What To Wear To A '90s Party, Whether You're Going For ... - PureWow

• fashion
• beauty
• food
• wellness

About UsStyleFashionBeautyReviewsShoppingFoodFamilyWellnessEntertainmentNewsHomeRecipesTravelPetsHoroscopesGift GuidesWeddingsCulturesMoneyBooksTechNew YorkLos AngelesSUBSCRIBEfashionWhat to Wear to a ‘90s Party, Whether You’re Going for Casual Cool or Full-On Costume

Featuring all your most loved '90s fashionistas

By Abby Hepworth•Published Sep 24, 2025

PureWow editors select every item that appears on this page, and some items may be gifted to us. Additionally, PureWow may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story. All prices are accurate upon date of publish. You can learn more about the affiliate process here.

https://www.purewow.com/fashion/what-to-wear-to-a-90s-party

From TV icons like Hilary Banks to IRL starlets like Britney Spears, there are a seemingly infinite number of fashion resources to help figure out what to wear a ‘90s party. In a decade where everything from ripped grunge flannels to preppy skirt suits to The North Face puffer jackets (all worn with lace-up Dr. Martens, of course) were trendy, there are many, many different ways to take the theme and run with it. Here you’ll find 22 outfits worn by all my most-loved ‘90s fashionistas that are sure to inspire a fabulous throwback party look.

RELATED

The ’90s Movies That Taught Us Everything We Need to Know About Fashion

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

1. Buttoned-Up Cardigan + Distressed Denim + Dr. Martens Boots

For a ‘90s look that’s just as stylish in 2024, try copying Drew Barrymore’s grunge-lite ensemble. As for makeup, don’t forget to swipe on some brown lipstick and fill in those brows.

Shop Similar Styles

J.Crew Factory

Classic Cotton Cardigan

$47Buy It

Levi’s

Low Loose Jeans

$108Buy ItMore Products

2. Oversize Sweatshirt + Colorful Bike Shorts + Chunky Socks + Sneakers

There are so many Princess Diana outfits worth copying, but this one is by far the comfiest—and one of the easiest to recreate using pieces you likely already own.

Shop Similar Styles

Etsy TZshirts

Fly Atlantic Sweatshirt

$50; $39Buy It

FP Movement

Never Better 5-Inch Bike Shorts

$48Buy ItMore ProductsCBS

3. Slim-Fit Turtleneck + Miniskirt + Black Tights + Knee-High Black Boots

The Nanny’s Fran Fine was a major fashion icon (and still is) thanks to her over-the-top looks and even bigger hair. Want more Fran fashion inspo? Check out the Instagram account @WhatFranWore for a catalog of all her best looks.

Shop Similar Styles

Ulla Johnson

Aurelia Turtleneck Top

Buy It

Abercrombie & Fitch

Scarlett Mini Skort

Buy ItMore ProductsJoseph Del Valle/NBCU Photo Bank/Getty Images

4. Flower Hat + Button-Up Vest + Lace Blouse + Matching Corsage

Another impossibly chic TV heroine, Hilary Banks’s outfits are a treasure trove of ‘90s inspiration. Unsurprisingly, she also has multiple Instagram accounts dedicated to cataloging her iconic style.

Shop Similar Styles

Hat Attack

Luna Bucket Hat

$92; $56Buy It

M&S Schmalberg

Flower Pin

$24Buy ItMore ProductsArlene Richie/Getty Images

5. Sparkly Long-Sleeve Crop Top + Matching Flared Pants

Make sure to brush up on the lyrics to "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom" before you rock Selena’s iconic performance outfit.

Shop Similar Styles

ASOS LUXE

Matching Top and Pants Set

$258Buy Now

Lady Couture

Bravo Booties

$100Buy ItSteve Granitz/WireImage/Getty Images

6. Leopard Jumpsuit + Oversize Sunglasses + Black Gloves + Grammy Award

Mary J. Blige has been serving looks since the beginning of her career back in the ‘80s, but this leopard-print number has to be one of my favorites. (P.S. This was the performer’s first Grammy win for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By” with Method Man.)

Shop Similar Styles

Natori

Leopard Robe

$180Buy It

Norma Kamali

Spat Leggings

$295Buy NowMore ProductsJim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

7. Pink Tube Top + White Cargo Pants + Chunky White Sneakers + Wireless Mic

Britney’s first album, …Baby One More Time, dropped in 1999 and instantly solidified her as one of the best new artists of the decade. Of course, her incredible performance looks helped as well.

Shop Similar Styles

Skims

Cotton Jersey Tube Top

$48Buy Now

Athleta

Midday Low Rise Poplin Pant

$99; $74Buy NowMore ProductsRon Galella/Getty Images

8. Sheer Long-Sleeve Shirt + Denim Pencil Skirt + Baguette Bag

If you can’t find a denim skirt with embroidery along the hem just like Vivica A. Fox’s, try pinning a ribbon or embellished belt to your skirt to fake the look. Be sure to pin your hair back with a series of butterfly clips, too, for good measure.

Shop Similar Styles

House of CB

Mistress Rocks Vintage Floral Print Top

$65; $45Buy Now

Lauren Ralph Lauren

Denim Skirt

$100; $75Buy NowMore ProductsRon Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

9. Empire-Waist Slip Dress + Coordinating Cardigan + Pieced Up-Do

I love Kirsten Dunst’s coordinating empire-waist slip dress and longline cardigan, but I adore her Pam Anderson-esque hairdo with, you guessed it, a plethora of butterfly clips to keep it in place.

Shop Similar Styles

Cider

Mesh Square Neck Floral Bowknot Dress

$35Buy Now

L.L.Bean

Pima Cotton Open Cardigan

$50Buy NowMore ProductsFotos International/Getty Images

10. Red One-Piece Swimsuit + Rescue Tube

Speaking of Pam Anderson, the blonde bombshell was one of the biggest stars of the decade, and to this day you can’t look at a red one-piece swimsuit without thinking Baywatch.

Shop Similar Styles

Andie

Tulum One-Piece

$112Buy It

Left On Friday

Sunday Suit

$180Buy ItMore ProductsJayne Fincher/Getty Images

11. Black Off-the-Shoulder Minidress + Sparkling Choker + Black Heels

Looking for something a bit dressier? You can’t do better than the little black dress seen ‘round the world: Princess Diana’s infamous “revenge dress.”

Shop Similar Styles

Diane von Furstenberg

Lovinia Dress

$358; $143Buy It

Anthropologie

Micropearl Layered Choker Necklace

$98Buy NowMore ProductsDave Benett/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

12. Cut-Out Black Dress + Gold Safety Pins

Or, if you want to go even bolder, why not look to another infamous LBD moment from the ‘90s—Elizabeth Hurley in a stunning Versace frock seemingly held together with gold safety pins. Even better if you can get Hugh Grant to accompany you to the party.

Shop Similar Styles

Michael Costello x REVOLVE

Milan Gown

$278; $139Buy Now

AKSOVA

Extra Large Safety Pins

$$10 for set of 10Buy NowRon Galella, Ltd./Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

13. Leather Jacket + Graphic Tee + Loose Jeans + Dr. Martens Boots

Winona forever, am I right? Channel the Stranger Things actress in all her ‘90s glory with an ensemble that would’ve been a go-to for any young star from the decade.

Shop Similar Styles

Sam Edelman

Leather Moto Jacket

$360; $240Buy Now

Etsy YQue Trading Post

Free Winona T-Shirt

$18 at upBuy ItMore ProductsJim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

14. Oversize Overalls + Plaid Shacket + Gold Hoops

Go all in on denim with some TLC-approved wide-leg overalls with lots of, er, patches. Throw a plaid shirt on over the top and keep your footwear casual with either Timberland boots or socks and Tevas.

Shop Similar Styles

GAP

UltraSoft Denim Horseshoe Overalls

$98Buy Now

Jessica Simpson

Twisted Gold Hoop Earrings

$35; $25Buy NowMore ProductsLawrence Schwartzwald/Sygma via Getty Images

15. Matching Green Shirt + Midi Skirt

To be honest, I wouldn’t even need to be headed to a ‘90s-theme party to want to copy this matching Donna Karan set from Great Expectations. Don’t forget to add some black strappy sandals and a black croc-embossed tote to truly embody Gwyneth.

Shop Similar Styles

Pretty Little Thing

Green Satin Tie Front Boxy Shirt

$64; $32Buy Now

Pretty Little Thing

Green Satin Fishtail Midaxi Skirt

$57; $29Buy NowEvan Agostini/Getty Images

16. Embellished 'Rock Royalty' Tee + Black Skirt or Brown Trousers

You may now associate the Met Gala with over-the-top gowns and wild red-carpet getups, but in 1999, Liv Tyler and Stella McCartney showed up in matching homemade one-shoulder T-shirts pairs with rather casual separates. In all honestly, the duo stayed truer to the Rock Style theme than most guests that year.

Shop Similar Styles

H&M

Fitted T-Shirt

$13Buy Now

Worthofbest

Bedazzler Kit

$27Buy NowMore ProductsDave Benett/Getty Images

17. Metallic Minidress + Dark Eyeshadow + Model BFF

Or, if you want to embody another iconic ‘90s duo, opt for a sparkly minidress, crimped locks and a heavy dose of eyeshadow just like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss.

Shop Similar Styles

h:ours

Candy Dress

$188Buy Now

Miss Circle

Serenity Silver Copper Mesh Dress

$299; $109Buy ItMore ProductsABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images

18. Denim Bucket Hat + Denim Vest + Button-Up Shirt + Henley Tee

Tia and Tamera Mowry’s show Sister Sister was an instant classic, not just because of the real-life twins’ charm, but because of their all-star outfits. Whether or not they opted for matching ensembles, they always looked incredible.

Shop Similar Styles

The Hat Depot

Denim Bucket Hat

$15Buy Now

Intimately FP

Going Places Cardi

$40Buy NowMore ProductsVinnie Zuffante/Michael Ochs Archive/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

19. Cropped Cardigan + Cropped Tube Top + Dark-Wash Denim + Platform Slides

What a girl wants, what a girl needs, is a tutorial for how to achieve Christina Aguilera’s bouncy blowout so I can copy this 1999 look from head to toe.

Shop Similar Styles

LOFT

Modern V-Neck Cardigan

$65; $33Buy Now

Susana Monaco

Strapless Crop Top

$58Buy NowMore ProductsJim Smeal/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images

20. Space Buns + Face Jewels + Fuzzy Bikini Top + Parachute Pants

Before embracing her country side with husband Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani was just a girl with a truly iconic punk rock style and blue hair. I have no doubt her MTV Video Music Awards fit from 1998 will earn you tons of compliments, especially those face gems.

Shop Similar Styles

UO

Easy Peasy Face Gems

$10Buy It

Etsy Crochetfield

Faux-Fur Bikini Top

$57 and upBuy ItMore ProductsKMazur/WireImage/Getty Images

21. Faux-Fur Collar Duster + Minidress or Tubetop + Mini Skirt

Buffy the Vampire Slayer is yet another show chock-full of awesome late ‘90s fashion, but stars Alyson Hannigan’s and Sarah Michelle Gellar’s real-life looks are also worth copying. Case in point, these two takes on party outfits, both of which look perfect with a crimped up-do.

Shop Similar Styles

ASOS DESIGN

Faux-Fur Trim Coat

$129Buy Now

Princess Polly

Floral Sleeveless Minidress

$68Buy NowMore ProductsTouchstone/Getty Images

22. Latex Minidress + Silver Choker + Platform Sandals

If it’s a ‘90s fashion movie moment you’re after, we think Romy and Michele are the way to go. Their actual reunion looks may require a little DIY to get just right, but any outfit from the film is guaranteed to be a big hit. And don’t forget to bring some Post-Its, too.

Shop Similar Styles

California Costumes

Pink Dress

$30; $12Buy It

California Costumes

Blue Dress

$30; $17Buy ItMore ProductsReisig & Taylor/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images

23. Denim Vest + T-Shirt + Maxi Skirt + Clogs

When in doubt, look to Friends. The first six seasons of the show offer up tons of ‘90s fashion inspo, whether you prefer Phoebe’s eclectic vibes, Monica’s casual ensembles or Rachel’s more fashion-focused fits. Heck, even the guys might inspire you, especially Chandler’s numerous sweater vests.

Shop Similar Styles

Levi’s

Braided Denim Vest

$80Buy Now

Everlane

Cotton T-Shirt

$48; $38Buy ItMore Products

What’s a Good ’90s Theme Party Outfit for Couples?

If it’s a couples costume you’re after, I suggest looking to the most popular couples of the day for inspiration—Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love, Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe, Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, Hugh Grant and Elizabeth Hurley, David and Victoria Beckham, etc. Or you could look to other famous duos of the ‘90s like Cher Horowitz and Dionne Davenport, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, Wayne and Garth, Romy and Michele, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen—the possibilities really are endless.

What Outfits Were Popular in the ’90s?

The decade saw a wide range of aesthetics come into style, including grunge, sleek minimalism, hip-hop streetwear (hello, The North Face Nupste puffer), goth and even the beginnings of Y2K’s metallics obsession. If you want to know what folks were wearing on a regular day, check out TVs from the era that followed characters living average (if entertaining) lives, like Friends, Clarissa Explains It All, Seinfeld or Dawson’s Creek.

RELATED

Introducing the Ultimate '90s TV Yearbook, Featuring All Your Fave Characters

Abby Hepworth

Editor

• Covers fashion, trends and all things running
• Received certification as an RRCA run coach
• Has worked in fashion for over a decade

read full bio

Why You Should Trust Us

PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.Company

• About Us
• Careers
• Contact
• Advertise
• Instagram Portfolio
• Sitemap

Legal

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Editorial Policy
• Contests
• Do Not Sell or Share My Information

Cookie Settings©2010-2026 Wow MediaProducts, Inc doing business as PureWow. All rights reserved.stylefoodfamilywellnessSubscribe