By Ellen Corbett
Ok, let’s be real, the nineties were not a good time style – wise for the vast majority of us. The decade was a time of questionable style choices that were definitely a bit cringe, but we can’t all be blamed for that, since most of us weren’t even dressing ourselves. But in the last year and a half, the nineties have really made a comeback, both on the runway and in street style. But are the nineties really back for good this A/W 2018?
It is true that trends that you thought would never find their way back onto the runway have returned with a vengeance, but there is definitely a modern twist to them. But hey, ‘C’est La Vie’ – that’s how fashion works – it’s cyclical, and stuff your mum wore back in the day is becoming more and more fashionable. Maybe she did have a sense of style after all!
We may not have the closet computer from Clueless, but you do have me! So, if you want be a true 90s inspired trendsetter this season here’s a few key themes to get you started:
Dungarees
Dungarees have been around for at least 100 years but have now become a staple of street style and are everywhere. Comfy and stylish, pair them with long-sleeved jumpers or t-shirts for an easily updateable look – just give yourself plenty of time to go to the toilet in them.
Stripes
You can’t go wrong with a stripy top. But why not ditch monochrome Breton stripes and opt for something a little more daring, the more colours the merrier! New Look, Topshop and ASOS all have plenty of options or you could just go Penneys, hun.
Doc Martens
A staple of grunge, Doc Martens (or just ‘Docs’) have made a huge comeback around campus. Identifiable by their famous yellow stitching, Docs were a staple of grunge during the mid – nineties and are the perfect winter boot. Pair them with jeans and a coat for that no nonsense, ‘heading to college over the Quincentenary bridge wish me luck’ look, or with a dress or pinafore for that dressing up but dressing down look. The famous ‘1460’ style run from €150 but last FOREVER. If that’s out of your budget or if you don’t want to go full grunge, their desert boots aren’t as clunky but just as good (I got mine for £60). Check eBay for second hand bargains or the Doc Martens website for sales too.
Wide – Leg Trousers
Ok, so not to the level of those insane jeans from the nineties (you know the ones) but wide leg trousers are bang on trend. Culottes seem to be the epitome of sensible and sophisticated and make you look like you’re dressing up, when they are probably some of the most comfortable trousers you will ever own. Stripy ones are especially popular. (Look at that! Two trends for the price of one!)
Oversized Everything
Not really a trend on its own but an overarching theme this season is oversized clothing. Everything is oversized now but when it’s coming into the winter months, it’s no bad thing to have some cosy jumpers or a jacket that you can wear over twenty layers. I would suggest going up a size or two to achieve the look or even having a look at the men’s section – don’t be afraid to roll up sleeves because that’s on trend too!
So, there’s a few ideas to keep you looking fabulous over semester one and into semester two. My top tip would be not to dress head to toe in nineties trends – pick one key piece and use clothes you already have in your wardrobe to make your look feel more up to date.
It’s easy to find nice pieces on the high street, but the best thing about the nineties is that you can find vintage pieces for next to nothing. Don’t just look at vintage stores or online; they’re good if you want something in particular or if you need inspiration, but they can be a bit pricey. Statement jumpers (à la Fresh Prince of Bel Air), denim shirts and athleisure wear can all be found in charity shops for under a fiver if you can afford to take your time and shop around. If not, raid a wardrobe – we’re students, we’re not made of money!
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