Whether it's the recent releases of Netflix's Beckham documentary and Britney Spears' autobiography, the fact we're binge-watching Friends (again), or simply the abundance of slip dresses on the high street, '90s fashion has got us in a serious chokehold. Yep, along with some of the best TV and incomparable music talent – hello, the Spice Girls anyone?! – we can't talk about the nineties without discussing the decade's style.
Defined by items including mom jeans, spaghetti straps, cropped cardigans and tops in equal measure, and of course the aforementioned slip dress, it was a stark contrast to the colour and 'more is more' approach we'd seen in the years previously in the '80s. And it wasn't just clothing helping mark the era, accessories played a vital role too – from chunky platform sandals, even chunkier trainers, scrunchies (obvs worn around your pigtails) and choker necklaces.
There's no denying the '90s was iconic for its fashion, even if admittedly not all of it was good. So, whether you want to take a trip down memory lane or are looking for some style inspo to recreate in the modern day (you'll likely recognise more than a few trends in this edit as popular 2023 aesthetics), scroll through to see our round-up of the '90s most iconic fashion moments. All the best outfits worn by our favourite celebrities including Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell, David and Victoria Beckham, Destiny's Child, Princess Diana, and more.
1
Liz Hurley in the Versace safety pin dress
Liz Hurley arriving on the arm of then-boyfriend Hugh Grant at the Four Weddings and a Funeral premiere wearing *that* Versace safety pin dress is easily one of the most iconic fashion moments of the '90s. 29 years later, it still slays.
2
Kate Moss in a see-through slip dress
And the second most talked about '90s fashion moment may be Kate Moss in her totally transparent silver slip dress, with just a pair of black knickers worn underneath. Yep, Kate was doing naked dressing before it was even really a thing. A true fashion muse if ever there was one.
3
The best Spice Girls '90s fashion
Of course, we can't talk about the '90s without mentioning the Spice Girls. As well as all the girl power, Scary, Baby, Posh, Ginger and Sporty also brought us major fashion inspo. We're talking platform heels, mini dresses, crop tops, boob tubes, chunky trainers and *so* much more. Alexa, play "Spice Up Your Life".
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
4
Cindy Crawford in '90s denim
'90s denim styles were largely limited to two things: light wash and boot cuts. And if you weren't wearing a mom jean, you better have been in an extra baggy, low-rise pair.
Shop mom jeans
5
Kate Moss and Naomi Campbell in 1993
You'd be hard-pressed to discuss '90s fashion without Kate Moss or Naomi Campbell's names crossing your lips. The pair spent the best part of the decade on the runways and magazine covers, while their off-duty style shaped some of the key trends. Fur-trimmed coats and mini skirts? We'd wear this look today.
6
David and Victoria Beckham in head-to-toe leather
Now this is peak '90s. Matching. Leather. Couple. Outfits. Britney and Justin could never.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
7
Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green in Friends
Want to nail the '90s look? Just replicate any of Rachel Green's outfits from season 1 through 6 of Friends. For further inspiration, check out Jennifer Aniston's off-screen style from the decade, too and you can't go wrong.
8
Princess Diana in her revenge dress
Yes, this was the era of Princess Diana's revenge dress. Worn three years after her separation from the then-Prince Charles, Diana broke Royal protocol by stepping out at a Vanity Fair party in the off-the-shoulder, form-fitting, black silk mini dress. The same night Prince Charles confessed to his affair with Camilla. Eek. We can't imagine a better dress to say "Charles, who?" hence its 'revenge' moniker.
9
Tyra Banks in '90s double denim
Double leather, double denim... For a decade where minimalism was the agenda, more of one fabric actually met the brief by creating a streamlined look. As modelled here by Tyra Banks and styled with a backwards baseball cap, choker necklace (natch), and cowboy boots.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
10
Britney Spears in a '90s crop top
In her 'Baby One More Time' era, Britney was the embodiment of '90s fashion thanks to her penchant for boob tubes, crop topes, low-rise and of course, bunches. It wasn't just Emma Bunton rocking the pigtails.
11
Claudia Schiffer in a '90s slip dress
The slip dress is to '90s fashion what shoulder pads are to '80s fashion. As long as it had spaghetti straps, a figure-hugging fit falling to a loosely draped skirt, and was preferably floor sweeping (or at the very least ankle grazing) it didn't matter what print or colourway the dress was.
Shop slip dresses
12
Destiny's Child in '90s leather looks
Kelly, Beyoncé and Michelle are all repping *plenty* of '90s trends. We're talking chain waist belts, maxi skirts, all the leather, and roll necks. Colin Firth, eat your heart out.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
13
Gwen Stefani in a '90s outfit
Gwen Stefani in her No Doubt days is a '90s kween. She was often seen sporting space buns during the decade, perfectly styled here with a cropped strappy top, low-rise maxi skirt and platform sandals.
Shop maxi skirts
14
Lil' Kim at the 1999 MTV Music Video Awards
The MTV Music Video Awards (since rebranded to the Video Music Awards, AKA the VMAs) are renowned for outrageous fashion moments. And if we had to describe Lil' Kim's asymmetric purple bedazzled jumpsuit with nipple sticker in one word, it would be outrageous.
15
Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee at the 1996 American Music Awards
Pam and Tommy were the couple of the decade, with their fashion style responsible for just as many headlines as their relationship. Pamela Anderson is *still* a style icon to this day, but we love her look for the American Music Awards in 1996. With its loose silhouette, the sparkly spaghetti strap mini dress and glitzy platform heels are peak '90s.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
16
Janet Jackson performing in the '90s
Janet Jackson ruled the '90s, alternating between ab-flashing red carpet looks and a more grunge aesthetic on stage defined by oversized plaid shirts, light wash denim and combat boots.
17
Gwyneth Paltrow in a '90s outfit
Perhaps needing a respite from the neon bright colours of the '80s, the '90s saw many adopt a monochrome palette for their wardrobe, complimented by a grungey aesthetic in the form of loose silhouettes and oversized tailoring. Perfectly illustrated here by a baby, fresh-faced Gwyneth Paltrow.
18
Iman doing the underwear-as-outerwear trend
That's not to say that colour never made an appearance. Photographed out in New York City, Iman tapped into one of the '90s other biggest trends – underwear as outerwear. The lace detailing, sheer panels, and satin fabrication all lend a negligee style to this mini dress.
Advertisem*nt - Continue Reading Below
19
Jennifer Lopez on the red carpet in 1998
Attending a film premiere's red carpet in a cardigan and capris is practically unheard of today, but that's exactly what JLo did in 1998. Looking like she'd come straight from the office, her low-cut crop top and tie-up heels made the look more evening.
20
Halle Berry on the red carpet in 1998
Halle Berry attended a film premiere back in 1998 rocking a black leather spaghetti strap dress decorated with a floral print. Barely-there heeled sandals completed the look. The minimal aesthetic is yet another contrast to the "more is more" attitude of the '80s.
