The early 1990s saw a continuation of popular 80s styles like biker shorts, leggings, Keds, and oversized sweatshirts. Simultaneously, there was a resurgence of 60s and 70s fashion trends, including mini-skirts, flared pants, and punk-inspired looks. The growing demand for vintage clothing fueled the rise of second-hand clothing stores, which also played a significant role in the burgeoning grunge movement.
Grunge, originating in Seattle in the late 1980s, became a widespread fashion phenomenon by the early 1990s. This style embraced everyday clothing like baggy, worn-out jeans, flannel shirts, and Doc Martens boots.
Women’s grunge fashion also incorporated simple slip dresses, frequently paired with chunky boots. In 1993, grunge reached high fashion when Marc Jacobs showcased it in his collection for Perry Ellis. The shift towards grunge coincided with a move away from the reigning supermodels towards a new archetype embodied by Kate Moss.
Moss became synonymous with “heroin chic,” a trend characterized by photoshoots in dilapidated settings and an aesthetic of waifish thinness and unkempt beauty. This contrasted sharply with the glamorous image of supermodels, allowing the clothing itself to take center stage. The minimalist grunge aesthetic didn’t align with the prevailing glamour, paving the way for Moss’s understated style to become the face of 90s fashion.
By the mid-1990s, women’s fashion embraced a more feminine silhouette. Slip dresses became a staple of minimalist style.
Silky slip dresses served as elegant formal wear, while for daytime, they were often layered over a simple white t-shirt. The “sexy schoolgirl” look, popularized by movies like Clueless and later by Britney Spears’ “…Baby One More Time” music video, gained traction during this era. This trend included undersized sweaters, baby doll t-shirts, and knee-high socks, creating a youthful and playful style.
