The early 1990s saw a continuation of popular 1980s athletic wear like biker shorts, leggings, Keds, and oversized sweatshirts. Simultaneously, there was a resurgence of styles from the 1960s and 1970s, including mini-skirts, flared pants, and punk-inspired looks. The growing interest in vintage clothing led to a rise in second-hand clothing stores, which played a significant role in the burgeoning grunge fashion scene.
Originating in Seattle in the late 1980s, grunge became a mainstream trend by the early 1990s. This style embraced everyday clothing items like baggy, worn jeans, flannel shirts, and Doc Martens boots. Women incorporated simple slip dresses, often paired with chunky boots, into the grunge aesthetic. In 1993, Marc Jacobs showcased grunge on the runway in his Perry Ellis collection, solidifying its place in high fashion.
The rise of grunge coincided with a shift away from the glamorous supermodels of the 1980s. A new type of model emerged, epitomized by Kate Moss, known for her “heroin chic” photoshoots in gritty, urban settings. This aesthetic favored a more fragile and individualistic look, contrasting sharply with the polished image of supermodels. Designers began prioritizing the clothes themselves, allowing them to be the focal point rather than the model. The casual nature of grunge clashed with the established glamour, while Moss’s waif-like figure complemented the unkempt style of the early 1990s.
By the mid-1990s, fashion trends took a more feminine turn. Minimalist slip dresses became a defining look of the era. Silky slip dresses were embraced as formal wear, while a more casual daytime look involved layering a slip dress over a white t-shirt.
The “sexy schoolgirl” look gained popularity during the mid-1990s, influenced by movies like Clueless and later by Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time” music video. This trend included undersized sweaters, babydoll t-shirts, and knee-high socks, primarily embraced by young women.
