With so many Halloween costume ideas floating around on the Internet these days, sometimes it’s nice to step back and look to the past for inspiration. Today, we’re bringing you nine of our favourite ‘90s-inspired ideas that will have you taking a trip down memory lane.
Click the gallery below to check out these easy-to-copy looks!
It’s hard to choose just one outstanding Britney moment, but the singer’s look in “…Baby One More Time” is at the top of our list. To steal her look, all you need is a cardigan, a button-down shirt, miniskirt, socks, and—if you’re daring enough—an exposed midriff. As a bonus, you probably own all or most of those items already!
While Iggy Azalea’s spot-on rendition will be hard to live up to, we still think a Clueless costume is the perfect, easy ‘90s throwback. Whether you copy Cher, Dionne, or dress up with a friend and channel both, just as long as you have a plaid schoolgirl-inspired outfit on.
If you think you can get away with not smiling all day, consider channeling the morose Wednesday Addams. All you need is a black dress, a white collar, and sleek braids, a look that also happens to be very Saint Laurent F/W 14.
This costume is particularly ideal if you can find four willing friends to accompany you, but the Spice Girls have such distinct and recognisable personas that whether you choose Baby, Sporty, or Posh, any ‘90s kid will instantly appreciate the idea.
Grab your best friend and channel the dynamic duo of Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion. What you’ll need: blonde locks (or a wig, of course), a sparkly choker necklace, shiny pleather-esque minidresses (DIY anyone?), and heeled mule sandals.
To look like Angela Chase, or any member of her crew, we suggest going heavy on all ‘90s trends. There’s no specific costume to follow; just load up on plaid, floral print, high-waisted Levis, and other grungy-cool pieces. Extra points if you can score a crochet vest à la Claire Danes.
We’re totally into this look for every day, not just Halloween! But if you decide to be ‘90s-era Winona Ryder this year, try combining a Ramones tee with high-waisted Levis and a leather belt.
Reserved for daring dressers, the Baywatch costume is sure to stand out. If you’re not comfortable spending the night in a red one-piece, we suggest cover up a little more with denim shorts.
To recreate Melissa Joan Hart’s look in Clarissa Explains It All, mix and layer every print in your closet, whether it’s polka dots, paisley, stripes, and plaid. Finish off your outfit with a side ponytail and Doc Martens!
Beloved cartoon character Daria conveniently wore the same thing every day, so this costume’s a no-brainer. Shop for round glasses, a green jacket or blazer, pleated black skirt, and combat boots to make sure you’re instantly recognisable.
Related: 13 It Girl–Approved Halloween Costumes
Who could forget Josie’s cringe-worthy feathery white outfit in Never Been Kissed? While the costume version doesn’t require you walking around with a lunch tray, for maximum impact, we do suggest imitating her hairstyle as closely as possible. It goes without saying that finding a blouse with feathery sleeves and a collar—or just accessorizing with a boa—is non-negotiable!
While this is one of the most iconic looks from Pretty Woman, if you prefer to have the larger portion of your waist concealed, we’d go with the polka-dot outfit that Julia Roberts’ character wears to the polo match. However, if you’re bold enough to rock a figure-hugging cutout dress, don’t forget to accessorize with thigh-high boots and oversized hoop earrings!
To channel the memorable Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction, all you need is a crisp white button-down and black, flared trousers. If your hair doesn’t already happen to look like Uma Thurman’s, we definitely suggest a cropped black wig with bangs!
The one thing you need to channel Cameron Diaz’s character in There’s Something About Mary? You guessed it: hair gel—and lots of it! To get your hair to stick up, our friends at Byrdie.com recommend using this product.
Did we leave out any other great ‘90s-inspired Halloween costume ideas? Tell us in the comments below!
