The 12 Old School ’90s Fashion Trends That Are Making a Stylish Comeback This Summer

This summer, the vibe everyone’s trying to curate is that of Carrie Bradshaw in Season 2 of Sex and the City—or Meredith Blake from Parent Trap, or Princess Diana, or Jennifer Lopez circa 1997. No matter who your style icon may be, one thing is very clear: It’s going to be a ’90s fashion summer. 

While the early-2000s were defined by the tacky and outrageous (i.e., pelvis-baring jeans, chaotic layering, and candy-colored velour tracksuits), the decade prior was home to posh trends that have withstood the decades. Professional pieces, such as skirt suits, sheath dresses, boxy blazers, and tailored vests, embodied the minimalist themes that characterized this era. Even the more casual summer fashion trends later proved timeless, such as: oversized streetwear, high-rise jeans, and grungy plaid skirts.

Today, these same staples are having a renaissance of their own, some 30 years later. But when you’re attempting to channel another era, it’s easy to find yourself inadvertently playing dress-up. If done wrong, ’90s fashion can start to feel costumey—which is why it’s essential to introduce modern details that can balance out even the most nostalgic aesthetics.

So next time you’re looking to pull a Rachel Green or embody Miranda Hobbes, peek back at this list for the best ’90s fashion tips.

Sports Jerseys

In the 1990s, jerseys were frequently worn with sagging jeans or sweatpants. Today, the sporty style has been embraced by the quirkiest among us, to be paired with plaid skirts, cargo pants, and Bermuda shorts—any number of which would make for a chic summer ’fit.

Plaid Skirts

The plaid skirt/chunky boot combo is just as popular now as it was in 1995. A relic of the punk scene, this edgy combo has withstood the test of time, bringing edgy-girl style to three generations running. Think: No Doubt-era Gwen Staffani, but for the modern day.

Bandanas

These easy hair accessories were one of the buzziest outfit add-ons of the ’90s. Every style star sported them—from Carrie Bradshaw to J.Lo and Christina Aguilera. Today’s iterations have evolved past the traditional paisley print to include picnic-core styles, like gingham and crochet.

Tailored Vest

Though the term “Meredith Blake summer” was coined several years ago, her posh and elegant aesthetic remains evergreen. As soon as the temperatures start to rise, everyone suddenly starts dressing like a high-powered California publicist slash stepmom-to-be. In fashion speak, that translates to crisp workwear in sophisticated neutral hues.

Prim Skirt Suits

This ’fit is straight out of Princess Diana’s famed wardrobe. Two-piece skirt suits—with shoulder pads and a pencil skirt—were a favorite of the late royal. Try one yourself in one of her many approved colorways, but be sure to add ‘of-the-moment’ accessories to give your co-ord a more current feel.

Capri Pants

Petal pushers continued their reign well into the 2000s, but the trend actually originated in the late ’90s. The look is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to fit almost any aesthetic. Style your own pair with a zip-up tank to make them feel sporty or a billowing blouse for a Chloè-esque boho vibe.

Double Denim

Jean jackets, vests, and high-waist jeans were a cornerstone of 1990s fashion—all of which are still very much in. But if you’re hoping for a more 2025 kind of look, go for more current silhouettes, like a denim crop top and/or cargo pants.

Baggy Streetwear

After dominating the hip-hop scene, baggy streetwear eventually took over the mainstream ’90s fashion trends. Super-baggy shorts were a staple of the time period and are, likewise, having a moment in 2025. Pull influences from both decades by styling yours with a simple white tank and cowboy boots.

An Oversized Blazer

Boxy blazers—especially those with massive shoulder pads—feel innately ’90s. Just be sure to balance out all that retro energy with cropped proportions, to keep the look fresh. Add on a sleek handbag and black loafers to round out the throwback ’fit.

Knotted Flannel

In the 1990s, everyone was tying plaid flannels around their waists to give each ensemble a punky feel. This summer, we’re seeing more of that, but in a much more polished way. Instead of plaid button-downs, fashion girlies are using crisp dress shirts as an added layer. It gives off the same eclectic vibe, but with a high-fashion twist.

Bra Top

When Britney Spears first came on the scene in the late ’90s, her wardrobe was mostly made up of miniskirts and bra tops. The combination still stands all these years later, but if you’re looking for a new adaptation, I recommend wearing your own with cargo pants or wide-leg trousers.

Slip Dresses

Rachel Green’s lace-trimmed slip dress famously stunned her boyfriend on Friends, but today the style is nothing short of ubiquitous. They can be worn solo, like she did, or styled with other ’90s staples—like, cardigans and baby tees. Just be sure to keep the color scheme consistent throughout.

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