The early 1990s saw a continuation of 1980s athletic fashion trends, with biker shorts, leggings, Keds, and oversized sweatshirts remaining popular choices for young women. The decade’s start also witnessed a resurgence of 1960s and 1970s styles like mini-skirts, flared pants, and punk-inspired looks. This renewed interest in vintage clothing fueled the growth of secondhand clothing stores, which also played a significant role in the rise of grunge fashion.
Grunge, originating in Seattle in the late 1980s, became a widespread trend by the early 1990s. This style embraced everyday clothing like baggy, worn-out jeans, flannel shirts, and Doc Martens boots. Women also adopted simple slip dresses, often paired with chunky boots. In 1993, grunge even reached high fashion runways with Marc Jacobs’ collection for Perry Ellis.
The rise of grunge coincided with a shift away from the glamorous supermodel era towards a new type of model, epitomized by Kate Moss. Moss became known for her “heroin chic” photoshoots, often set in rundown locations. This aesthetic replaced the polished imagery of supermodels with a more raw and individualistic look, allowing the clothing itself to take center stage. The casual grunge aesthetic clashed with the glamour associated with supermodels, while Moss’ waif-like figure and delicate features complemented the unkempt grunge style popular in the early nineties.
By the mid-1990s, fashion trends took a more feminine turn. Slip dresses became the epitome of minimalist style, with silky versions worn as formal attire and casual slip dresses layered over white t-shirts for daytime looks. The “sexy schoolgirl” look, popularized by movies like Clueless and later by Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time” music video, also emerged during this period. This trend included undersized sweaters, baby doll t-shirts, and knee-high socks, primarily embraced by young women.
