Style Notes: 90s Fall Fashion

how to derive inspiration from a timeless era in style

In a time where we sometimes push the style envelope past “interesting” fully into “wait … what,” it’s great to reflect on a decade known for its simplicity.

90s style is often referenced in fashion magazines, style TikToks, and publications on and offline because many of the styles of that era were so easy and so cool.

We often mistake over the top for stylish, but I actually find the opposite to be true. It’s easier to appear “fashionable” when you’re mixing patterns, mixing textures, and wearing every silhouette and color in the land. But can you master a simple black monochrome look? Can you make a pair of Levi’s and a tee and an oversized bag feel compelling? Can you pair sneakers with a dress and still balance effortless and intentional?

(Not to be confused with “Quiet Luxury” or “Old Money” because you know my thoughts.)

When it comes to successfully integrating 90s staples or any trends that skew more simple, it’s all about how you wear them.

I find style to be the most impactful when it’s practical.

This may be confusing for those of you who know my deep affinity for heels, mini bags, and chainmail. But hear me out.

90s style is cool because it’s pre-Internet. It’s pre-core. Pre-aesthetic. Pre-everything. So what we see is what people were actually wearing. Things were trends because they were staples at the time. And they were staples because they were wearable.

Nobody was dressing for the ‘gram. Or making ootd videos on TT. Everyone was just getting dressed based off vibes and function.

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The Dress

It’s the same thing when people argue that dresses can’t be “a look.” (Yes, this is a discourse, apparently.) To that I say, nay.

Obviously I am biased because I live for a dress, but so many of my favorite looks on myself and others are built around a dress.

Again, it all comes down to wearability. A dress can serve you from breakfast to sundown if you let it. (Maybe not the one Kate Moss is wearing, but you get the point.)

You can wear sneakers for the day and pop on a blazer and kitten heels for dinner. But the dress still remains the focus. The dress is the fashion. You’re just restyling it.

There were many trending dresses in the 90s, but two of my favorites are the slip dress and obviously the LBD.

The Jean

A 90s jean will always reign supreme in my eyes. You really can’t go wrong with a wash — light, mid, dark — whatev. But the fit — it’s all about the fit.

90s denim was known for its structure (thanks to the 100 percent cotton of its make), which allowed it to accentuate the body without feeling too tight (ahem, skinny jeans).

The fit was a little loose on the legs, more fitted on the butt, and hit right at the top of the shoe. This is what we refer to as “straight leg denim” now. It’s the perfect denim style IMO. Which is why I’m such a proponent of Levi’s 501s. Aside from scoring a stellar vintage find, it’s all we’ve got.

If you’re having trouble finding a jean that is this vibe that actually fits properly. Find a pair that fits your waist, legs, or hips, and get a tailor to do the rest. Tailored denim is magic.

You’re welcome.

The Sweater

Ok I’ll admit. I’m a bit of a poser for this one. Sweaters are kind of my nemesis.

But let me explain. I don’t typically go for sweaters because of the fabrication. And as someone with broad shoulders, they’re not really high on the old confidence booster list, either.

That being said, I do think there is a time and a place for a sweater, which is why I recently ordered this one (fingers crossed!), which totally gives Mary K & A.

Regarding the sweater’s make, you may have misinterpreted that as it needs to be 100 percent cashmere. Quite the opposite. I can’t do even one percent wool in a sweater. I’m sorry; I just can’t.

They also make me really hot, and you guessed it, that makes me panic.

When dipping a toe in the sweater pool, I have to be really careful. But dammit if I’m not willing to try with how chic they can be.

To go full 90s, stick to black, greys, and navy. Accessorize with pearls, shades, and your perfect pair of denim.

A safer bet for me is a cardi like so, which is equally chic minus all the drama.

The Blazer

Ahh, the blazer — my one true love.

This is possibly my favorite 90s staple because of its versatility. You can wear it with a matching trouser or pencil skirt. Or you can take it a different route and dress her down with denim and a sweatshirt à la Princess Di.

Blazers look incredible in pretty much any shape and size, but I am particularly drawn to the slightly oversized nature of the ones popularized in the 90s.

Call me basic, but the epitome of chic to me is an oversized black blazer, a crisp white tee, straight leg denim, and a gorgeous pair of loafers. You can pile on the accessories, or don’t. Easy, chic, effortless — the quintessential 90s vibe.

You can certainly thrift amazing blazers, but if that’s not really an option for you, I am obsessed with this one and this one.

I’ve mentioned this before, but hourglass blazers are going to be really in, and I love a trend that’s from a different decade. It gives a late 80s/early 90s vibe to me, which I’m all for.

I also take a lot of inspiration from vintage ads. I’ve included a few 90s favorites for your viewing pleasure.

*All images belong to the rightful owners and were all curated via various fashion and lifestyle publications: Vogue, Life & Style, Harper’s Bazaar, Byrdie, and more.

See you Friday for a post you won’t want to miss!

xx

Cat