The 90s were an iconic era for a lot of things. From books (Harry Potter? The Perks of Being a Wallflower? A Song of Ice and Fire? Hello?) to music (‘…Baby one more time’ or really any Britney anthem – GIMME MORE), it’s really undeniable that the 90s were a renaissance for pop culture. Movies and tv of the 90s were of course no exception to this and the looks served then have truly stood the test of time, with most still being worn today (I’m talking to you in the mom jeans with the bandana and tiny sunglasses reading this!). I’m going to be looking at some of my favourite 90s fashion moments that still make me die inside on the account that I want it all.

 

1. Clueless

Need I say more? One of the most famous 90s movies starring Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Britney Murphy and Paul Rudd (I want his skin care routine holy shit he has not aged a DAY) to name a few, the clothes in this movie really were IT. Alicia’s portrayal of Cher Horowitz was made even better by the costumes. The infamous Dolce and Gabbana yellow plaid blazer and skirt worn by Cher, offset with the cropped mustard cardigan and white cropped high neck shirt is a look that I’ve seen many influencers wear to this day. Dionne (Stacey Dash) wears a gorgeous black and white plaid version in the same scene with red and white accents and a HUGE hat. This look is again reminiscent of clothes I’ve seen on Instagram. Dionne’s suit was made by the costume director Mona May as the movie had a small budget! Mona actually used a combination of designer, thrifted and hand-made garments and accessories to dress the ensemble of Clueless. That yellow plaid and hat is the first thing I think of when I think of Clueless – I even own a pair of yellow plaid trousers!

 

 

You can’t talk about clueless and not mention the stunning Calvin Klein white dress. Best known from the “It’s a dress.” “Says who?” “Calvin Klein!” scene, this simple silhouette is still popular today. The white spaghetti strap minidress was sold out everywhere after the film gained popularity. The piece was actually brought back in 2010 by now-retired creative director Francisco Costa and was a smash hit – it was even worn by Rhianna on the red carpet. Similar styles can be found on ASOS and Boohoo, so even you can get the Cher look!

 

 

 

2. Michelle and Romy’s High School Reunion

This cult classic starring Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino was another movie dressed by Mona May. The movie centres around Michelle and Romy, who find out about their ten-year high school reunion and decide to re-invent themselves by claiming they invented post-it notes to show their former classmates how they’ve “made” it. While the film is nothing short of hilarious, the clothes worn are just incredible. The outfits that both characters wear to the reunion are so bad they’re good. Michelle’s shiny pink slip dress with the fur trim, complete with a diamond choker, dangly earrings, bejewelled platform heels, some clear bracelets and of course a clutch – this look head to toe is just EVERYTHING AND MORE. Romy’s blue number with the silver accents completed with the simple watch is stunning and again, timeless. Both of these looks are so Instagram and so fun. I think the way they were pulled off is what I loved the most. The scene where they walk into the reunion like they OWN the place with “Venus” by Bananarama in the background, fully gives me my LIFE.  

 

The 90s business suits that both characters wear are stunning. The whole costuming is just so clever, with the up-do’s and little gold hoops, the sophistication is next level. I love a suit moment and they just did it so well. They also carry mini bags (TREND ALERT!).

 

 

 

3. Sex and the City

It would be a crime against fashion not to mention Sex and the City when talking about 90s fashion. The show is literally set in New York City, a fashion epicentre, and the styles of the four friends reflect this. Carrie’s outfit from the pilot’s opening scene is without a doubt one of the most recognisable garments to fashion nerds. Despite being filmed in 1998, the outfit is still something you could see being worn anywhere in Dublin, let alone in New York. The knee length-layered tulle skirt is so dressy that it makes up for the fact that the rest of the outfit is literally a plain pink vest top. So elegant and chic yet simple.

 

 

Carrie Bradshaw is a character that’s known for a lot of things but above all she is known for her undying love for her Manolo Blahnik’s. The show put the brandon the map, making them the hottest shoe, gathering the designer a loyal following and a place in fashion history! To be fair, I would die for a nose through Carrie’s wardrobe! The Manolo Blahnik Hangisi retails at €935 – a steep price to achieve the iconic Carrie Brad Shaw look. These shoes are timeless and in fact stunning in real life (a good friend of mine has a pair – the notions!)

 

 

  

4. Buffy the Vampire Slayer

I was and am still obsessed with Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Buffy Summers, played by Sarah Michelle Geller, is still a fashion icon. From the first season, Buffy was always the most fashionable of the Scooby Gang and again most of her outfits are still trendy and fashionable to this day. The cropped tops mixed with high-waisted trousers (usually leather or a nice denim) scream Trinity Arts Block.

 

A classic Buffy look

Since it was the 90s, Buffy also wore a lot of skirts and slip dresses (another trend alert – they loved a slip dress in the 90s) all while slaying a few vampires, you know yourself. Buffy’s style followed trends in the 90s, which really brings the show to life because it allows the natural maturity of the characters to progress with the time period. Buffy also loved wearing Angel’s (her cursed vampire boyfriend-the drama of it all) leather jacket, which was oversized of course, while out hunting for vampires. All in all, Buffy Summers had the best style of any TV character in my opinion, so unique and effortless, we really do love to see it.

While there are certainly a lot more fashion icons from the big and small screens that I could talk about, these are just some of my favourites. May the golden age of 90s fashion live on ever.