Whether you love it or hate it, there’s no denying we’ve been hit with a resurgence of all things ’90s fashion. Scrunchies, pedal pushers, tube dresses and crop tops, you name it.
There were many memorable fashion moments that came out of the 1990s (some good, some bad and some downright awful). However, unlike the ’70s or the ’60s, the era wasn’t defined by one distinct style or trend: transforming from oversized grunge plaid shirts and hip-hop inspired baggy denim to preppy skirt and jumper combos (à la Cher from Clueless).
Luckily for us, when an invitation for a ’90s theme dress up party comes along, we can pick and choose from the era’s many iconic outfits.
While a theme party gives an excuse to go all out, don’t hesitate – if you feel more comfortable – sticking to your own personal style. If you don’t want to veer into FULL costume-territory, look to your own wardrobe and add a few theme-related accessories. Own a slip dress? Wear it with a tiara and a dark lipstick and you’ll be channelling Courtney Love’s grunge-glamour aesthetic in no time.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed on where to start with the plethora of ’90s fashion on offer, we’ve done the hard work and gathered up the best dress up outfits.
From all-plaid Cher Horowitz to the Spice Girls, check out our round-up of the best ’90s party outfits below.
17. TLC
Grab two of your friends and channel the ’90s R&B girl band. Think bright oversized clothes, a bandana, hoop earrings and crop tees – items you’ll likely have in your wardrobe already.
16. Vivian Ward from Pretty Woman
One of the best rom-coms to come out of the era, it would be a “Big Mistake. Big. Huge!” to not take the opportunity to be Vivian Ward for a ’90s dress up party. Recreate her iconic Rodeo Drive outfit with a white crop top, blue tie-dye skirt, big gold hoop earrings, thigh-high black boots and a blond bob wig.
15. There’s Something About Mary
All you need is a red mini dress and a whole lot of hairspray to channel Cameron Diaz’s iconic Mary Jensen.
14. Austin Powers and a Fembot
Take a note from Kendall Jenner and recreate a Fembot from Austin Powers. Break out the pink nightie gown, satin gloves and a high-volume wig.
13. Courtney Love
The ultimate style icon of the ’90s, channel Courtney Love’s glamour-grunge aesthetic with a bias-cut silk dress, small tiara and a dark lipstick.
12. Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction
Bring out your dark side as Mia Wallace from Pulp Fiction by donning a classic white shirt, black bob wig and cigarette.
11. Helga from Hey Arnold
Channel our favourite antagonist from the ’90s by donning a large pink bow, pigtails and a unibrow.
10. Salt N Pepa
Team up with your best friends and deck out in acid-washed double denim, thick gold chain necklaces and bright red lipstick.
9. Naomi Campbell & Kate Moss
There’s no denying Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss were the supermodels of the ’90s. Before Paris Hilton or Kendall Jenner did it, they were donning the sparkly silver mini dress.
8. Daria
Channel the ’90s heroine from the cult animated series with round black glasses, green jacket and a dark sense of humour.
7. Britney and Justin
While not technically from the ’90s, Britney and Justin’s homage to this major ’90s trend is iconic. Going to the party with your partner? It’s the perfect excuse to turn up in all denim (from the dress to hat) with a bejewelled choker and chain belt.
6. Kelly Kapowski from Saved By The Bell
Kelly Kapowski of Saved By The Bell was inarguably every teen’s style icon in the ’90s. There’s plenty of ways to channel the fictional character from high-waisted jeans to crop tops and floral two-piece sets.
5. Romy & Michele
One of the 1990s memorable duos! Turn up in a super shiny mini with feather trims and sky-high platform heels.
4. Elaine from Seinfeld
We’ll be forever grateful that the ’90s brought us Seinfeld but even more so, for introducing us to Elaine Benes. Channel the neurotic and outspoken character with a floral midi dress, white socks and brogues. Signature dance move optional.
3. Spice Girls
They brought us hits ‘Wannabe’ and ‘Say You’ll Be There’ but also a whole lot of memorable ’90s fashion. It’s the perfect idea to do with a group of friends – just take your pick from Sporty (athleisure wear), Ginger (anything Union Jack), Baby (mini dress), Posh (leather dress) and Scary (a lot of leopard print).
2. Britney Spears ‘Baby One More Time’
She took the music world by storm when she came out with her instant hit ‘Baby One More Time’. Recreate the schoolgirl look from the music video with a grey cardigan, tied-up shirt, pigtails and pink pom poms.
1. Clueless
Everyone will be totally buggin’ when you show up as the infamous Cher Horowitz from Clueless. Channel the famous ’90s character with a plaid blazer and skirt alongside white knee-high socks.
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