The 1990s fashion trends are returning. This groovy era, known for its eclectic style statements, is making a strong comeback. We now see popular styles from that iconic period reappearing. The 90s were a time of various fashion trends. They included grunge and high fashion, as well as minimalism and extravagance. These different movements combined to shape the era’s distinct look.
When it comes to men’s fashion, trends always circle back around. Right now, the enthusiasm for all things 90s is hard to ignore! From TV shows to pop music, 90s nostalgia is stronger than ever and also reflected in contemporary men’s fashion. So, if you want to add a retro touch to your wardrobe that exudes eternal coolness, here are 6 inspiring ways to do so with iconic 90s clothing pieces.
1. Platform Shoes
In the early part of the 1990s decade, platform shoes, previously a popular trend among women, became popular among men. The fashion world witnessed a boost in height boosting footwear. The 90s style icons, like the Spice Girls, began this trend. Kurt Cobain, a fan of the grunge look, also promoted this style.
A brief history of how platform shoes became popular
- Once a staple of the ’70s disco scene, platform shoes made a remarkable comeback on 90s runways.
- Popular during the decade among the grunge and high fashion crowd, these shoes were often worn tied with oversized flannel shirts and baggy jeans.
Modern ways to style platform shoes
- Casual Day Out: Combine platform sneakers with cargo pants, a comfy tee, and a bucket hat for a laid-back look.
- Sophisticated Edge: Spruce up your blazer and denim combination with chic, high-fashion platform shoes.
- Rock ‘N Roll Spirit: Doc Martens paired with ripped jeans and a kerchief headband brings back the 90s grunge fashion in full force.
Platform shoes are one of those “clothing in the 90s” trends that have seen a modern resurgence, making their way back into mainstream fashion with a slick, contemporary twist, and they’re a definitive way to add a whiff of retro charm to your ensemble.
2. Chokers
Chokers, an essential accessory of the 1990s, found their way into women’s and men’s fashion. Popular among the grunge and high-fashion crowd, chokers transcended style boundaries. They ranged anywhere from minimalist leather strips to intricate, eye-catching designs.
Chokers as an essential 90s accessory
- Chokers were often worn by style icons like Kurt Cobain and fashionable men throughout the decade.
- Chokers accentuated the alternative fashion and grunge look that took the world by storm in the 90s.
Ways to incorporate chokers into modern outfits
- Minimalist Statement: Pair a simple black choker with a sleek turtleneck, blazer, and slim-fit jeans for a subtle nod to the choker trend.
- Grunge Revival: Combine a leather choker with a flannel shirt, baggy jeans, and combat boots to channel your inner rockstar.
- Hip-Hop Flair: Rock a flashy gold choker with an oversized hoodie, cargo pants, and sneakers for a contemporary urban look.
The 90s staple, the choker, has made a comeback into modern wardrobes with a stylish twist and is perfect for adding a retro flair to any outfit. Find what suits your aesthetic, whether grunge, high fashion, or hip-hop, and incorporate this iconic accessory into your ensemble.
3. Denim-on-Denim
The 90s saw the rise of numerous fashion trends that redefined men’s style, but none more iconic than the denim-on-denim trend, also known as the “Canadian Tuxedo”. This double denim look was a hit in the grunge, hip-hop, and mainstream fashion scenes, earning its place as a definitive 90s style.
“Canadian Tuxedo” and its origin
- The “Canadian Tuxedo” was coined when the singer Bing Crosby was denied entry into a Canadian hotel because he was dressed completely in denim.
- During the 90s, this style became popular, encompassing everything from denim jackets and baggy jeans to denim shirts.
How to experiment with the double denim look.
- Urban Runner: A denim jacket paired with different shaded denim jeans and white sneakers brings a cool, urban look back onto city streets.
- Retro Vibes: Baggy denim jeans, oversized denim shirt tucked in, and a bucket hat. Doc Martens recalls the best of the grunge era.
- Refined Casual: Pair a dark denim blazer with chic light-wash jeans, a simple tee, and clean sneakers for a dialed-up casual look.
Denim-on-denim is one of the resurgent ‘90s fashion trends that still influences fashion today, offering versatility and a bold style statement to any man’s outfit. Embrace the “Canadian Tuxedo” with your own spin, and make waves in this classic outfit.
4. Bike Shorts
Who can forget the explosion of athleisure in the 90s? Bike shorts reigned supreme as a versatile and stylish wardrobe staple that embraced comfort and functionality in men’s fashion. Today, they’re returning as a trendy addition to retro-inspired looks.
Bike shorts gained popularity in the early 90s as part of the athleisure trend, which merged athletic wear with everyday fashion. Worn by hip-hop and grunge icons, they were often paired with oversized sweatshirts, hoodies, and jackets for a laid-back vibe.
Emulate the 90s athleisure look by pairing bike shorts with a baggy tee, crew socks, and classic sneakers for a street-ready outfit. Combine bike shorts with an oversized flannel shirt, a beanie, and combat boots for a grunge-inspired ensemble. For a sleek, minimalist twist, team bike shorts with a fitted turtleneck and sleek, modern sandals.
Reignite your love for the 90s and experiment with bike shorts as a versatile staple in your wardrobe. From sporty casual to grunge-inspired, the possibilities are endless for adding a stylish edge with these comfortable and practical shorts.
5. Slip Dresses
While slip dresses are traditionally associated with women’s fashion, the 90s saw these stylish garments break barriers and become unisex, showcasing the decade’s aesthetic of effortless beauty. Today, slip dresses continue to make a comeback for those daring to blur gender lines and embrace chic, minimalist styles.
As the epitome of ‘90s minimalist style, slip dresses were often worn by fashion-forward men like Kurt Cobain, who embraced the effortless beauty aesthetic. Slip dresses represent the attempt to redefine traditional fashion norms, embodying the decade’s alternative and mainstream fashion trends.
Tips for styling slip dresses for various occasions
- Casual Elegance: For a dressed-down look, pair a simple slip dress with an oversized cardigan, combat boots, or sneakers to capture that quintessential ’90s casual vibe.
- Grunge Appeal: To embrace the 90s grunge look, wear your slip dress with a flannel shirt tied around the waist, a beanie, and Doc Martens.
- Sophisticated Edge: For fancier occasions, opt for a slinky slip dress with a tailored blazer, statement accessories, and leather sandals for an elevated ensemble.
Once again, slip dresses highlight the daring aspect of ‘90s fashion and, when well-styled, can give your outfit a unique retro touch that others will admire. It’s time to be a frontrunner in breaking down barriers and ushering in new trends that transcend traditional fashion boundaries.
6. Windbreakers (Jackets)
Windbreakers emerged as functional and fashionable attire in the 90s, offering protection from the elements while exemplifying various styles within the decade. Today, these colorful jackets make for an easy-to-adopt addition to your wardrobe that channels 90s nostalgia.
Windbreakers were highly popular in the 90s due to their versatility as lightweight, weather-resistant outerwear that could be worn in various circumstances. Sporty windbreakers in bold prints and colors captured the decade’s athletic and hip-hop fashion influence, while the grunge movement often showcased more subdued colors and oversized fits.
Ideas on incorporating windbreakers in today’s fashion
- Athletic Nostalgia: Amp up the 90s sporty vibe by pairing a windbreaker with cargo pants, a graphic tee, and chunky sneakers for an athletic retro ensemble.
- Grunge Revival: Balance the loudness of a windbreaker with neutral pieces like ripped jeans, a plain tee, and Doc Martens to channel the grunge fashion trend.
- Layered Chic: For a versatile look, wear your windbreaker over a hoodie, slim-fit jeans, and minimalist sneakers for a nod to the layered trends popular throughout the 90s decade.
Windbreakers are the ultimate fusion of fashion and function, reflecting the 90s penchant for practicality. Integrating these vibrant jackets into your wardrobe will showcase a retro touch inspired by the iconic 90s fashion trends.
What makes these 90s clothing pieces great is their versatility and timeless appeal. They work with today’s modern aesthetics while carrying a unique reminiscence of the retro vibe. So, get experimental and bring that nostalgia-infused street style back to life!
Disclaimer — Ensure you rock these trends in a way that still aligns with your style. Fashion is all about self-expression, after all!