7 fashion trends from the 90s set to make a huge comeback this fall

Fashion has this way of circling back, doesn’t it? Just when you’ve finally cleared out those old jeans or slip dresses, they reappear in the trend cycle—suddenly cool again, but with a slightly updated twist.

This fall, it’s the 90s that are having their big moment. And not just in a “retro costume” way. Think refined, wearable updates on the pieces we grew up with.

For some of us, it feels like walking back into our teenage closet, only this time with better quality fabrics, smarter styling, and a chance to do it all over again (without the blue eyeshadow and butterfly clips—unless you want to).

Here are the 7 trends from the 90s I’m seeing everywhere—and yes, I’ve already pulled a couple back into my own wardrobe.

1. Slip dresses

I remember wearing my first slip dress in college—it was black satin, bought on sale, and I wore it with strappy sandals that gave me blisters but made me feel untouchable.

That feeling is back. This time, slip dresses aren’t just for going out. People are layering them under chunky cardigans or over turtlenecks, pairing them with boots, and making them part of an everyday fall wardrobe.

They still carry that 90s “cool girl” energy, but they feel more versatile now.

2. Baggy denim

Skinny jeans had a long run, but if you’ve tried on a pair of relaxed or baggy jeans lately, you know why people are switching back. They’re comfortable, forgiving, and they give you that effortless, “I just threw this on” vibe.

I’ll be honest—I resisted this one at first. But once I tried a high-rise baggy cut with a tucked-in tee, I got it. It felt casual but still stylish, almost like I could breathe again after years of tight denim.

3. Claw clips

If you were a teenager in the 90s, you probably had a drawer full of claw clips. I know I did.

For years, I downgraded them to “around the house” use only. But lately, I’ve noticed women of all ages wearing them out again—sleek tortoiseshell ones, gold-toned ones, even oversized matte versions that look polished enough for the office.

And honestly? I’m grateful. It’s the fastest way to pull my hair up without looking like I gave up.

4. Combat boots

When I was younger, I wore my combat boots until they were scuffed and falling apart.

They were less about fashion back then and more about attitude. Now, they’re back with a vengeance—and I love how they’re being styled with everything from floral dresses to tailored coats.

They instantly change the way you carry yourself. Put on a pair of Docs or chunky-soled boots and suddenly you feel grounded, stronger, like you can handle whatever the day throws at you.

5. Oversized blazers

If there’s one trend I’m thrilled about, it’s this one.

Oversized blazers remind me of watching Julia Roberts and Winona Ryder in 90s films, striding into offices in jackets that were just a little too big but somehow perfect.

These days, I throw one over jeans or even a dress, and it makes the whole outfit feel pulled together. It’s an easy power move—no effort required.

6. Mini shoulder bags

The tiny shoulder bag was everywhere in the 90s. I had one that barely fit my flip phone and lip gloss, but I carried it everywhere. And they’re back, only now they come in every color and texture imaginable.

Sure, they’re impractical if you like to carry your life in your purse, but sometimes it feels good to pare down. Phone, keys, lipstick—and out the door. There’s something freeing about it.

7. Plaid everything

Plaid never really went away, but it’s definitely surging again.

From grunge flannels tied around the waist to tailored plaid skirts and coats, it’s a trend that spans casual to chic.

Personally, I still love a good plaid shirt layered over a tee—it brings me right back to those angsty 90s music videos, only now I wear it with a bit more polish.

Final thoughts

At the end of the day, the return of 90s fashion isn’t just about clothes—it’s about revisiting a time and a feeling. For some of us, it’s nostalgia. For others, it’s discovering these pieces for the first time.

Either way, this fall is the perfect chance to mix old and new, and maybe even pull something out of the back of your closet that suddenly feels relevant again.

Fashion always comes back around—but this time, you get to decide how to wear it on your terms.