Choker necklaces, grunge-inspired flannels, denim on denim, velvet, defined silhouettes, mauve, skater skirts, black and white striped everything…
This list can go on and on. Literally.
Most 21st century girls would recognize this as the uniform for every edgy, fashion-forward, too-complicated-to-look-at-the-camera Instagram fanatic. From Alexa Chung to Halsey, this look is everywhere.
While we all try to rock it, feeling a sense of innovation and singularity, we fail to realize that it has all been done before. What we are claiming to be a risky, unprecedented leap into the fashion realm is actually nothing of the sort. (No hate here -- I am also so guilty of this.)
You see, all of these “unique” trends that we are claiming to invent are the perfect example of how history repeats itself and right now, we are stuck in the 1990's.
Now, there is no problem in this. Honestly, it is a bit cool to watch history repeat itself. Once again we see the supermodel reign supreme (the 90's Tyra Banks and Cindy Crawford to the millennial generation’s Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner) and grunge is back with a vengeance and it is so working.
So, because we are so intent to repeat the fashion of two decades back, why not study the icons to come before us? Why not stop ignoring those of the past and build on the greatness that they rocked in the 90's?
There’s literally no reason not to, so here’s your education. A listing of 10 fashion icons of the 1990's to study and gain inspiration in the journey to building your own 90's-influenced style.
Drew Barrymore:
For
some reason, Drew Barrymore is often overlooked when talking past fashion icons,
and I honestly don’t know why. In the 90's, she perfectly balanced the grunge
era with a more feminine pastel influence that would later go on to be called “soft
grunge.” She could rock florals like nobody’s business and make denim on denim
totally chic and because of this, she easily earns a spot on this list.
The Spice Girls:
This list would simply be incomplete without The Spice Girls. They could perform, had total girl power and multiple went on to have crazy amazing careers afterwards. Fashion wise, the fact that they were able to coordinate outfits while still maintaining their separate personas is definitely something to note. They also lived in some of the greatest trends of the decade, from crazy patterns and pantsuits to anything and everything shiny.
Courtney Love:
Love her or hate her, it is undeniable that Courtney Love drastically influenced 90's style. As one of the forerunners of the grunge movement, Love pioneered a style that was later given the slightly worrisome moniker “heroin chic.” Though often appearing quite disheveled, she wore many pieces that could easily transfer to any modern-day rocker’s style.
Cher Horowitz:
Although Alicia Silverstone was a fashion icon in her own right, it is easily arguable that her most famous character, Cher Horowitz of "Clueless," had a bigger impact on fashion. She brought fame to the schoolgirl look long before Britney Spears and basically made plaid skirts a necessity. Also, she got major points for her computerized closet.
Naomi Campbell:
The 90's saw the
rise of the supermodel, and Naomi Campbell went on to lead what was later
referred to as “The Big Six.” While she walked for almost every major label,
she possessed a personal style that strayed from the edgy, dark focus many were
taking at the time. Campbell is the perfect example of what supermodels were
wearing at the time, providing a more chic and refined look at the trends.
Rachel Green:
All right, so considering all of the hype surrounding "Friends," there is absolutely not enough discussion surrounding Rachel Green’s style. While hers wasn’t as out-there as many others on the list, she provided a great depiction of a more average human being while literally looking amazing in everything (major props to the show’s costume department.) Also, “the Rachel.” You know it’s major when they name a hairstyle after the character.
Gwen Stefani:
While the leading lady of No Doubt’s style is admittedly a lot to take in, you can’t deny the level of cool she possessed. From military style cargo pants to space buns, Stefani appears to have literally had no fear of any stylistic repercussions and it is awesome. Also, anyone undergoing the transition to pastel hair can thank this rock star for bringing it just a little bit more into the mainstream.
Winona Ryder:
After killing it in "Beetlejuice," young Winona Ryder absolutely excelled at 90’s style. Often entirely blacked out (sound familiar?) accented with denim and red lipstick, she was just so ridiculously chic. When paired with Johnny Depp in a highly public relationship, they were actual #couplegoals.
Kate Moss:
Supermodel Kate Moss was not afraid
to cause scandal with her style, leading to some of the most legendary looks of
the decade. From entirely transparent dresses to forgoing the use of a bra -- often -- Moss
fearlessly embraced her personal style. She was also involved in a very stylish
relationship with none other than Johnny Depp in the ‘90s.
Johnny Depp:


Last but most certainly not least, for all of the guys out there, I present Johnny Depp. Obviously being in two highly fashionable relationships must have fueled the actor’s style, as he was totally killing it in the decade. He rocked the whole bad boy/starving artist look with Moss and a more clean-cut look with Ryder -- and both worked ridiculously well with his disheveled hair and amazing cheekbones.