I feel somewhat cheated to have missed out on the glory days of fashion’s party scene in the ’90s. This was of course when Kate Moss was just starting out and becoming Queen of London’s Nightlife, all bandy limbs, slip dresses, cocktails and wild dancing. It was when Liz Hurley was dating Hugh Grant, and the two were so brilliantly posh, glamorous and—I imagine—game for a laugh. It girls were almost born overnight, and dresses got smaller, sandals got strappier and no party was complete without a total showoff or two (even Anna Wintour wore rainbow sequins and sparkly minidresses back then). Hedonistic and full of hot, hot outfits, this is a great era to explore when it comes to your own party looks today. Many of the celebrity-endorsed looks below are particularly current: Versions of Gwyneth Paltrow’s leather trousers, Jennifer Aniston’s signature fitted dress or Victoria Beckham’s chainmail top can all be found from designer brands and in high-street stores.
Many of the most outrageous ensembles were created by the supers, the elite fashion darlings of the time. Naomi Campbell’s going-out wardrobe was nothing short of epic, while Iman’s is lesser known but equally fabulous. Christy, Linda, Claudia and the rest of the gang didn’t hold back, and why would you when you’ve got Gianni Versace on speed dial and more Lacroix jewellery than SJP can shake a corsage at? Keep scrolling to see the best party looks of the ’90s; then carry on for the ultimate outfit edit to pay homage to these perfect outfits 30 years later…
1. LIZ HURLEY
Style Notes: What else to wear to a Versace store opening in 1996 than a red leopard-print maxi? Hugh kindly offered up a match-matchy moment for Liz Hurley with his choice of shirt.
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2. VICTORIA BECKHAM
Style Notes: His bandana, her chainmail top. His baggy all-black outfit, her cow-print shoes. This take on the "jeans and a nice top" formula is everything.
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3. KATE MOSS
Style Notes: One of the most iconic Mossy party looks of all-time, this velvet kimono, silver sandals and adorable vintage bag combination just never gets old.
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4. GWYNETH PALTROW
A look as memorable as her Tom Ford red-velvet suit is Gwyneth's minimalist all-black ensemble, and everyone on the planet was jealous of just how elevated she made this simple yet effective pairing look.
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5. IMAN
Style Notes: Leggings, a blazer, big hair and even bigger jewellery: Iman's take on power dressing is surprisingly easy to wear IRL.
6. NAOMI CAMPBELL
Style Notes: Yes to all of this cosy winter wonderland look, Naomi. Conclusive proof that there are coats out there that look good for evening too.
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7. CHRISTIE TURLINGTON
Style Notes: I don't know what to love more: Christy Turlington's colour pop-suit or Naomi Campbell's gold jewellery and tassel-tastic dress…
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8. SALMA HAYEK
Style Notes: Salma Hayek's lilac Herve Leger dress is a total showstopper, and her kitsch accessories make it such an undeniably '90s look.
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9. SARAH JESSICA PARKER
Style Notes: Slip skirts are back again, and SJP did them justice way back when with a cardigan shirt, pointed heels, a rose in her décolletage and Mr. Big in the background.
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9. JENNIFER LOPEZ
Style Notes: Jennifer Lopez's 30th birthday party called for a hot red co-ord and satin strappy sandals. Sounds like a party outfit many girl would go to for their celebrations this year.
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10. ANNA WINTOUR
Style Notes: Anna's sequined minidress and matching silver extras can be found all over the party-shopping scene right now.
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11. JENNIFER ANISTON
Style Notes: Some classic combinations will never fail you. Jennifer Aniston has been wearing iterations of this look for decades now.
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12. DONATELLA VERSACE
Style Notes: Donatella's sparkly gold dress and super-high heels are all kinds of fabulous.
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13. JENNIFER FLAVIN
Style Notes: Jennifer Flavin has made us think about pulling out white court shoes again. They look pretty good compared to skyscraper stilettos, wouldn't you agree?
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14. SADIE FROST
Style Notes: Sadie Frost's oversized leather jacket and slip dress are so street style 2023. The cool-girl alternative to the "jeans and a nice top" combo.
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