Fashion is a never-ending cycle of remaking and reinterpreting past trends into pieces that fit within the contemporary context. Lately, a lot of elements from the good ol' 1990's have resurfaced and have taken the industry by storm. It's no surprise, though; the age of prep versus grunge was incredibly impactful, so it was only a matter of time before markets decided to revisit the era. To celebrate this revival, here are some of the most iconic 90's items and images that have become current staples in the fashion world.
1. Crop tops
It's amazing to see how something so casual and fun as a crop top has transformed into a mature and sophisticated shirt. Of course, the crop top hasn't completely lost its past uses; nowadays, the style can be glammed up or toned down depending on what look you're going for and/or what you're doing that day (of course, a quick brunch with friends versus a dinner party calls for different stylistic choices).
2. High-waisted jeans
Compared to my petite frame, I have rather short legs and a longer waist, which is why high-waisted jeans are probably my most favorite kind of jeans to date. They're flattering in that they accentuate and cinch the waist and, because of the higher waistline, elongate the lower half of the body. If you wear them right, high-waisted jeans can make a 5" girl have mile-high legs. (That's an exaggeration, but you get my point).
3. Chuck Taylor All-Stars
Ah, the wonderful beat-up-and-worn-in shoe. I don't think I need to talk much about the importance and prevalence of Converse in the 90's, but it's worth noting that a lot of fashionistas have recently amped up their sneaker game.
4. Doc Martens
Another shoe classic that doesn't need a lot of elaboration. Like Chuck Taylors, Doc Martens were and have become the "it" shoe for any "it" guy or girl. There are a plethora of styles and designs, each one unique from the other, so you're bound to find two (or three... or five...) pairs to choose from. Either way, there's always going to be something that catches your eye.
5. Flannel
This one pretty much goes without saying. Flannel is the ever-so-famous brainchild of the grunge era and has always had a place in our hearts since then. But since last fall, the pattern has been popping up here and there in nearly every clothing store, which is nothing to complain about.
6. Choker necklaces
This one actually took me by surprise; not because I thought the trend was ugly or unattractive, but because it literally came back so suddenly (to me, anyhow). Nevertheless, the choker necklace has yet again become the accessory to adorn any given outfit. And it's more versatile than you think; with a choker, you can toughen up a flowy outfit or complement a vampy look. The possibilities are endless!
7. Circle sunglasses
I'm usually a cat-eye frame kind of girl, but circle sunglasses have really grown on me within the past few months. The shape is so understated yet it stands out within a crowd, probably because the simpleness of it makes it much easier to change the size of the lenses or concoct various wild designs on them. I have a pair very similar to the one pictured below, which suits my face nicely. I've learned that the bigger the frame, the more dramatic and cool you look.
Well, that's what I aim for, at least.
All images are linked to their respective sources when clicked upon.
