The 1990s Revival: ‘90s Style Trends and How To Wear Them

We love a bit of ‘90s nostalgia here at Joanie, which is why we’ve put together this rundown of ‘90s styles and how to incorporate them into your wardrobe!

We’ve even introduced a ‘90s edit featuring some of our favourite styles to help you on the way to channelling some of your favourite icons of the decade!

Because the 1990s spanned ten years, there are a lot of different styles and subcultures that come under the overarching umbrella of ‘90s style. Some of the more memorable fashion movements of the ‘90s include grunge and skater subculture, preppy minimalism, raver style, hip-hop fashion, and even the ‘70s revival trend we’ve seen again in the last ten years!

So, even though it might be reductive to refer to ‘90s fashion’ as a monolith when it incorporates so many trends, there are some pieces that crop up repeatedly throughout the decade in different contexts. These ‘90s fashion mainstays include dungarees, co-ords, bright colours, flannel shirts, and slogan tees.

One of our favourite things about the most recent addition to our Shop By Era category is how wearable it is! Unlike other eras, ‘90s fashion and the styles defined as such are easy to dress up or dress down, making them ideal pieces to keep in your wardrobe for years - and the perfect choices for conscious shoppers.

‘90s Revival and Micro-Trends

There’s a sense of nostalgia attached to ‘90s style, even though it doesn’t feel like that long ago! The recent reboots of ‘90s TV shows like Friends and Sex and the City go to show that there’s a real collective interest in our recent history, and fashion is no different.

It’s a generally accepted rule that it takes between 20 and 25 years for trends to come in and out of style, and we’ve seen aspects of ‘90s fashion returning across catwalks and the high street for years now. This resurrection of ‘90s trends has become associated with the rise of micro-trends, propelled further by TikTok and Instagram influencers. Micro-trends are styles that are fashionable for a few weeks rather than seasons or years.

Often, the garments themselves aren’t designed for long-term wear and are made of poor-quality materials because the micro-trends are expected to move through the cycle far more quickly. The rise of micro-trends has been linked to fast fashion, with unsustainable brands cashing in on trends that will go out of style in a few weeks or months.

At Joanie, we pride ourselves on trying to be the antithesis to fast fashion, and we think there’s a way to shop the ‘90s revival without falling into the trap of fast fashion and micro-trends. For vintage lovers and fashionistas alike, '90s style is ideal because it’s full of so many pieces that are not only timeless but work well in your everyday wardrobe!

How To Style ‘90s

In our opinion, the best way to shop the ‘90s revival trend is to look for pieces you know you’ll love and wear for years. By buying quality rather than quantity, you’ll have the styles you love forever, so the next time the trends come back around, you’ll have your very own quality pieces.

Here are some of our ‘90s-inspired Joanie picks to get you feeling inspired!

Alicia Argyle Pattern Knit Cardigan, Tai Argyle Pattern Knit Mini Skirt

Alicia Argyle Pattern Knit Cardigan & Tai Argyle Pattern Knit Mini Skirt - Mustard Yellow

Clueless about what to wear for your next night out? Take inspiration from some of our favourite '90s icons and channel Cher and Dionne in our Alicia and Tai co-ord! Make a statement in this bright set, or wear separately and tuck a cosy jumper into Tai or layer Alicia over your favourite plain tee.

Bleecker Stretch Denim Dungarees

Bleecker Stretch Denim Dungarees - Indigo

Our Bleecker dungarees are one of the most versatile - and ‘90s-inspired - pieces on the Joanie site! Whether you’re going for a grungy look or something more minimalist, Bleeker looks great styled with chunky boots and a flannel shirt or with high-top trainers and a vintage tee for a more laid-back look.

Cassandra You & Me Cassette Tape Tee

Cassandra You & Me Cassette Tape Tee

Featuring a vintage fit, retro slogan, and graphic tape motif, it doesn’t get much more ‘90s than Cassandra! Layer underneath a vintage flannel shirt and our Bleecker dungarees for extra vintage points, or pair with some black jeans to achieve cool off-duty model chic. Our Cassandra tee is made from organic cotton, so it’s super soft and super sustainable!

Cinna Square Neck Floral Print Midaxi Dress

Cinna Square Neck Floral Print Midaxi Dress

Cinna is the perfect ‘90s-inspired throw-on-and-go dress, featuring a tiered midaxi length, square neckline, and vintage floral print. Toughen up with some lace-up boots and dark lipstick for a grungy Courtney Love vibe, or pair with white trainers and a cardigan à la Phoebe Buffay!

The fact that trends from the ‘90s have come back around so quickly emphasises why it’s always a good idea to invest in quality pieces you’ll have for years. At Joanie, we’re big believers in buying less and buying better: by focusing on aspects of trends that resonate with you, you can make sure that your wardrobe is full of staples you’ll wear and love through the seasons and for years to come!