21 ’90s Fashion Trends Making a Comeback in 2023
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Cardigans
Fashion seems to have an on-again, off-again relationship with the cardigan. But in the ’90s, there was nothing like an easy cardi to throw over your shoulders in case your spaghetti straps or slip dress got a little chilly.
Fast forward to now, and celebs like Kendall Jenner are wearing ’em cropped or only partially buttoned to show a lil skin. Paired with some wide-leg jeans or a pair of low-rise pants (!), and you’re set.
Cardigans
Song of Style Juliet Cardigan
Cardigans
Song of Style Juliet Cardigan
This creamy cardigan gives the illusion of a crop top—thanks to the peek-a-boo front—but provides more coverage on your sides and back for extra warmth.
Cardigans
Eloquii Ribbed Cardigan
Cardigans
Eloquii Ribbed Cardigan
Now 52% off
This everyday basic is a must-have to wear with allll your favorite pants and skirts.
Sheer Dresses
Remember Kate Moss’s iconic sheer dress from 1993? It’ll definitely go down in fashion history—but it’s not retiring anytime soon. Brandon Maxwell brought back the legendary look for his Fall 2020 during NYFW in February.
Get excited, because 2023’s take on the trend is just as epic, and offers both neutrals and bold hues. You’d be surprised at just how wearable sheer dresses really are!
Sheer Dresses
Farai London Mona Midi Dress
Sheer Dresses
Farai London Mona Midi Dress
A standout frock like this will get ya all the attention.
Sheer Dresses
Miaou Thais Dress
Sheer Dresses
Miaou Thais Dress
A sheer dress doesn’t have to show a lot of skin! Take this gorge number from Miaou, for instance. She’s definitely ready for any formal occasion.
Knee Socks
Those ’90s school-girl knee socks were another look made famous by Cher in Clueless. High-fashion brands like Prada create an updated version of the trend that is a whole ‘fit in itself.
We’re also seeing them come back in a big way, thanks to the prep-core style as seen in the reboot of Gossip Girls. After all, what wouldn’t look chic with designer loafers or luxe heels?
Knee Socks
Natori Crystal Sheer Knee High Socks
Knee Socks
Natori Crystal Sheer Knee High Socks
Pop on a pair of sheer socks with your fave loafers for an av cool look.
Knee Socks
Torrid Cable Knit Knee-High Socks
Knee Socks
Torrid Cable Knit Knee-High Socks
For added warmth, try this pair of chocolate brown knee socks paired with a tweed mini.
Leather Chokers
If you didn’t have the chance to explore your inner punk during the ’90s, get excited because chunky leather and chain chokers have made a triumphant return in recent years—take, for example, Christian Siriano’s Fall 2020 collection.
You can go bold or keep things simple and sleek with a choker. Either way, rest assured these babies add some edge to any ensemble.
Leather Chokers
Manokhi Ring Detailing Choker
Leather Chokers
Manokhi Ring Detailing Choker
*Listens to Green Day once.*
Leather Chokers
Vanessa Mooney The Alice Choker
Leather Chokers
Vanessa Mooney The Alice Choker
Now 49% off
Dip your toes into this trend with a simple choker that’ll pair well with anything.
Thick Headbands
Hair accessories were HUGE in the’90s, and thick headbands were everything. Beanie Feldstein rocked a satin one at the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards, reviving the thick headband trend and sending us all into hair-sterics. (Sorry for that one.)
Whether you’re into bedazzled bbs or classic, chic looks that’ll go with a designer gown, you’ll find options for every mood in 2023.
Thick Headbands
Loeffler Randall Crystal-Embellished Braided Headband
Thick Headbands
Loeffler Randall Crystal-Embellished Braided Headband
This bejeweled option is the next best thing to an actual tiara.
Thick Headbands
Lele Sadoughi Cosmos Crystal Moon Alice Headband
Thick Headbands
Lele Sadoughi Cosmos Crystal Moon Alice Headband
Go for bold with this adorable moon and crystal headband.
Adidas Slides
In the ’90s, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who didn’t own a pair of these fresh slides—and now you’re probably wishing you didn’t get rid of yours. They’ve been spotted on models from Gigi Hadid to Suki Waterhouse (pictured here).
They’re so much more than a shoe you’d wear to meet up with friends at the pool, too. When it’s warm out, Adidas slides add a sporty flair to any lewk.
Adidas Slides
adidas Adilette Shower Slides
Adidas Slides
adidas Adilette Shower Slides
Now 30% off
If you wanna stick to le classics, this is definitely the pair for you.
Adidas Slides
adidas Adilette Lite Slides
Adidas Slides
adidas Adilette Lite Slides
Now 20% off
Alternatively, try a sleek all-white pair featuring the Adidas logo.
Claw Clips
ICYMI, hair clips are back in a big—nay, huge—way. And in the ’90s, these babies were the ultimate chic hair accessory. (Jennifer Aniston’s character Rachel Greene, in Friends, was an avid fan.)
Once they were spotted in the wild at Alexander Wang’s Fall/Winter ’18 show, there was no stopping the resurgence. The trend just keeps getting bigger and bigger, with everything from minimalist designs to seriously quirky clips available.
Claw Clips
Kōv Essentials Daily Clip
Claw Clips
Kōv Essentials Daily Clip
This huge claw clip will help keep your hair in place all day. Not to mention, it’s hella cute.
Contributing Fashion Editor
Maggie Griswold (she/her) is a contributing fashion editor for Cosmopolitan and freelance writer and editor based in Los Angeles, covering everything from the latest wardrobe must-haves to interior design trends. along with Cosmopolitanyou can find her work on Oprah Daily, StyleCaster, Women’s Healthand HouseDigest, among others. She’s a big (read: ridiculously huge) fan of the ’90s sitcom Frasier, all things Shakespeare, and a good romance-filled YA novel. Follow her on Instagram.
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