Why the ’90s Never Left

Back to basics, the ’90s way.

POSTED BY GRETCHEN DEUTSCH

With all this ‘2026 is the new 2016’ talk, people are overlooking another influential fashion era quietly making a comeback this year: the ’90s. Sometimes I feel like I was born in the wrong decade because, even though I’m a 2000s baby, my style instincts have always been unmistakably ’90s coded.

I aspire more to the looks of Rachel Green in Friends than I do most trends that dominated the 2010s. Less trend-driven, understated, and effortlessly cool, the ‘90s gave us the blueprint for timeless style. 

What we consider ‘new’ right now is, in reality, deeply rooted in ’90s fashion. The rise of straight-leg jeans, capri pants, slip dresses, pencil skirts, and chic basics this year are not revolutionary–they are just re-appreciated.   

Although minimalist, there was something so fun and unrefined about this decade of fashion. But the best part is that the style is beyond easy to emulate.  The ‘90s worked because the outfits were wearable. Even the ‘extravagant’ pieces were understated and tailored. Decades later, I’d still consider everything worn in the ‘90s current and inspiring. 

Today, the ’90s live on through celebrities like Hailey Bieber, whose go-to uniform—a simple tank, jeans, and heels—feels effortlessly timeless. It’s the same logic that makes a tee and pencil skirt a foolproof combination.

For all my fellow ’90s lovers, these are the pieces I swear by — FizzyPicks: see my selections below.

Lana Top | Stone

WITH JÉAN
Lana Top
$148

 

Penny Skirt | Black

WITH JÉAN
Penny Skirt
$164

 

Naomi Skirt | Tan

WITH JÉAN
Naomi Skirt
$174

 

model 1

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH
Merino Wool-Blend Sweater Tank
$65

 

Charlotte Simone Stella Jacket #1

FREE PEOPLE
Charlotte Simone Stella Jacket
$537

 

Jasper Tee - Geel

GEEL
Jasper Tee
$93

 

Felice Dress - Geel

GEEL
Felice Dress
$102

 

Mason Top - Geel

GEEL
Mason Top
$85

 

grey melange polo-neck cardigan

ESE 0 ESE
Edward Wool Cardigan
$165.02

 

HOMESTRETCH™ RIB COMPILATION T-SHIRT | Aritzia

ARITZIA
HomeStretch Rib Compilation T-Shirt
$38

 

365 Low Rise Brushed Twill Pleated Trousers | Gap

GAP
365 Low Rise Brushed Twill Pleated Trousers
$89.95

 

SNDYS
x REVOLVE Capri Pants
$71

 

Camille Knit Top, zoom image 1

REFORMATION
Camille Knit Top
$78

 

Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans, zoom image 0

REFORMATION
Val 90s Mid Rise Straight Jeans
$178

 

Emerick Dress, zoom image 0

REFORMATION
Emerick Dress
$188

 

ORIGINAL CONTOUR APPEAL TUBE TOP | Aritzia

ARITZIA
Original Contour Appeal Tube Top
$40

 

RE/DONE
90's Mid Rise Loose Jeans
$295

 

QUINCE
100% Washable Silk Slip Dress
$228

 

POLO RALPH LAUREN
Long Sleeve Button Front Shirt
$148

 

RÉALISATION PAR
The Iggy
$250

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