self-expression is the ultimate meaning of fashion, and a rave is a perfect place to dance how you want and look how you want. Anytime you get ready for a rave or club, thank the 90s for paving the way to all the fun options you can choose from.

Feeling Nostalgic

As you know, 90’s fashion trends have seen a big revival this decade. History loves to repeat itself, especially in fashion, and we can look back to the 90s to see what decades were seeing their own revival during that decade.

During the 90s there was a surge of styles from the late 60s and 70’ becoming popular again. Flare and bell bottom pants with sequin accents were making their way back onto clothing racks, and groovy flower patterns were seen on everything from denim jackets to scrunchies.

With the release of the Austin Powers movies, the late 60s and 70s had their own mini-surge in popularity. Of course, these styles are incorporated into the current 90s revival, but with a more modern twist. Wide-leg pants are now becoming the norm, and matching sets tend to be made of knit and corduroy materials.

Whenever you want to take a step back into another decade, check out Cider’s Feeling Nostalgic Collection. There you can find a multitude of throwback styles with a modern flare, like an oversized cardigan with a retro print, but with a cropped fit to pair with on-trend high-waisted pants.

Style Any Decade With Cider

As fashion trends move in and out more rapidly, you want to stay current and up-to-date with what is in style. Cider is your one-stop shop for whatever vibe or aesthetic you are looking to build an outfit for.

The 90s was truly a golden age where so many iconic television shows, movies, and music were made. These all melded together into some of the best fashion trends that we are thrilled are coming back in style. It’s so easy to be nostalgic about a decade that was so revolutionary.

While we love that the 90s are experiencing their well-deserved place in the spotlight, we know that other decades will also have their chance to come back into style again.

XOXO,

Cider 💋

Sources:

Speaking of Psychology: Does nostalgia have a psychological purpose? | APA

The History Of EDM | JMC Academy

Nostalgia-Fueled Brand Collaborations Bring Back ’90s & Y2K Aesthetics | Forbes