We’ve Totally Got the 411 on What To Wear to a ‘90s Party
Just like with anything in history, fashion trends tend to repeat themselves. While we may not think of our current style as being retro, it most certainly will be one day! One of the eras of fashion that's coming back in a BIG way is the '90s. Swirled and floral patterns, (a nod to '60s and '70s fashion) claw clips, slip dresses and colorful chunky heels are being seen more and more in today's trends. And something else that's trending? '90s-themed parties! Wondering what to wear to a '90s party? We've got you covered.
The '90s were a time to explore plenty of new and reimagined fashion statements. From fanny packs to velcro wallets and overalls to butterfly clips, nothing was left untouched. The styles ranged from clean and polished to slouchy and grunge, and we're here for all of it! Wearing these styles as any day-to-day outfit is perfectly acceptable (and the perfect form of nostalgia, TBH), but if you're looking for something specific to tie a whole outfit together for a '90s-themed party, we have the best ideas to wear.
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What To Wear to a '90s Party: 20 Easy Ideas
1. Slip Mini Dress
Qaffier Women's Basic Adjustable Spaghetti Strap Cami Slip Mini Dress Black Medium
Mini slip dresses were all the rage in the '90s. Pair a baby tee underneath with simple tennis shoes during the day and pair it with platform heels and butterfly clips at night! If you're not a mini dress girl, there are longer options available as well. Slip Mini Dress, $15.99 on Amazon
2. Dr. Martens Combat Boots
Dr. Martens unisex adult Vegan 1460 Combat Boot, Black, 7 Women 6 Men US
'Doc' Martens were the qualifier for being cool. If you didn't have a pair you just weren't with it. Although they are a bit expensive, they're worth it! You'll find yourself making up excuses to wear these bad boys. Dr. Martens Unisex Combat Boots, $137.92 on Amazon
3. Cropped Baby Tee
Womens Short Sleeve Shirt Going Out Y2k Tops Baby Tee Casual Crop Tops Basic Cropped Tshirt White M
A tight-cropped tee goes well with flared jeans, under a slip dress, under overalls or with any skirt. This versatile piece was in everyone's arsenal during peak '90s fashion! Cropped Baby Tee, $19.99 on Amazon
4. Overalls
luvamia Women's Jumpsuit Denim Overalls for Women Loose Overalls for Women Womens Blue Denim Overalls Classic Blue Size Small Fits Size 4 / Size 6
Both men and women can and did wear overalls in the '90s, and it's no different now! To make an extra bold statement, wear either a baggy tee or baby tee underneath and only clasp one side to let the other hang freely. Disheveled was all the rage! Overalls, $43.99 on Amazon
5. Retro Headbands
4 Pcs 80s 90s Retro Vintage Headbands Memphis Fashion Sweatbands Headbands for Men Women 80s Neon Soft Athletic Sweatband Headbands Wicking Elastic Hairband for Travel Party Hiking Cycling Running
These fun patterns scream 90's! Although in the '90s more subtle headbands were worn to accentuate wispy bangs and coordinate with the rest of the outfit. Whichever band you choose you'll still be in style! Retro Headbands, $10.99 on Amazon
Related: Party Like It's the '90s in a Slip Dress
6. Extra Baggy Jeans
Women Wide Leg Denim Pants High Waist Straight Oversized Plus Size Baggy Flared Jeans Trousers (Dark Blue, M)
When it comes to '90s style, the baggier the better! Men and women wore baggy jeans or parachute pants. You could tell they were just oversized enough if they almost entirely covered your shoes! Extra Baggy Jeans, $39.49 on Amazon
7. Glitter Mesh Top
MANGOPOP Women's Long Sleeve Short Sleeve Glitter Sheer Mesh Tops T Shirt Blouse Clubwear (0-1111 (Black), Small)
Sheer or mesh materials were big in the '90s, and you'll be the hit of the party in this stunning glitter turtleneck number. With so many options like wearing it over a bralette or under overalls or a slip dress, you really can't go wrong! Glitter Mesh Top, $16.98 on Amazon
8. Puka Shell Necklace
BlueRica Puka Chip Shell Beads Necklace (16 Inches)
Shell necklaces were everywhere throughout the '90s and even the 2000s. Extra points if it's a choker! Puka Shell Necklace, $8.45 on Amazon
9. Low-Rise Flare Jeans
CHARTOU Women's Asymmetric Tassel Flared Slit Ripped Jeans Denim Pants (Small, Navy Blue)
Quite the opposite of the styles now, the lower the jeans the better in the '90s! Exaggerated flares were your best option for being part of the in-crowd and can be paired with Dr. Martens, platform heels or even sneakers. There were no limits! Low-Rise Flare Jeans, $32.99 on Amazon
Related: Your Favorite '90s Stars Reunite in Nostalgia-Filled Photo
10. Windbreaker
MADHERO Mens Windbreaker Jacket Lightweight 90s Retro Wind Breakers Black Blue Rose Red Size M
We're unsure if there was more wind in the '90s, or if everyone just wanted to announce their presence with whish whish whish sounds, but either way the wind stood no chance! Windbreaker, $32.90 on Amazon
11. Butterfly Clips
50 Pieces Butterfly Hair Clips Mini Hair Clips, Tiweio Small Hair Claw Clips Pastel Hair Clips Mini Cute Hair Accessories Clips for Hair 90s Women Girls with Box Package, 12 Assorted Gradient Colors
Butterfly clips, or any claw clip, were the most popular hair accessory! Another way to display perfectly wispy bangs was to create a crown by twisting small sections back away from the bangs and secure with a butterfly. So cute! Butterfly Clips, $7.99 on Amazon
12. Velcro Wallet
RFID Trifold Canvas Outdoor Sports Wallet for Men and Women, Cute Coin Purse with Zipper and Front Pocket for Kids, Camouflage Color (Red)
Flex on everyone at the party by opening this brightly colored wallet any time you talk about how rich you are. Bonus points if it matches your fanny pack! Velcro Wallet, $6.99 on Amazon
13. Colored Sunglasses
Dollger Rectangle Sunglasses for Women Retro Y2K PINK Sunglasses Sugar 90s sunglasses Pink2
There are so many styles of colored sunglasses to choose from, but this rectangular pair displays the epitome of eye fashion from the 90s. Colored Sunglasses, $12.99 on Amazon
14. Fanny Pack
80s 90s Neon Fanny Pack for Women Adjustable Retro Two Pockets Waist Bags Lightweight Belt Bags Waterproof Traveling Running Bags for Women Men Travel Festival Theme Party (Stylish Style)
While the styles of today are worn across the chest, back in the day these beauties were worn across the hips. Fanny packs could hold your Velcro wallet, flavored lip gloss and snacks for easy access! Fanny Pack, $15.99 on Amazon
15. Acid Wash Jeans
Lee Women's High Rise A Line Jean, KC Acid Mid, 27 (US 4)
Baggy, faded and grunge styles were at their height in the '90s. These acid-wash jeans are the epitome of all three! Acid Wash Jeans, $45.64 on Amazon
16. Hair Scrunchies
Simnice 60 Colors Silk Large Satin Hair Scrunchies Elastic Hair Bobbles Ponytail Holder Hair Scrunchy Vintage Hair Ties Accessories for Women Girls
Worn as both a hair accessory or a trendy bracelet, scrunchies were the best option for an updo or ponytail. Having one in every color was ideal, you had to match your outfit! Hair Scrunchies, $11.99 on Amazon
17. Men's Knit Turtleneck
Utopia Wear Premium Cotton Blend Knitted Turtleneck Men T-Shirt Pullover Sweater Black
We've all seen the classic Rock picture, haven't we? A turtleneck, chain necklace and matching fanny pack is the perfect getup for any '90s-themed party! Men's Knit Turtleneck, $14.99 on Amazon
Related: 90 Questions About the '90s You HAVE To Ask Gen Z
18. Chunky Platform Heels
Circus NY Women's Miranda Platform Sandal, Orchid Haze, 8
The '90s were all about making statements, and these babies definitely will! Bright colors, chunky heels and ankle straps combine to make the perfect retro shoe choice! Chunky Platform Heels, $89.00 on Amazon
19. Flower Print Bucket Hat
Women Winter Plush Fuzzy Bucket Hat, Flower Printed Fluffy Warm Faux Fur Fisherman Hat, Foldable Aesthetic Y2K Bucket Hat (Black), One Size
This floral and faux fur bucket hat is the perfect accessory for your posh '90s outfit! Choose anything checkered or patterned like this for a statement, or a solid color for more versatility. This matching bucket hat and fanny pack combo will definitely be all anyone can talk about! Flower Print Bucket Hat, $11.99 on Amazon
20. Unisex Plaid Shirt
ZAFUL Men's Unisex Plaid Shirt Casual Flannel Jacket Button Down Long Sleeve Pocket Shirt Tops
Wear a flannel over a graphic tee with baggy jeans for a slouchy, effortless outfit that'll have you looking as good as you feel! To add extra grunge to the 'fit, make sure those baggy jeans have a few rips in them! Unisex Plaid Shirt, $32.99 on Amazon
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