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If you’ve been invited to a 1990s-themed party, there is no doubt that you’ll have a great time. The 1990s was by far one of the best decades, and everyone always has a great time when they look back on this era.
The only thing you need to do now is figure out what you should wear. If you’re looking for inspiration then we have some suggestions for both men and women.In our opinion, the 1990s was all about bold style choices, so don’t be afraid to push the boat out with your outfit!
Plain white T-shirt.
Plain white tee. This one is a classic and easy go to that you can get lots of use out of. It’s not only perfect for your 90s party, but it can definitely be dressed up or down depending on the occasion and still make you look like an early 2000s pop star.
A plain white top or t-shirt may seem boring at first, but this simple piece is essential to any closet. You can style the top with just about anything—whether it’s jeans, shorts, skirts, black pants, etc.—and it will still look good. Look for a loose-fitting shirt if you want a more casual vibe or fitted if you are aiming for something edgier. For anyone who loves music from the 90s and/or early 2000s, this outfit is perfect! If you’re going out with friends on Friday night then consider wearing something like this: A plain white tee paired with jeans and sneakers.
Plaid shirt.
Plaid shirts were a staple of the ’90s wardrobe. Worn by both women and men, they paired well with black pants, jeans or leggings (leggings!). A plaid shirt worn over a white T-shirt was another popular look.
Tie-dye is also a good pick for your 90s party outfit. Tie dye was sometimes worn in it’s original form as a t-shirt, but also often repurposed into other clothing items as well. You could also pair tie dye with denim for an extra 90s look!
If you’re looking for a female specific outfit idea – ripped jeans and crop tops are the way to go! If you need some inspiration check out Cher from Clueless or any of the ladies from Melrose Place.
Overalls.
Overalls.
They were a huge trend in the 90s, and have been making a comeback. If you don’t have a pair, you can easily find a pair at your local thrift store. Check out these options from Zara: [insert links to Zara jeans].
Cargo pants.
- Cargo pants
- Popular in the 90s, cargo pants are baggy and made of nylon or cotton. They have multiple pockets that can be used to store important items. Cargoes are a type of cargo pants, but they’re wider than combat pants. Cargo pants can be worn by men or women, and often look good when paired with a tucked-in t-shirt.
Flip flops.
Flip flops.
Not just any flip flops, but Havaianas. If you’re not familiar, Havaianas are the go-to flip flops from Brazil since 1962 and have become fashion icons over time. They’re easily identified by their textured rubber sole and colorful straps — some even have sparkles! — and come in a variety of colors and styles that will make your outfit pop.
A few more tips: don’t wear socks with your flip flops—that look is never okay—and if you’re not sure about where you’ll be going during the party, bring another pair of shoes with you in case it gets cold or if you need to walk far distances.
Tank tops.
Almost every outfit from the 1990s featured at least one tank top. It was the essential staple to any wardrobe, and any photo album of that era is sure to feature at least a dozen pictures of tank tops with low-rise jeans, denim skirts, or worn with a spaghetti strap slip dress.
Tank tops were originally worn in the ’90s as underwear, but eventually became one of the most popular outerwear options. The fashion choice ranged from the subtle (layering them under other shirts) to earring-style beaded embellishments that screamed “look at me!” The colors ranged from simply white or black tops with straps too wide to ignore, but tie dye and floral prints were also a go-to trend for many people. While some had rhinestones glued on by hand or quirky phrases printed across them (“I love my mom” or “Live long and prosper”), there were plenty that went without adornment completely.
The best part about tank tops is they’re just as stylish now as they used to be in the 90s, and they’re easy to find almost anywhere—even Amazon has an entire section dedicated to them!
Denim jacket.
The denim jacket is another 90’s staple. A jean jacket can be worn over a t-shirt or dress, and can also be worn to the beach. It’s a great layering piece, and will keep you warm on those breezy summer nights when you’re dressed in a spaghetti strap dress or tank top.
You don’t have to spend a ton of money on this item either. If you shop around at thrift stores and other discounted clothing shops, you should be able to find one without too much effort.
Babydoll dress.
To really nail this look, your hair has to be on point. You can style up in a high ponytail or choose to wear your hair down. Either way, it should be shiny and straightened (your best bet is to use a flat iron). If you’re feeling adventurous and don’t mind spending some time on your locks, add clip-in bangs with a center part: they have the power to transform any hairstyle into something Clueless-approved.
Next up: makeup. When it comes to applying foundation, less is more — but do apply enough so that you achieve a smooth base for the rest of your makeup. Dotted concealer under the eyes and along the nose will help make you look bright eyed and bushy tailed even if you had one too many last night.
The finishing touches are definitely lip liner and lip gloss: opt for something in a neutral shade like nude or light pink for an everyday look—the kind that goes well with pretty much anything from denim to florals, as long as it’s babydoll-inspired!
Hair accessories.
Hair accessories were a key part of this decade’s style. If you’re going to a ’90s party, what better way to pay tribute than by wearing something in your hair? A bandana is the obvious choice here, but there are plenty of other options if you want to be more subtle. Try a scrunchie or hair clips for just a touch of ’90s flair—but go for it with multiple scrunchies or clips for maximum impact! In addition to hair accessories, trends like chokers and butterfly tattoos were big in the 1990s (and have since come back with a vengeance). But if you’re not entirely sold on these ideas, don’t worry—we’ll get more into those later.
Layers – 90s style was all about layering and clashing colours, fabrics and textures. Baggy clothes were a big thing, so why not pair a loose fitting top with a denim mini skirt and then layer over skinnies for that grunge vibe? And if you’re planning on keeping your outfit quite neutral, why not go crazy on the layers and wear a vest top over a crew neck top over a sheer blouse? The more layers the better!
Layers – 90s style was all about layering and clashing colours, fabrics and textures. Baggy clothes were a big thing, so why not pair a loose fitting top with a denim mini skirt and then layer over skinnies for that grunge vibe? And if you’re planning on keeping your outfit quite neutral, why not go crazy on the layers and wear a vest top over a crew neck top over a sheer blouse? The more layers the better!
Bold colour blocks – From khaki to neon green to lilac purple, the 90s was all about bold colour blocking. Take inspiration from brands like Tommy Hilfiger who used bright red, blue and yellow as their signature colours back in the day. But don’t forget those clashing textures too; try pairing satin skirts with chunky biker boots or patent leather trousers with fluffy sliders for true 90s inspo.
Alternative accessories – Did someone say chokers? Or how about bum bags?! Because we did! 90s accessories were eclectic in nature but paired together worked completely. So whether you choose an oversized plastic backpack or some furry earmuffs (yes they did exist), accessorising is key when dressing for a 1990s party theme!
Remember that this was the time when comfort was key to dressing, and the 90s was all about looking around your bedroom and throwing on whatever caught your eye at the time, so having fun with colour, pattern and texture will make your outfit look like it just rolled out of the 90’s!
The 90s was a time when everyone wanted to dress in their own unique way, so get creative and really express yourself. Let’s be real, comfort was key to dressing in the 90s, so don’t worry about looking polished or put together – the more creased your clothes are the better! The 90s was all about looking around your bedroom and grabbing whatever caught your eye at the time (and hopefully matches), so have fun with colour, pattern and texture.
Conclusion
It’s important to know what to wear to a 90s party, no matter your gender or body type. If you have some ideas already, great! Take this article as supplemental inspiration. But if you’re unsure where to start, go bold and try one of the outfit ideas above. It will be fun for you and your friends, whether at home or out on the town.
FAQ
- Why do people dress as Pokemon characters?
People often use their costumes to show homage to the media that shaped their childhood. As a result, Pokemon characters are a popular choice for adults looking to relive and celebrate their youth.
- What happened in the 90s?
The 90s saw plenty of historical events, from the fall of the Berlin Wall, to the end of apartheid in South Africa, to the invention of Google! You can read more about history that happened in this era here.
