How+to+Make+a+90's+Fashion+Statement

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The 1990’s brought with it fashion trends that took a laid back approach in everything from clothes to makeup. Contrary to the 1980’s that splashed color and texture with romantic, dressed up trends, the 1990’s muted colors of black, taupes, pastel pinks, olives, greys, browns, subdued rusts, and greyed navy led the way in a comfortable approach to fashion.

“Less is more” became the emphasis as make-up, jewelry, and accessories became stream-lined and understated.

Lycra and fleece were the standout fabrics of the decade. Lycra was used in many women’s clothing to achieve a snugger fit and accent young women’s shapes. Used in everyday clothing as well as sports wear, Lycra gave clothing resilience and comfort. Fleece was also a big hit because it replaced the bulkier knit fabrics of previous decades.

The early 1990’s featured narrow legged black and blue jeans that were often paired with a blazer, navy or white t-shirt, and aviator sunglasses.

Mid 1990’s the trouser pant suit became a major trend that included looser hip hop style jeans and Adidas windpants. The youth especially took to this trend.



Shoulder pads left the scene in the late 1990’s and slimmer fitting printed t-shirts that often were drawn at the waist and darted quarter length shirts became a staple.

“Less is more” especially applied to the amount of clothing present on young women’s bodies. Bands like the Spice Girls influenced the teenage generation to wear cleavage and mid-drift baring tops.

Fashion trends led to the rise of piercings and tattoos due to mid-drift baring shirts and other revealing clothing items, gothic style due to the emphasis on black and other neutral colors, and the “gangster” style that took advantage of the trouser pant trend.



Leather and faux leather jackets that were boxy and became a popular trend among “rocker chicks” while glitter was a popular cosmetic amoung the young female teenagers.

Taking casual into the business world, “casual Fridays” became a trademark of 1990’s fashion as the majority of American corporations allowed employees to dress in khakis and casual dress shirts or some other dressed up casual ensemble. Men especially felt the freedom of mixing blue jeans with suit jackets, khakis with button down dress shirts, and experimenting with mixing the casual with the dapper.

The creation of the supermodel by Gianni Versace introduced new idols for women. The supermodel by definition is a model who is successful and holds a sort of celebrity quality. Famous 1990’s supermodels included the "Super Six" shown below from top to bottom: Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, Claudia Schiffer and Kate Moss

 Women were seen sporting a variety of lengths and cuts. The “Rachel was the standout hairstyle of the decade. It was called the “Rachel” because of Jennifer Aniston’s character named Rachel on the popular sitcom //Friends.//



Cindy Crawford was another hair icon with her luxurious mane of volumptious and slightly tousled tresses.

Hair styles for men were generally short and reflected a sartorial pixie cut that was often accented with gel.

American brands such as Calvin Klein used provocative advertising.  Ralph Lauren became a standard of excellence in smart casual and classical fit clothing.



Tommy Hilfiger casual wear exhibited trademark colors of navy, red, and blue with the Tommy Hilfiger logo plastered in a conspicuous location.