Nostalgia Alert: The Top 10 90s Trends Making a Stylish Comeback

Photo Credit: @marizzadelgado

Growing up in the 90’s was a real vibe and you just had to be there, ask anyone. USA basketball was at a high, hip hop was spreading like wildfire, and every TGIF around the television was an event in itself, it was what all feel good movies highlighted at the beginning of each film. However, for a lot of my family, we were first generation Filipinos growing up in a world that wasn’t Filipino at all and we were discovering how to make it our own. We did this by embracing dance, playing pick up ball at the court, and most importantly bringing our Filipino flare to all the latest fashion and trends. Good news for any of our readers missing the 90s, the golden days are back and we’re more prepared this time around. So dust off the Jordan 1s as we 2 step our way into Our Favorite Top 10 90’s Trends That are Cool Again.

1. Baggy Jeans / Cargo Pants

The new version of “trying without trying” is the oversized jean / cargo pant look. But please wear with discretion, this isn’t your favorite rapper, sag your pants, type of baggy, they still need to fit at the waist but give a baggy flared look without stepping on and fraying the bottom. We have learned and grown past that. Also, it goes without saying that the cargo pant to cargo shorts convertible is still a “no-go”.

2. Vintage Aesthetic Tees

Band tees never go out of style but in recent years loud graphic tees have definitely taken a back seat to the more minimalistic aesthetic. However, the distressed, “used”, washed out, graphic tee has been everyone’s recent choice to support their favorite band, singer, or any other culture they want to endorse. Of course they don’t have to genuinely be vintage but walk down the street and you’ll likely see a fan paying homage to their favorite artist with a vintage Aaliyah tee or possibly Kobe in a washed out graphic on a “used” black tee. Time to show what you loved as a kid and rep the vintage look for the summer. 

3. Bold Sunglasses

Cat eyed frames, slim rectangle lenses, or even translucent colored sunglasses are all the rage. Making a huge statement with a simple stare across the room is the “mission objective” for these loudly placed sunglasses. Don’t be afraid to block the sun and the haters by putting down the aviators and going bold.  

4. Slip Dresses

Some of the most iconic looks in the 90s revolve around a candid photo of our favorite celebrities out and about in a slip dress. Jennifer Aniston in Friends, Rachel Leigh Cook in She’s All That, or Sarah Michelle Gellar as Buffy The Vampire, the image of a strong female lead in a slip dress is imprinted in our mind from the 90s and it still holds up as one of the best casual looks to hit the streets this past year.

5. Vinyl Records

Music lovers have also spoken, whether you're a millennial hipster or an OG music aficionado, vinyl players have been the focal point to many living rooms to set the ambience in addition to adding decor about what sparks joy. Maybe it’s the rise of lofi hip hop, the appreciation of the warmth of a record, or possibly the surge of interest in learning to DJ, the 1s and 2s are adding up to be a favorite for the Gen Z and millennials of today. 

6. Flip Phones

Is technology as a whole, favoring the 90s? The movement of flip phone culture seems to be creating a new elitist group that 2 screens are better than one. I’m not mad at it but I just need to get the memo if I need to bring out my old razr. Although this is still new and on the rise, I do think the comeback is imminent and it’s only a matter of time until we hear the clicks of flip phones folding and unfolding in surround sound all around us. 

7. Pokemon Cards

Influencers, athletes, lifelong collectors, and even professional resellers have been digging up their old pokemon cards for numerous reasons. Whether you watched the last episode of pokemon this year or maybe saw that your old Charizard can be worth thousands of dollars, being into pokemon is cool again. If you happen to find any of your cards lying around, post it to your IG story and see how many friends are jealous of your 90’s memorabilia. 

8. Claw Hair Clips

One of the easiest ways to add some flare to your outfit, claw hair clips. You can keep it muted with something small or really draw attention with a bigger, louder claw hair clip but every casual 90’s outfit isn’t complete without a messy bun and a claw hair clip in the back. Probably one of the most classic looks to a 90s haircut, I’m just wondering if the mini mini clip is making a resurgence too?

9. Biker shorts

Biker shorts are making their comeback with perfect timing! With the rise of athleisure wear, biker shorts not only give a trendy athletic look, they also are the perfect layering option for any crop top / oversized tee for summer or winter. Very Saved By The Bell and Kelly Kapowski of you to go shopping in some biker shorts or even a biker short bodysuit. 

10. Bucket Hats

Whether you’re a skater, a dancer, or one of the jabbawockeez, the classic bucket hat is back in style and it doesn’t look like it will be gone anytime soon. Don’t misinterpret what I’m saying, we aren't bringing back the fuzzy Kangol / tracksuit look but in today’s fashion, adding a bucket hat can elevate any outfit no matter if it's a beach summer look or a layered winter look. 

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Written By Niko Del Rey

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