Trends

8 Simple ’90s Outfits I’d Happily Wear Today

As a child of the ’90s, I’ll admit that there are many trends of that decade that I’d rather leave behind (pencil-thin eyebrows and towering Spice Girls–esque platform sneakers among them). And while I did dabble in some of the era’s more questionable looks—including butterfly clips and plastic chokers—I’m convinced the decade is far chicer than we give it credit for.  

You only have to look as far as celebrity throwbacks featuring Gwyneth Paltrow, Naomi Campbell or Jennifer Aniston to see that the most standout looks from the ’90s were often the simplest. From knit dresses to chic silk slips, the outfits that can be categorised as easy and effortless are also the most prominent looks that have stood the test of time. 

With this in mind, I delved into the archive and found a treasure trove of easy ’90s looks that I’d happily wear today, including a particularly lockdown-friendly Jennifer Lopez outfit and throwback Julia Roberts look that has been re-created by many an influencer. Keep scrolling to see the simple ’90s outfits I’d still wear today. 

1. The Slip Dress

Easy 90s Outfits: Gwyneth Paltrow in a slip dress

Photo:

Getty

Style Notes: It’s hard to talk about ’90s fashion without referencing Gwyneth Paltrow. The actress was a ’90s It girl, as evidenced by her penchant for sleek, minimalist looks like the silk maxi dress above. 

Frame Washed-Silk and Ribbed-Knit Maxi Dress
Frame
Washed-Silk and Ribbed-Knit Maxi Dress
£450
£222
Shop Now

Arket Mid-Heel Leather Strap Sandal
Arket
Mid-Heel Leather Strap Sandal
£255
Shop Now

2. Cardigan and Silk Trousers

Easy 90s Outfits: Jennifer Lopez in a cardigan and silk trousers

Photo:

Getty

Style Notes: This look may be from almost three decades ago, but it feels more relevant than ever in 2021. A simple cardi and silk trousers that could pass as pyjamas? Talk about a perfect WFH outfit. Thank you, J.Lo!

& Other Stories Cropped Ribbed Alpaca Blend Cardigan
& Other Stories
Cropped Ribbed Alpaca Blend Cardigan
£85
Shop Now

Forte Forte Pleated Flared Trousers
Forte Forte
Pleated Flared Trousers
£451
£316
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3. Logo Tee and Jeans 

Easy 90s Outfits: Naomi Campbell in Jeans and a T-shirt

Photo:

Getty

Style Notes: This understated look, courtesy of Naomi Campbell, just might be the most classic outfit formula of all time. Jeans and a white tee are a timeless combination no matter the era. 

Ganni Sunshine-Print Organic Cotton Jersey T-Shirt
Ganni
Sunshine-Print Organic Cotton Jersey T-Shirt
£75
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Arket Regular Cropped Stretch Jeans
Arket
Regular Cropped Stretch Jeans
£59
Shop Now

4. Knit Dress and Statement Bag

Easy 90s Outfits: Jennifer Aniston in a knit dress and statement bag

Photo:

Getty

Style Notes: Keeping it relatively simple, our favourite friend Jennifer Aniston opted for a timeless knit dress and paired it alongside a statement leopard bag. This is a combination we still happily wear today. 

H&M Ribbed Dress
H&M
Ribbed Dress
£20
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Valentino Garavani Mini Vsling Leopard-Print Tote Bag
Valentino Garavani
Mini Vsling Leopard-Print Tote Bag
£2280
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Chunky Strap Heeled Leather Sandals
& Other Stories
Chunky Strap Heeled Leather Sandals
$129
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5. Leather Blazer Over a T-Shirt and Jeans

Easy 90s Outfits: Julia Roberts in a leather blazer and jeans

Photo:

Getty

Style Notes: Correct me if I’m wrong, but I’m willing to bet I’ve seen several influencers in this exact outfit. A boxy leather blazer and vintage-wash jeans will certainly stand the test of time. 

Monki Cat Eye Sunglasses
Monki
Cat Eye Sunglasses
£10
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Arket Oversized Leather Blazer
Arket
Oversized Leather Blazer
£290
Shop Now

COS V-Neck T-Shirt
COS
V-Neck T-Shirt
£15
Shop Now

Agolde 90s Light Blue Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans
Agolde
90s Light Blue Cropped Wide-Leg Jeans
£240
Shop Now

6. LBD and Strappy Sandals

Easy 90s Outfits: Cameron Diaz wear a little black dress

Photo:

Getty

Style Notes: There’s no debating the ease and effortlessness of an LBD. Find yourself a great fit, and you’ll wear it for years to come. 

Zara Satin-Finish Dress With Draped Detail
Zara
Satin-Finish Dress With Draped Detail
£28
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& Other Stories Strappy Leather Heeled Sandal
& Other Stories
Strappy Leather Heeled Sandal
£85
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7. Denim Jacket and Leggings

Easy 90s Outfits: Tyra Banks in a denim jacket and leggings

Photo:

Getty

Style Notes: While travelling isn’t on the cards for everyone, that doesn’t mean we can’t still appreciate a chic airport look. Here, Tyra Banks opts for a denim jacket, a Calvin Klein tee and leggings. 

Mango Oversize Denim Jacket
Mango
Oversize Denim Jacket
£36
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Calvin Klein Logo T-Shirt
Calvin Klein
Logo T-Shirt
£35
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H&M High Waist Shaping Tights
H&M
High Waist Shaping Tights
£25
Shop Now

8. Floral Dress and Cardigan

Easy 90s Outfits: Gabrielle Union in a floral dress and cardigan

Photo:

Getty

Style Notes: Gabrielle Union is one of my favourite women to follow on Instagram, as she is constantly offering up outfit inspiration. Turns out she’s always had an affinity for fashion, as seen here in a floral dress and cropped cardigan. 

Free People Eclair Cardi
Free People
Eclair Cardi
£108
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Reformation Silvia Floral-Print Minidress
Reformation
Silvia Floral-Print Minidress
£220
Shop Now

Next up, the biggest autumn/winter 2021 fashion trends to know. 

This piece was published at an earlier date and has since been updated.

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