The early 1990s saw a continuation of 1980s sportswear trends. Young women favored biker shorts, leggings, Keds, and oversized sweatshirts. The decade’s start also witnessed a resurgence of 1960s and 1970s styles like mini-skirts, flared pants, and punk-inspired looks. The growing demand for vintage clothing led to a rise in second-hand clothing stores, which also fueled the grunge fashion movement.
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’s grunge fashion often included simple slip dresses paired with chunky boots. In 1993, Marc Jacobs showcased grunge on the runway in his Perry Ellis collection, solidifying its place in mainstream fashion.
The rise of grunge coincided with a shift away from supermodels. A new type of model, epitomized by Kate Moss, emerged. Moss became known for her “heroin chic” photoshoots, often set in rundown locations. This aesthetic favored a more fragile and individualistic look, contrasting with the glamorous supermodel image. Designers began focusing on the clothes themselves, allowing garments to be the stars of the show. The casual grunge aesthetic didn’t align with the glamour of supermodels, while Moss’s waif-like figure enhanced the unkempt look popular in the early nineties.
By the mid-1990s, fashion trends became more feminine. Slip dresses became synonymous with the minimalist look. Silky slip dresses were worn as formal attire, while a popular daytime outfit involved layering a slip dress over a 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 the mid-decade. This trend included undersized sweaters, baby doll t-shirts, and knee-high socks, primarily worn by young women.
