We’ve lived through just about every decade revival imaginable in the past five years or so, and now that we’re out of the naughties it seems totally acceptable to bring back the laid back, London look, fashion obsessed ten years that were the 1990s. Now, Miss Drama Queen is a 90s girl, who grew up listening to Take That alongside Oasis, watching Friends and Rugrats on the television, and reading the Goosebumps horror series, so we’re embracing all things fifteen years ago that we possibly can.
I’m already preparing my double denim look, trying to keep it more Vogue than B*Witched (can you remember those outfits? C’est la vie!), but what else do the fashion experts say we’ll be wearing in the upcoming months?
Fashion wise it’s all about sportswear and grunge, mixed together perfectly. Louis Vuitton showcased a bum bag in their recent shows, while Balenciaga rocked leather hoodies. We’ve gone for looks from the 90s that you’ll be sure to embrace this summer. Beauty is all about freshness and barely there make up, or grungy eye liner. Big eyelashes are a thing of last season, as the focus is no longer on have doe eyes.
Kitten heels
It’s been about sky scrapers, platforms and high heels for a long time, and now designers are finally giving out feet a break by bringing kitten heels back into the mix. The heels above are an example of Prada’s 1990s kitten heels, and below we have Valentino’s sequined rosette peep toes (£510).
Cycling shorts
Who’d have thought that cycling shorts would come back in? They were laughable in the 1990s, even then, but DKNY have lead the way by introducing the Lycra nightmare in a far more stylish way. such as teaming them under long jumpers, tailored shorts or baggy tops.
Sportswear
Gone are the days of matching tracksuits, popper pants, sweatbands and baseball caps. 90s sportswear circa 2010 is more stylish, high fashion and totally awesome. Balenciaga were all about the leather hoodies, and Gucci took extreme sports as their inspiration. Think adrenaline junkie rather than sweaty gym wear and you’re off to a good start.
Safety pins
Back in 1994, Hugh Grant’s unknown girlfriend hit the headlines for wearing a risqué Versace dress that was kept together by garish gold safety pins. Now they’re back, oversized on shoes or bags, or as an extra detail on cutaway dresses. Vena Cava have some stupendous safety pins jewellery.
Bum bags
Oh god, I can remember the dreaded bum bag like it was only yesterday. They came in all shapes, sizes, colours and materials, but were usually made out of some waterproof polyester or nylon that oozed cheapness. This time round they’re complimenting grunge, and Marc Jacobs is the main pioneer of this movement. He’s designed his own collection and been at the forefront of the Louis Vuitton collection. Will you be joining in with this trend or giving it a bum deal?!
Neon
Ravers, clubbing, mad for it. Words and phrases that the mind conjures up when I think of neon. This time it’s all about simple lines in in your face neon colours, perfect for holidaying in Ibiza or partying in the South of France.
Layers
With sheer and soft fabrics being at the forefront of this season, we need to layer up, especially living in Britain. In 1995 a little film called Clueless was released, and the main character, Cher, was a pro at 90s layering. Clueless became my favourite film of my favourite decade (don’t judge) and I’m ecstatic that I can once again look to this film for style inspiration! Fast forward 15 years and layering is being perfected by Roberto Cavalli and Marni. Think shirts over dresses, jackets over vests and legging, or trousers under opened dresses.
Swimsuit/body hybrid
Such a strange invention, the dry land swimsuit, also known as a bodysuit. It has poppers at the crotch and makes in unnaturally hard to use the toilet! But this season the bodysuit does look good. Worn with tailored skirts or trousers, it has a classier feel to it’s 90’s counterpart!
Barely there make up
Now this is a look that I think should be championed for day time, and when do properly it is done well. Vogue has been talking about “nineties minimalism”, referring to the apparent lack of make up and masculine hairstyles. Think nudes and beiges on eyes and cheeks, and no more than a slick of mascara.
Dark lips
Seen here by two 90s screen goddesses, Drew Barrymore and Christina Ricci, the dark lips of the mid 90s are making a comeback for the 2010 grunge look. Shades of maroon, deep purple, blood red and even black have been spotted on various catwalks. These add to the 90s grunge look that seems to be on it’s way back. Pair with eyes heavily lined with Kohl but with low key lashes, and you have yourself a perfect ode the grunge era.
