There’s something particularly satisfying about watching ’90s fashion dominate today’s trends, especially as someone who lived through them the first time around. If anything, this ongoing revival has cemented my understanding of what made 90s fashion so great in the first place.
There was an effortless ease to getting dressed. Personally, that came in the form of dungarees, primary coloured t-shirts and pedal pushers (as they were so garishly named back then), but I remember the fashion icons of that era dressing in a way that felt stylish but attainable, so much so that certain outfits have stood the test of time. There’s Princess Diana’s revenge dress, Kate Moss’s sheer slip, and practically everything Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow wore both on and off the set of Friends.
As a new season rolls around, it’s easy to get caught up in microtrends and social media hauls when you need inspiration, but I’m here to remind you that the ’90s hold all the inspiration you’ll need to upgrade your wardrobe for spring.
So I’ve dug through the archives to see how some of our beloved 90s celebrities dressed for spring and, given how many of today’s trends are rooted in that very era, their outfits feel more relevant than ever. From paired back tailoring to effortless off-duty looks, these are the outfits I’ll be taking notes from this season. Read on to find out who did spring best, and shop their looks.
5 ’90s CELEBRITY LOOKS TO RECREATE FOR SPRING:1. GWYNETH PALTROW: LEATHER TROUSERS + SLEEVELESS ROLLNECK
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Style Notes: Spring is a transitional month, and as the weather is proving right now, it’s not always sunshine and blue skies, so knitwear should still be a key player in your spring wardrobe. The trick to transitional knitwear is to take a note out of Gwyneth Paltrow’s book and play around with lighter silhouettes, whether that’s a short-sleeve t-shirt style or a sleeveless rollneck. Styles like this allow you to layer in adaptable ways, but also look incredibly chic on their own.
Shop the Look:
& Other Stories
Sleeveless Turtleneck Top
TBCo
Merino Wool Skinny Scarf
ZARA
Tailored Wide-Leg Leather-Effect Trousers
A 90s wardrobe essential.
2. JULIA ROBERTS: SUIT + TIE + BROGUES
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Style Notes: The suit that Julia Roberts wore to the 1990 Golden Globes was a men’s Armani suit, and there’s something to be said for browsing menswear for your spring tailoring. Oversized silhouettes are huge for this season, and I highly recommend trying on some men’s shirts and blazers for the perfect oversized fit. Menswear sections also stock a great selection of ties, another trend which continues to grow, so you can find the perfect one to go with your suit.
Shop the Look:
The Frankie Shop
Gelso Oversized Blazer
Loved by fashion editors.
With Nothing Underneath
The Boyfriend
Size up for an oversized fit.
MANGO
100% Silk Paisley Print Tie
Shop men’s for the best selection of ties.
The Frankie Shop
Gelso High-Rise Wide-Leg Pants
TOD’S
Burnished Glossed-Leather Brogues
It’s all about the back-to-school shoes this season.
3. CAROLYN BESSETTE KENNEDY: SLEEVELESS KNIT + CROPPED JEANS
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Style Notes: If you haven’t watched or heard of Love Story, I don’t know where you’ve been, but it’s the reason everyone’s talking about Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and her iconic style. This particular look sums up her outfits perfectly. They were minimal and effortless, and a solid argument for having good quality basics in your wardrobe. A sleeveless knit, cropped jeans and strappy sandals couldn’t be easier to put together, but will be a combination you’ll come back to multiple times this season.
Shop the Look:
Boden
Emilia Cotton Crew Neck Tank
A great transitional piece.
Toteme
Kick Flare Denim True Vintage
A vintage wash is perfect for spring.
Reformation
Serenity Bare Sandal
Got any weddings coming up? There are the perfect wedding guest pair.
Otiumberg
Small Roscida Drop Hoops
A twist on the classic huggie.
4. NAOMI CAMPBELL: TRENCH COAT + CAPRI TROUSERS
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Style Notes: Here, Naomi Campbell makes the case for the white trench. We all love a trench coat and understand how hard working it can be, and yet very rarely consider having more than one colour in our wardrobes. A lighter shade of cream or white adds a brightness you just can’t achieve with a camel trench, and creates a crisp, clean look when worn with other white pieces.
Shop the Look:
Marks & Spencer
Pure Silk Collared Shirt
An elegant addition to your spring wardrobe.
Burberry
Mid-Length Lightweight Cotton Belgravia Trench Coat
ASOS DESIGN
Denim Capri Trousers
These will work with everything from flip flops to kitten heels.
& Other Stories
Nappa Leather Slingback Sandals
Move over classic heels. It’s all about the peep toe this season.
Linda Farrow
Laura Sunglasses in Honey
5. JENNIFER ANISTON: VEST TOP + CARGO TROUSERS + FLIP FLOPS
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Style Notes: There isn’t a single part of this outfit that isn’t currently a major must-have. From the platform flip flops and narrow framed sunnies to the slouchy cargo trousers and vest top, they’re all items you either already have, or should seriously consider adding to your wardrobe for spring. What makes it such an iconic look is the red, which is more than just a pop, but is grounded by pairing with black items only, creating a monochrome effect.
Shop the Look:
Available in 8 other colours.
Free People
We the Free Park Ave Pull-On Cargo Pants
Size up if you want an even slouchier look.
Tony Bianco
Jetta Toe Thong Flatform Sandals
Cool and oh so comfortable.
Gucci
Geometrical Frame Sunglasses
These will never go out of style.
Hèrmes
Elan Pocket 24 belt
Hand’s free and very chic.