These '90s Trends Haven't Come Back Yet, But They Will
My nostalgia for the ‘90s has hit some kind of all-time high. I’ve covered fashion from the decade at length and all of the ways it’s returning. From the throwback bag Kendall Jenner is making popular again to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy’s best ‘90s looks to trends Kate Moss put on the map during that time. But I as more and more photos from the 1990s have flooded my Instagram feed with throwback accounts like @90sanxiety, I noticed that there are some truly great fashion trends that haven’t really resurfaced like many other have.
I’m talking about everything from classic trends in the ‘90s like white sunglasses and strapless tops to more under-the-radar ones like leather blazers and leopard bags. I’ve seem small nods to these pieces at times, but they have in now way blown up like some of their popular counterparts like tiny sunglasses and strappy sandals that have defined 2018 style. I’ll be waiting to see when they explode, but think it’s only a matter of time. Ahead, ten trends from the ‘90s that I’m predicting are coming back.
Accessories, accessories, accessories
In the '90s, it was all about piling on the accessories. Get ready to layer the jewelry, bags, and sunglasses to make a big statement.
Barely-there straps
Slip dresses have certainly made a comeback, but I haven't seen the return of nearly invisible straps that were all over the runways at Narciso Rodriguez and Calvin Klein.
Statement bras
Exposed bras and bandeau tops are a thing again, but ones covered in sequins or embellishments? I'm waiting for those to pop up.
Strapless everything
If wedding dress trends are any indication, strapless had a huge moment in the '90s. I think they'll be making their way back into everyday wardrobes again soon.
Leopard bags
Leopard is exploding as a trend at the moment, but leopard bags? I haven't seen too many. Get ready for these to work their way into your wardrobe soon, though.
White sunglasses
Once the tiny sunglasses fatigue sets in, I'm guessing white sunglasses will be the next trend to sweep Instagram.
Leather blazers
Cindy Crawford's iconic leather blazer airport outfit was recently repeated by Kaia Gerber, and I think this trend has legs.
Embellished swimsuits
We're always braced for a new swimwear trend at Who What Wear, and I have my eyes open for cool embellished swimsuits.
Quilting
Quilted jackets feel very '90s Chanel in the best possible way. Let's bring them back.
Spaghetti strap tops
Perhaps the biggest '90s trend of all? Spaghetti strap tops. Celebs like Bella Hadid and Hailey Baldwin have already embraced them, so get ready to see these everywhere.
More on '90s fashion right this way.
Kristen Nichols is the Associate Director, Special Projects at Who What Wear with over a decade of experience in fashion, editorial, and publishing. She oversees luxury content and wedding features, and covers fashion within the luxury market, runway reporting, shopping features, trends, and interviews with leading industry experts. She also contributes to podcast recordings, social media, and branded content initiatives. Kristen has worked with brands including Prada, Chanel, MyTheresa, and Luisa Via Roma, and rising designers such as Refine and Tove, and her style has been featured in publications including Vogue.com, Vogue France, WWD, and the CFDA. Before Who What Wear, Kristen began her career at Rodarte, where she worked on assistant styling, photo shoots, and runway shows, and at Allure, where she moved into print and digital editorial. She graduated from the University of Southern California, where she studied art history and business, and currently lives in New York.
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