Hey fashion fans! Ready for a totally awesome throwback? The ’90s are having way more than just a moment – they’re basically taking over our wardrobes all over again! As someone who lived through butterfly clips and platform sandals the first time around (and maybe still has a few hidden away), let me share some seriously cool ways to rock that ’90s vibe without looking like you’re wearing a costume.

1. The Slip Dress Queen

Oh. My. God. Could this BE any more ’90s? Channel your inner Rachel Green with a silky slip dress – but let’s make it 2024-friendly. Layer a fitted white t-shirt underneath, add some chunky sneakers (think New Balance or Fila), and throw on a denim jacket. The key is mixing that delicate dress with sportier pieces. Bonus points for adding a choker and tiny sunglasses! For extra ’90s points, choose a dress in a totally classic ’90s print like tiny flowers or abstract geometrics.

2. Grunge Goddess

Kurt Cobain would totally approve of this one. Start with an oversized plaid flannel shirt – the more lived-in looking, the better. Layer it over a band tee (Nirvana, obviously, or any vintage-style graphic tee), add some ripped mom jeans, and finish with combat boots. The secret to making this look modern? Keep your hair and makeup clean and fresh rather than going full grunge. You want to look like you curated the outfit, not like you actually slept in it.

3. Fresh Princess Vibes

Let’s get fresh! High-waisted mom jeans (the more acid-washed, the better) paired with a cropped neon windbreaker and a white crop top underneath. Add chunky white sneakers and some gold hoop earrings. The modern twist? Keep the silhouettes current – no need for the jeans to be quite as high-waisted as they were back then. And maybe skip the scrunchie… or don’t, they’re kind of back too!

4. Clueless Inspired

As if we could skip this iconic look! A plaid mini skirt set is totally classic ’90s, but let’s make it wearable. Pair a plaid skirt (doesn’t have to be yellow!) with a matching or coordinating cropped cardigan, add a simple white tee underneath, and some loafers or platform Mary Janes. Keep the rest of the look simple – Cher would totally approve.

5. Sporty Spice

Grab those track pants with snaps down the sides (you know the ones), pair them with a cropped tank or sports bra, and add a bomber jacket. Platform sneakers complete the look – bonus points if they’re Buffalo London or similar chunky styles. The key to keeping this look current is choosing pieces that fit well rather than going too oversized.

6. Baby Tee Energy

The baby tee was EVERYTHING in the ’90s, and guess what? It still works! Find a fitted tee with a cute graphic (bonus points for butterfly prints or yin-yang symbols), pair it with high-waisted straight-leg jeans, and add some platform sandals. A mini backpack and some butterfly clips in your hair complete the look without going overboard.

7. Overalls All Day

Overalls are back, baby! Choose a slightly oversized pair (but not too baggy), wear one strap undone (obviously), and layer over a striped or graphic tee. Add some chunky sneakers or Doc Martens, and don’t forget to roll up those cuffs! The modern twist? Choose a darker wash denim and keep your accessories minimal – we’re not going full Clarissa Explains It All here.

8. Skater Girl Chic

Wide-leg JNCO-style jeans might be a bit much, but we can capture that skater vibe in a modern way. Pair some wider-leg jeans with a tight crop top, add a chain wallet (yes, really), and finish with some Vans or Converse. Layer with a hoodie or oversized cardigan for that perfect “I just happened to throw this on” look.

9. Cardigan Cutie

The cropped cardigan is having a major moment again! Find one in a fun color (bonus points for pastels), button just the top button, and wear it with high-waisted jeans or a slip skirt. Add some delicate layered necklaces (including a choker, obviously) and some strappy sandals. It’s giving Liv Tyler in Empire Records, but make it 2024.

10. Babydoll Dress Dreams

Those floral babydoll dresses we all lived in? They’re back! Choose one in a small floral print, layer over a white tee if you want to make it more casual, and add combat boots for that perfect ’90s contrast. A leather jacket makes it even better – the mix of sweet and edgy is totally ’90s perfect.

11. Cargo Queen

Cargo pants were huge in the ’90s, and they’re having another moment. Choose a pair in a neutral color (olive green is classic), pair with a tight black tank top, and add some chunky boots. The key is balancing the baggy pants with something fitted on top. Add a cropped jacket or cardigan for layering.

12. Minimalist Maven

Channel those Calvin Klein ads with a simple slip dress in black or nude, paired with strappy sandals and minimal jewelry. The key to making this look modern is choosing updated accessories – think tiny bag and delicate gold jewelry rather than plastic chokers and platform flip-flops.

13. Hip Hop Haute

Oversized t-shirts were everything in ’90s hip hop fashion. Pair an oversized tee with bike shorts (yes, they’re back!), add some chunky sneakers, and layer on the gold jewelry. The modern twist? Keep the proportions in check – the shirt should be oversized but not drowning you.

14. Band Tee Babe

A vintage (or vintage-style) band tee tucked into a slip skirt is peak ’90s cool. Layer with a leather jacket, add some combat boots or chunky loafers, and don’t forget the choker. The key to keeping this look current is choosing pieces that fit well and mixing textures – think silk skirt with distressed tee.

15. Preppy Perfect

Last but not least, let’s not forget the preppy side of ’90s fashion! A tennis skirt paired with a cropped sweater vest over a white button-up, add some knee-high socks and loafers. It’s giving private school rebel in the best way possible. Keep your hair sleek and add some small silver hoops to complete the look.

Time to Get Totally Rad!

The best part about ’90s fashion is how much fun it is – don’t be afraid to mix and match these ideas and make them your own. Remember, we’re not trying to look like we stepped out of a time machine; we’re just borrowing the best bits of ’90s style and making them work for today.

Now excuse me while I go dig out my butterfly clips and platform sandals – some trends are just too good to leave in the past! Stay rad, fashion lovers! 🦋✌️