A time of tie-dye, vests and a whole lot of grunge—that was fashion in the 90s for you. It’s well-known that the 90s were a decade of rapid change, growth and development. Fashion often serves as a social reflection and these characteristics could be seen in what people chose to wear as well. While the mini skirt and power-dressing revolution had already helped make fashion more flexible for women in previous decades, the 90s helped fashion lovers get more creative with their choices. Right from music genres and TV series to political figures, all aspects of society ended up influencing what women felt inclined to wear.
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Why 90s Fashion For Women Was A Hit
When it comes to fashion, trends from the 90s are one of the most widely known, worn and popularised. Why that is, is not much of a secret. With increased accessibility to the internet coupled with more exposure to entertainment sources like television, music and movies, fashion trends became more and more global. While the 90s saw a host of extremely varied fashion trends, it also meant that there was something for everyone. Whether it was an androgynous look or a badass grunge look, it was all trending and women chose the ones they felt like flaunting most.
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When it comes to the Indian subcontinent, we saw the Indian film and TV industry grow into popularity at a quick pace, giving audiences access to what their favourite stars like to wear. The Indian fashion industry also became a more organised space, seeing many of today’s biggest Indian designers grow. The end of the 90s also saw the establishment of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), giving fashion in India a collective platform and 90s fashion for women a fresh take in the country.
Clothing in the 90s
There was a vast category of clothing that saw mass popularity and collectively formed the 90’s fashion for women. Here’s a look at some of the most popular ones:
Grunge
The music genres of grunge and punk-influenced a fashion trend of its own. Fans of grunge music adapted this clothing style largely during the mid and late 90s. It included plaid shirts, ripped jeans, flannels, coupled with dark-hued lipsticks.
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Power Dressing
With more and more women being a part of the workplace globally, tailored fits became more popular amongst women too. While the 80s has just seen a boom in power dressing, the same spilt over the 90s, encouraging women to sport a well-tailored suit every now and then, in addition to blouses, tailored skirts, work dresses and pumps. Overall, power dressing was a big part of 90s fashion for women.
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Athletic Wear
Everyone remembers the leotard and legging look of the 90s, as well as Princess Diana on her errand, runs in a casual sweatshirt and leggings. More and more women chose this comfortable clothing style for casual outfits during the 90s. The emergence of sport shoe brands like Converse, Keds, Nike and Reebok only made the style more popular.
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Casual Chic
Casual wear became chic, minimal and even classy during the 90s. Women would wear a pair of denim with a crop top, strappy tops and matching tracksuits, which made for the casual chic wardrobe when it ca,e to 90s fashion for women
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Glam
With the entertainment business at an all-time high, and the rise of the paparazzi culture, glam, red-carpet style looks were a favourite amongst women. Velvet and satin dresses, both short and long, had fast become wardrobe staples.
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90s Popular Fits & Popular Trends in 90s Fashion For Women
Tie-Dye
This colourful and vibrant print was virtually everywhere during the 90s. The multi-coloured tie-dye cropped t-shirt was one of the more popular pieces amongst women that loved the trend.
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Vests
From Rachel Green sporting sweater vests and vest jackets in popular sitcom Friends to Drew Barrymore wearing a sleek, tailored version of the silhouette, vests, both layered and solo were one of the most worn garments during the 90s, making the vest super popular in 90s fashion for women.
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Slip Dresses and Skirts
Slip dresses and skirts, essentially thin satin skirts and dresses were another popular trend during this decade. The trend was used for casual as well as glam looks, often seen on red carpets as well as casually worn with a layer beneath.
Hair Accessories
It’s safe to say the 90s was a good time for hair accessories. From scrunchies to floppy hats and baseball caps, women had a trendy hair accessory option for any kind of outfit. Overall, 90s fashion for women was all about different and quirky headwear.
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Baggy Jeans
The comfort-fit jeans was a big hit during the 90s. Be it baggy, or wide legged, this closet staple was wider, more comfy during this decade.
Combat Trousers
Cargo trousers, low strung with multiple pockets, it does sound like a part of the trekking attire today, but women in the 90s made this trend look glam and casual, pairing it often with crop tops and belts.
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Pedal Pushers
Believe it or not, this length, that many would consider awkward today, was a big hit in 90s fashion for women. It was even worn by the likes of JLo on the red carpet, couple with a crop top for a glam look.
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Flannels
A part of the grunge style of clothing, flannel and plaid shirts were all the rage during the 90s. often used as a layer with ripped jeans and a t-shirt, this trend was a crucial part of the ‘grunge uniform’ of the 90s.
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Animal Print
Snakeskin, cheetah print, leopard prints were one of the most famous print trends during this decade. Be its hoes, bags, accessories or an entire outfit, this trend was translated onto most fashion items in the 90s fashion for women category.
The 90s Comeback
Slip Silhouettes
This 90s trend can be styled pretty much how it was originally. Besides layering it under, you can also add a loungey sweater on top of it for a more winter-friendly look.
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Baggy Jeans
Wider denim silhouettes are not only trendy in recent times but are also super comfy. Opt for one with a high-rise waist to help balance the extra volume on the bottoms and give your legs for days even in a baggy pair.
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Animal Print
While going all out with an animal print may not be everyone’s style statement, adding the print in minimal ways to your outfit can help add interest. Snakeskin boots or a mini bag with an animal print, paired with a monotone outfit can do the trick.
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Suitings
A good suit is a staple irrespective of which trends come and go. For a more current vibe, pair it with a slip top, or a waistcoat for a more retro look.
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While the 90s have been influential to fashion in more than a few ways, using trends in ways truest to your personal style is a more authentic and comfortable way to go about any fashion trend. With fashion being truly cyclical, the upside is that you can always hold on to the pieces you love the most, either using them in versatile ways or saving them for a time they would be more popular.
Do you love 90s fashion for women? Tell us which 90s trend do you love the most in the comments below!