'90s Trends You Can Shop Now — Making it in Manhattan

2020 runways showed an abundance of 1960s and ’70s inspirations, but another decade has secretly been trending—the ’90s. Unlike the grunge revival a few years ago, the fashion spotlight is shining on minimalist and kitschy styles. New pieces show updated takes on ’90s staples, from square-toed mules to shoulder bags—think punchy stripes, zebra prints and lime green. They also pair perfectly with pre-COVID-19 street style trends like suiting and babydoll dresses.

Thanks to a current love for nostalgia, it’s clear many wish they could go back to simpler times like the ’90s. What better way exists to express that feeling than fashion? For an optimistic blast from the past, we’ve rounded up the best trending styles with lasting appeal that you can shop now.

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Striking Stripes

Layered, colorful stripes were all the rage in the 1990s. A striped tee is a simple way to add the trend to your wardrobe. However, a boldly striped dress will upgrade your entire look. Try a style with ’90s hallmarks like a sharp neckline or shortened sleeves. It’s easy to layer and accessorize, or provides a statement on its own for a breezy summer outfit.

Milly dress, $425; milly.com

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Zebra Print

Everyone from Mel B to Paris Hilton wore zebra in the ’90s, and it’s easy to see why. The animal print is one of the most stylish around, thanks to its edgy nature that screams ‘rock n’ roll.’ Try wearing a full monochrome outfit, pairing prints with colorful solids, or accessorizing with a Rachel Green-worthy shoulder bag. However you style zebra, your look will be wildly fashionable!

ASOS shoulder bag, $32; asos.com

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Lime Green

For a truly retro ’90s look, add some lime green pieces to your summer wardrobe. A single-tone blouse or bag is a great way to invest in the citrus-hued trend without going overboard (although, we encourage that, too!). There’s truly no bad way to wear this color, which is sure to make every look vivid and eye-catching.

Zara blouse, $40; zara.com

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Square Toes

It’s impossible to think of the ’90s and forget square-toed sandals. The shoe’s revival by brands like Bottega Veneta, By Far and Jacquemus have made it the season’s must-have style. They look especially fabulous in metallic, sparkly or primary tones for a footwear moment that’s funky and glamorous. Thanks to trendsetters like Rihanna, Priyanka Chopra and Hailey Bieber being spotted in them, square-toed sandals are sure to be popular all year long.

Steve Madden sandals, $111; stevemadden.com

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Bold Plaids

Could we ever grow tired of plaid? As if! Blame Cher Horowitz, but matching sets and punchy tones have made us love the classic pattern even more. For 2020, designers like Rosie Assoulin, Marc Jacobs and Khaite all sent plaids down their runways, proving that it’s just as rad in 2020 as it was in the ’90s.
Baum und Pferdgarten jacket, $490; modaoperandi.com